Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed ComparisonGriffon Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Fox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may live 3 years less than Fox Terrier (Smooth). Both Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Fox Terrier (Smooth) has almost same litter size. Both Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Fox Terrier (Smooth) requires Moderate 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.

fox terrier smooth - historyThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

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.

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

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.

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

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.

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

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 the puppy

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
48 - 57 cm
18 - 23 inches
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
48 - 57 cm
18 - 23 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Blue Gascony Griffon
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Colors Available:
Mottle white, black and grey
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
Coat:
Longish and wiry
dense, flat
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, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schnauzer vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  3. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  5. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bull and Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Bedlington Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Blue Paul Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  14. Lakeland Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  15. Jagdterrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  16. Indian Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  18. Japanese Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  20. Scoland Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  21. Skye Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  23. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  24. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison
  25. Welsh Terrier vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - 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