French Brittany vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

French Brittany vs English Foxhound - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but English Foxhound is originated from United Kingdom. French Brittany may grow 44 cm / 17 inches shorter than English Foxhound. French Brittany may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than English Foxhound. Both French Brittany and English Foxhound has same life span. Both French Brittany and English Foxhound has almost same litter size. Both French Brittany and English Foxhound requires Low maintenance.

History

french brittany - historyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

english foxhound - historyThe English Foxhound was found in Great Britain as far back as the late 1700’s. They were bred to be scent hounds and hunt the fox by following his smell. It was a crossing of several different types of hounds that produced the English Foxhound. This included the Greyhound, the Bulldog and the Fox Terrier. It was perceived that there were not a lot of deer left in the United Kingdom to be hunted for both sport and food. So, a new dog would be needed instead for the Staghound and Deerhound.

The Foxhound was developed as a pack animal bred to chase the fox followed by hunters on horses. The Foxhound was bred with incredible stamina, a great ability to follow scents, track prey, and act as a watchdog as well. This breed are pack animals. They hunt in packs and prefer to live in packs. A solitary English Foxhound is probably not a happy Foxhound. The English Foxhound is stockier and slower than his cousin the American Foxhound. The English Foxhound is recognized by the AKC and UKC. In 2012 the International Foxhound Association was developed to promote the English Foxhound.

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

english foxhound puppy - descriptionThe English Foxhound is a superb athlete who can run for hours without a break. He has muscular, sturdy and straight legs with round paws. His chest is deep, and his back is level. Their head is wide, and the muzzle is long with 16 inches in the front of the ears. The nose is long, and those ears are set low. They can be many colors as long as it is a “hound” color of tan, tricolor, black and white, or red.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

english foxhound dog - characteristicsThe English Foxhound gets along with other dogs and like people. He was bred to be a pack animal, not a loner. He will get along with most any other animal and children as well. However, they are not often kept as pets because their prey drive and pursuit drive are so strong that nothing else matters. The chase is what life is all about for this breed. They are hardwired for it. They are not easy to train because they are constantly distracted by smells and movements that could send them off on the chase.

Keep them on a lease when walking them so they don’t go wandering or running of. They love to run, and they love to talk – bay actually. They might slow down somewhere around 8-10 years old. They need a strong owner and a lot of exercise to be happy.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

english foxhound puppies - health problemsOverall a healthy and hearty breed, they are prone to hip dysplasia and renal disease.

Hip Dysplasia

Degenerative and debilitating at worse. In mild forms cause lameness and arthritis.

Renal Disease

Kidney disease – for some reason the kidneys cannot clear out toxins like urea and creatine

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

Feeding

english foxhound dogs - caringThe English Foxhound is a high energy dog that needs a high quality dog food. He should be fed about 2.5 -3 cups a day in two meals of dry food. Because he is a deep chested dog, beware of bloat and don’t feed large meals, particularly before or after strenuous exercise.

Health issues

In addition to the issues presented above, the English Foxhound is prone to:

Epilepsy

Seizures are caused by epilepsy, but they can be treated, and the dog can have a quality life.

Bloat

When the stomach becomes distended or twisted. Can result in death if not treated immediately.

Ears

The English Foxhound’s long, floppy ears are prone to infection and allergies. Inspect and clean them regularly.

Exercise and games

The English Foxhound is an easygoing canine, but he has an incredible energy level and needs a lot of exercise every day. In fact, if you are not going to hunt then don’t get a Foxhound. It is not fair to the dog. Of course, if you have acres of land and are into agility, tracking, coursing and rally then this might be the dog for you. But if the English Foxhound does not get enough daily exercise, he will not be a good house pet. This dog was bred to run for miles. You cant keep him cooped up in your house.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Hound dog
Origin:
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
58 - 64 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
29 - 32 kg
63 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
27 - 31 kg
59 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Foxhound
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
tricolor coat of black, white and tan
Coat:
flowing , medium length
short, hard, dense, glossy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  5. French Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. French Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. French Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  8. French Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  9. French Brittany vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  10. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  12. French Brittany vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  13. French Brittany vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. French Brittany vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  15. French Brittany vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  16. French Brittany vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  17. Pudelpointer vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  18. Picardy Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  19. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  21. Stabyhoun vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  22. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  23. Vizsla vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  24. Large Munsterlander vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  25. Tyrolean Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Dunker vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Podenco Andaluz vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Podenco Galego vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  37. English Foxhound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  38. English Foxhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  39. English Foxhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  40. English Foxhound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. English Foxhound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  42. English Foxhound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  43. English Foxhound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  44. English Foxhound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  45. English Foxhound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  46. English Foxhound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  47. English Foxhound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  48. English Foxhound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  49. English Foxhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  50. English Foxhound vs Beago - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds