Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonBoth Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Berger Picard are originated from France. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Berger Picard. Both Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Berger Picard are having almost same weight. Both Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Berger Picard has almost same life span. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may have less litter size than Berger Picard. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne requires Moderate maintenance. But Berger Picard requires Low maintenance

History

griffon bleu de gascogne - historyThe Griffon Bleu de Gascogne dog hails from France and is descended from crosses between the Bleu de Gascogne as well as the Griffon Nivernais. Dog experts tell us that the Grand Griffon Vendeen is also part of the mix.

Raised as working dogs, with his good nose and alertness, he has always been used as a single hunting dog or being used as part of a pack.

It was in 1920 that the first Griffon Bleu de Gascogne breed standard was written in France, and over the decades, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks except that it is slightly taller.

This is a rare breed not much seen outside of France, but breeding attempts have taken it from ‘close to extinction’ to a popular pet today.The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991.

berger picard - historyIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

Description

griffon bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThis is a medium to large sized scenthound. He stands at anything between 48 to 57cms and weighs between 16 and 27kg.

He has a long, wiry type of coat which is usually a mottled white and black, taking on a blue hue look. There are tan marking above the eyes and around the muzzle. The ears of the dog are long and floppy, he has that typical soulful look in his brown eyes and the tail is long with a curve at the point.

Temperament:

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is an intelligent dog breed, capable of learning quickly and therefore will do well with training and socialization.

This popular docile dog gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. He is alert and energetic but is known to be a loyal and loving dog, being good with children, particularly those he grew up with.

The dog isn't particularly well suited to city life simply because of his high energy. He will require a good deal of exercise, so essentially he needs a home with a fair sized garden. He will want to join you on your walks. Walks provide your pet with stimulation and are good for socializing a dog too.

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

Characteristics

griffon bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsYour Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is such a popular pet in France and Spain simply because he is so amicable, getting on well with everyone in the home.

He is everything that a pet lover wants – loving, protective, friendly and companionable. They get on well with other pets too and they’re easy to train, becoming super obedient. Add to that the fact that he isn’t a sickly dog and is also fairly low maintenance.

This dog has all it takes to make him the most splendid pet.

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

Health Problems

griffon bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsAs a healthy dog breed, your Griffon Bleu de Gascogne isn't likely to cost you much at the vet. Nonetheless there are some common dog ailments that you need to be aware of.

Some dog owners, when buying a Griffon puppy, want to see health clearance certificates to show that the parents of the puppy are free from the like of certain diseases such as hip dysplasia and von Willebrand's disease.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a condition where your dogs thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your puppy can develop this condition from 4 months of age already.

With some dogs you can see the pain, and they may even become lame in one or both back legs. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but environmental factors such as an injury or the wrong diet can contribute towards your pet succumbing to hip dysplasia.

Skin Allergies:

A skin allergy can make your pet totally miserable as they lick and scratch with discomfort, pain and irritation. All the scratching and licking can cause secondary infections and your pet can even lose his hair.

Atopic Dermatitis is when your dog is allergic to things like dust or pollen. Some people look at homeopathic treatments for dogs and are pleased with the results. The thing is you need to get help for your pet as it can cause your pet endless misery.

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

griffon bleu de gascogne dogs - caringThe Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a rough, shaggy, fairly long coated dog and is an average shedder. He will therefore require regular brushing to get rid of grass and burrs that cling to the hair, causing it to matt and tangle.It's always a good chance for you to check him over for ticks and fleas too.

He has floppy ears, so these will require cleaning to prevent infections. Check his nails too and trim them as needed. Take him to the vet for this if you're not sure how or you don't have the correct grooming tools.

Sleeping Area:

Just like his human family, a dog needs to have his own sleeping spot – a place which is warm and dry and which he can retreat too. It is a good idea to train your dog to sleep in his own place where there are some warm blankets which are clean and comfortable for him.

Diet:

You chose to bring a dog into your home, and it is therefore your responsibility to see that he is looked after well.

To keep him healthy, he will require high-quality kibble twice a day. How much your Griffon eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Follow the feeding directions carefully on the packaging to ensure you keep him in good shape.

Remove the boredom of the same food every day by adding in some raw meat as well as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat. This will keep him alert, healthy and his coat shiny. Fresh, cool water should be constantly available.

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
France
Height Male:
48 - 57 cm
18 - 23 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
48 - 57 cm
18 - 23 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
2 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Blue Gascony Griffon
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Colors Available:
Mottle white, black and grey
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
Coat:
Longish and wiry
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  10. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  14. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Picard vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Berger Picard vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  22. Bohemian Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  29. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  32. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  33. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  34. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  36. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  39. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  40. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  41. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Greek Harehound - Breed Comparison
  44. McNab vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  45. Porcelaine vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Griffon Nivernais vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  47. Hokkaido vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  49. Pumi vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  50. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds