Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Braque Francais - Breed ComparisonSchweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland but Braque Francais is originated from France. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may grow 26 cm / 10 inches shorter than Braque Francais. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may weigh 40 kg / 88 pounds lesser than Braque Francais. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Braque Francais has almost same life span. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may have less litter size than Braque Francais. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Braque Francais requires Low maintenance.

History

schweizer niederlaufhund - historyOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

braque francais - historyBraque Francais was at first one general breed of hounds in the Gascognes and Pyrenees Mountains areas of France. The one breed became two. Known as the Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees - two separate breeds of very alike dogs. The Gascognes is a lot less common than his smaller brother. Not very much is known about the beginnings of these two strains of Braque Francais as the breed has been around since at least the 15th century. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of the origins of the breeds were lost. A major bloodline search was The conducted in the 19th century and found that these were two very distinct breeds of dog.

It is known that France was the birthplace of this breed and it was developed because of a need for a tracker that could point, flush and retrieve. The Braque Francais Gascogne probably came from the south of France. It is related to the German Shorthair Pointer and the English Pointer as well. Having existed since the 15th century, he was the father of all pointing dogs in France. By the 17th century the breed had grown enough to be called the “old style Braque Francais”,

Though the origin of the breed is not known there are of course several theories about it. The most prevalent belief is that the Braque Francais Gascogne is a descendent of the Chien d’Oysel, a spaniel breed of medium size and white or brown with brown markings. The Chien d’Oysel is an ancient breed used for hunting prior to the 13th century. Hunters crossed the Chien with local dogs on a routine basis.

Braque Francais came out of these breedings. It was probably French Scent hounds that created the larger size of the Gascogne. This also increased the stamina and strength of the Gascogne as opposed to the Pyrenees. There was also a mixing in of the Grand Bleu De Gasgogne and the Petit Bleu De Gasgogne.

The other prominent theory is that this breed the Gasgogne was actually developed from the Portugese, Spanish and Italian pointers rather than the French dogs. These dogs originated not with the Chien d’Oysel but with the scent hounds. From these dogs came the Spanish and English Pointers. All that is truly known is that all of these types of dogs were present in Europe by the fifteenth century and were moved among countries and cross bred regularly. However in the part of France called the Central Pyrenees region and in a small southern part of France the original, old style Braque Francais was pure bred. This aspect of the breed contributed to the development of all of the French pointers and European shorthaired dogs. By the end of the 1800’s today’s breed was developed.

In 1850 the first Braque Francais breed club was established and in the breed standards for both dogs followed in 1880. They were then registered in the French Kennel Club and the International Kennel Club (FCI). The French Kennel Club does not allow dogs with any common ancestors in Generations 1-3 into the Club in order to keep out the practice of inbreeding. In Canada only the Gascogne is recognized and the United States’ United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes both. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize either.

With most local regions and countries choosing their local dogs over other breeds, the Braque Francais Gascogne has become fairly rare outside of France where the breed was the most popular gun dog throughout the 1700’s. The Gascogne was mostly a dog of the hunting nobility because of its size and food needs. Following the French Revolution, the breed fell off dramatically, while the smaller Pyrenees continued to thrive. This was because in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Southwestern region of Gascony, the English Pointer never supplanted the Braque Francais.

The Second World War was brutal to the Braque Francais Gascognes and as it recovered it became much less common than its sister breed. Today it is found almost exclusively in France.

Description

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

braque francais puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais Gascogne is a larger dog than the Pyrenees breed and is a very handsome dog. Both have a deep chest, a solid bodies, strong and slender legs and are well-proportioned. They have padded, round paws and a large brown head with floppy ears. The muzzle is a pointed block and he has a scissors bite, with a black nose and dark or amber eyes. The eyes are very expressive and round. The tail can be straight and long, or it can be docked. They are tall and athletic.

Characteristics

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

braque francais dog - characteristicsThis is a working breed, but they are nevertheless friendly and loyal to their families. They want to please their people and are usually docile. They love kids and are good as a first ever dog. They are friendly and even-tempered. They tolerate people they do not know but can be shy and are not guard dogs. instead they are loving, affectionate and people oriented. They need to be with their families and never left outside alone. They can develop separation anxiety.

Health Problems

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

braque francais puppies - health problemsThe Braque Francais is a fairly healthy breed. They are susceptible to certain health conditions that most dogs of their size and working history are susceptible to. These include Patellar luxation which seems to be one of the most common problems for them. They also can have hip and/or elbow dysplasia, aortic stenosis which is a narrowing of the aorta, and some eye issues such as ectropion, entropion, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy as well as cataracts.

Caring The Pet

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Feeding

braque francais dogs - caringThis is a high energy, working dog with a need for a high-quality energy food or raw food that you make up yourself. Be sure to include chicken, beef and fish. Feed him about 3 cups once a day or 1.5 cups twice a day.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above, his long floppy ears can lead to ear infections if not cared for. Wash them out daily. He is also susceptible to bloat so don’t feed him large meals and don’t let him exercise or work right before or right after exercise.

Exercise and games

These dogs have a variety of hunting skills. They are not only pointers but can flush, trail and retrieve. The Gascogne is not as quick as the Pyrenees. They need a lot of exercise daily or they need a hunting job. They would do well with barn hunt, lure coursing and free play in an off leash fenced in area. If they don’t get rid of their energy, they can be destructive. They were bred to hunt and cannot resist the chase,

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Switzerland
France
Height Male:
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
47 - 69 cm
18 - 28 inches
Height Female:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
45 - 65 cm
17 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
20 - 55 kg
44 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
19 - 52 kg
41 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Small Swiss Hound.
French Pointing Dog -; Braque Francais, de Grande Taille
Colors Available:
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
brown, Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan marking
Coat:
smooth or coarse
thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  27. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  28. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  30. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  31. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  32. Field Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  33. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  34. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  35. Braque Francais vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  36. Braque Francais vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  37. Braque Francais vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  38. Braque Francais vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Braque Francais vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  40. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  41. Shikoku vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  42. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  43. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  44. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  45. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds