Smithfield vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison

Smithfield vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed ComparisonSmithfield is originated from United Kingdom but Braque d'Auvergne is originated from France. Smithfield may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than Braque d'Auvergne. Smithfield may weigh 37 kg / 81 pounds lesser than Braque d'Auvergne. Both Smithfield and Braque d'Auvergne has almost same life span. Both Smithfield and Braque d'Auvergne has almost same litter size. Smithfield requires Moderate maintenance. But Braque d'Auvergne requires Low maintenance

History

smithfield - historyThe Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.

It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.

The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.

braque d auvergne - historySometime over 5 centuries ago, in the Cantal Region of France, was born a hunting breed, that might be the real ancestor of today’s pointing hunter dogs. Perhaps the oldest of all pointing gun dog is the Braque d’Auvergne. This breed comes from Central France in the region of Auvergne. This breed was developed prior to written dog breeding records in order to hunt in this region and find, point, flush out and retrieve fowl. This breed is clearly one of if not the oldest breeds in the French Braque. There is no agreement among historians on what breed is the oldest of the European pointing dogs and where they were developed – was it Spain or was it France? It is thought that the Braque Francais Gascogne is the original one of these in the early 1600’s while the Braque d’Auvergne came soon after. Due to the different hunting needs in the different parts of France, the Braque Francais Gascogne was crossed with a lot of other local scent hounds. The Braque d’Auvergne is one of the very oldest of all of these. There are records of the breeds existence in the 1700’s. It is probable that the Braque d’Auvergne was developed by crossing local dogs with Gascogne as well as with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.

In all of Western Europe, the region of Auvergne is not very populated and has unique geography in that is hilly and has many extinct and eroded volcanoes. A lot of the region is still unpopulated. In this environment, wildlife has flourished, and hunting is successful in providing food for the regions people. This circumstance with an abundance of birds, led to the breeding of the Braque Auvergne to specialize in hunting in this area. The breed is not very popular outside of Auvergne and probably never was. That fact allowed them to be devastated by the Second World War. The Reunion des Amateurs de Braque d’Auvergne (RABA) was started to promote the pure breeding and the protection of the d’Auvergnes. But when Auvergnes was occupied during the war, the slowed breeding of the Braque d ‘ Auvergne almost eliminated the breed. There might have only been about 25 dogs left following the end of the war. These remaining dogs were used to revive the breed, but it is still uncommon, but not rare. Individuals have been imported by other countries including North America. The United Kennel Club (UKC) accepted the breed in 2006 but is not accepted by the AKC (American Kennel Club). The breed is still a working breed and outside of France, very rare.

Description

smithfield puppy - descriptionThe Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.

He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.

The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.

He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.

Temperament:

The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.

You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.

They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.

braque d auvergne puppy - descriptionThe Braque d’Auvergne is a well built, strong hunting dog with long ears, a large head and a docked tail. His coat is white with black markings and black ears and head. The breed looks a lot like all the other pointing dogs from France. They are medium in stature and has the appearance of a working gundog. He is athletic, muscular and fit. Docking the tail is outlawed in many countries and all of the United Kingdom. In that case the tail is high on the rump and always straight. Their face and head are big for the size of the body and shaped like an oval. With a long muzzle, deep set eyes and a gentle expression, they are kindly and handsome dogs. Their skin is loose but not droopy or wrinkled like hound dogs.

Characteristics

smithfield dog - characteristicsThose who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.

These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.

braque d auvergne dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, adaptable and obedient breed. With their intelligence and affectionate nature, they make great family dogs and are eager to please their people. Living with other dogs is fine but not with small, prey size animals. The Braque d’Auvergne should never be left alone pets like gerbils and hamsters. They must be socialized to cats as pets and not prey before living with them successfully. They need to work closely with one human partner. They are first and foremost a hunting dog and need some sort of hunting simulation. They are devoted to their families and want to be constantly in their presence. This can lead to separation anxiety if they are left alone too much. They are great with children and need a family.

Health Problems

smithfield puppies - health problemsThese dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.

You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -

Canine Distemper:

This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.

Canine parvovirus:

Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.

Heatstroke:

This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.

braque d auvergne puppies - health problemsThe Braque d’Auvergne is a healthy breed but can face some of the same health concerns as other pointers and hunting dogs. The long, droopy ears can get infected easily if wet and need to be cleaned regularly so that food or dirt are not trapped their either. Because of the small gene pool however they may be at risk for several issues. The breeders in France express concerns about possible hip dysplasia and testing is highly recommended. Because they are at risk for other conditions that might not show up until later in life, it is also recommended that they be tested by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) as well as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

smithfield dogs - caringThe Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.

It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.

Have your pet’s nails trimmed.

Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.

Diet:

Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding

braque d auvergne dogs - caringThe Braque d’Auvergne needs a high-quality diet fit for a working dog but not too much to make him obese. They are an active breed to choose a formula that is designed for working dogs.

Health issues

Although no studies have been conducted on the Braque d’Auvergne’s health issues there are many conditions that similar breeds are susceptible to and the d’Auvergne might be as well. This includes any of the following:

  • Dysplasia – elbow and hip
  • Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip.
  • Aortic Stenosis (Narrowing of the aorta)
  • Luxating Patella or moving kneecaps
  • PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Demodex/Demodicosis/Demodectic Mange

Exercise and games

This is an active, working dog who needs a lot of stimulation and exercise. The only real appropriate exercise for these dogs is hunting or outings in the woods. He not only needs the exercise, but he also needs to stimulate his sense of smell and his gundog intelligence. He might excel in lure chase or even a form or barn hunt. They certainly could excel at obedience trials and perhaps rally. If you are a weekend hunter then this is the ideal dog for you. They are so easy to train that they surpass other pointers for success with casual hunters. They hunt at a slower pace than many other gundogs. Their intelligence and athleticism lend itself well to agility and flyball also. They need a large (+acres)fenced in area to run and play.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
48 - 62 kg
105 - 137 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
43 - 57 kg
94 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Smithy, Tasmanian Smithfield
Bleu d'Auvergne Braque d’Auvergne Pointer, Auvergne Pointer, Braque du Auvergne, Auvergnese Pointer, Auvergne Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointer, Auvergnese Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointing Dog French Pointer (Auvergne), Bleu d’Auvergne, Bleu de Auvergne
Colors Available:
grey or reddish brown., black, White
balck with white markings or mottled
Coat:
Medium length, rough shaggy
short
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Social
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. Smithfield vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Smithfield vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Smithfield vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Smithfield vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Smithfield vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Smithfield vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Smithfield vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Smithfield vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Smithfield vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Smithfield vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Smithfield vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Smithfield vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Smithfield vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Smithfield vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Smithfield vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Smithfield vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Smithfield vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Smithfield vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Smithfield vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Smithfield vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Smithfield vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Smithfield vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Smithfield vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  30. Pudelpointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  31. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  32. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque d'Auvergne vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Braque d'Auvergne vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  36. Braque d'Auvergne vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Ariege Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  38. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds