Russian Setter vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison

Russian Setter is originated from Russia but Bullenbeisser is originated from Germany. Both Russian Setter and Bullenbeisser are having almost same height. Both Russian Setter and Bullenbeisser are having almost same weight. Both Russian Setter and Bullenbeisser has almost same life span. Russian Setter may have less litter size than Bullenbeisser. Russian Setter requires Moderate maintenance. But Bullenbeisser requires Low maintenance

History

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

Known also as the German Bulldog, the Bullenbeisser was a strong dog which is now unfortunately extinct. There were two regional types – the Brabanter- and the Danziger Bullenbeisser.This Molosser-type dog was native to Germany and was bred for different hunting purposes.

Nobody is quite sure what dogs are included in Molossers, but they are essentially large dogs bred to hunting and rescue, tending to have a shorter muzzle. The Bullenbeisser is famous for the role the dog has played in the development of the wonderful dog we have today, the Boxer. In fact, some Bullenbeissers were crossed by the Boxer Kennel Club of Germany with Bulldogs from the UK.

Not much is known about the history of the Bullenbeisser, but the breed also has a history in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire. The dog was at first a type of Mastiff, large and with the typical brachycephalic head, and used for hunting because of their power.

To improve their dogs, many Bullenbeisser breeders began crossing their dogs with English Bulldogs, introducing a white coat to the Bullenbeisser. Other breeds were also crossed with the dog such as the Bull Terrier, but by the end of the 19th century, the traditional Bullenbeisser was slowly dying out. It was in the late 1870s that German breeders, Hopner, Konig and Roberth used the dog to bring about a new breed, which today is known as the Boxer.

Description

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

The Boxers lineage comes from the Bullenbeisser. The Bullenbeisser was a fierce, courageous dog, noted for its hunting abilities. The dog was developed into the Boxer so that its body become more defined and more streamlined.

Described as a medium to large muscular dog, standing roughly 63cm in height, he would have weighed in the region of 32kg. He had a short coat, brown eyes and short to medium ears which were half erect, half floppy.

Brown to fawn in color, he had a long tail which was later docked to give the dog a more distinctive, attractive look. The dog also got its attractive fawn color from the English Bulldog. Loyal, active and loving, the Bullenbeisser was a true family dog with a close affinity to children.

Characteristics

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

Information on the extinct Bullenbeisser is limited, but because he was used to bring about the Boxer you can be sure that he would have been fearless, courageous and territorial of his property and of his human family.

The Bullenbeisser would have been a good watch-dog and with the right kind of loving care, a most awesome and loving family companion.

Health Problems

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

In general, medium to large breeds like the Bullenbeisser have a lifespan of 10, 11 or 12 years. The life expectancy of these dogs relied much on the lifestyle they led and their diets.

The Bullenbeisser had a deep chest and this made dogs like this prone to gastric dilatation and bloat which can be life-threatening and which requires immediate veterinary intervention. The dog with this disease has distension of the abdomen and extreme discomfort, wanting to vomit but being unable to do so.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip Dysplasia is a disease which is more common in larger dogs and is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, resulting in lameness accompanied by painful arthritis.

Caring The Pet

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

The Bullenbeisser was a mastiff like breed with a short, easy-to-care for coat. He would have required a good brushing down at least twice a week to remove the coat from loose hairs. As an active, outdoor-type dog, he would have had to have his ears checked for dirt and the possibility of infection.

Exercise:

Although the Bullenbeisser was a hunting dog, he no doubt led an active outdoor lifestyle. Dogs such as the Boxer and the Mastiff, which are descendants of this dog are the kind of dogs which will need to be exercised regularly, taken on walks and given lots of running games with a ball.

Diet:

As a medium to larger breed with lots of energy, the Bullenbeisser would have no doubt had home-made food from his master’s table. This food would have included meat and vegetables. As a hunting dog he would have had the chance to get in some raw meat which is imperative for the health of any domesticated dog today.

Basic Information

Group:
Setter dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Russia
Germany
Height Male:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Height Female:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
51 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
23 - 34 kg
50 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
8 - 11
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
German Bulldog
Colors Available:
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
Fawn or Brownish
Coat:
Short or long, smooth or wiry
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  2. Schnauzer vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  3. Schnoodle vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Santal Hound vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  5. Sanshu vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  6. Sapsali vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  7. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  9. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Russian Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Russian Setter vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  12. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  13. Russian Setter vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  14. Russian Setter vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Russian Setter vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Setter vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Setter vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  18. Russian Setter vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Setter vs Pomsky - Breed Comparison
  20. Russian Setter vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  21. Russian Setter vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  22. Russian Setter vs Other - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Setter vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Setter vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Setter vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Catahoula Bulldog vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  27. Cao Fila de Sao Miguel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Hound vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  29. Chow Chow vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  30. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  31. Dalmatian vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  32. Golden Doodle vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  33. Pomsky vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  34. Sakhalin Husky vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  35. Other vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  36. Chinese Shar Pei vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  37. Olde English Bulldogge vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  38. English Springer Spaniel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  39. Old English Bulldog vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  40. Schnauzer vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  41. Puggle vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  42. Brittany vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  43. King Charles Spaniel vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  44. Fox Terrier vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  45. Schnoodle vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  46. Collie vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  47. Pharaoh Hound vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  48. English Setter vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison
  50. Catahoula Leopard vs Bullenbeisser - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds