Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs American Water Spaniel - Breed ComparisonAmerican Water Spaniel is originated from United States but Briquet Griffon Vendeen is originated from France. American Water Spaniel may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Both American Water Spaniel and Briquet Griffon Vendeen are having almost same weight. Both American Water Spaniel and Briquet Griffon Vendeen has same life span. Both American Water Spaniel and Briquet Griffon Vendeen has same litter size. American Water Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Briquet Griffon Vendeen requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Hound dog
undefined
United States
France
Height Male:
36 - 46 cm
14 - 19 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
34 - 44 cm
13 - 18 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 20 kg
24 - 45 pounds
22 - 24 kg
48 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Amerikanischer Wasserspaniel • AWS • AM Water Spaniel
Medium Vendéen Griffon
Colors Available:
Liver, Brown, Dark Chocolate
white and orange, tricolor, White and black, black and tan
Coat:
DOuble, Wavy and Curly, thick
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american water spanielThe American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States. He is the state dog of Wisconsin and was developed there in the 19th century. The bloodlines of this spaniel are varied but certainly include the English Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel. Even though they are the state dog of Wisconsin they were almost extinct when Dr. Fred J. Pfeifer rescued the breed. The numbers had fallen after World War II because hunting was now a recreational sport and not needed to provide food for the family. He then started a breed club and wrote a breed standard, both of which were recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. When first developed the American Water Spaniel was known as the American Brown Spaniel. It was bred with a curly, thick coat so that it cold be sustained in Wisconsin winters and cold water. It was bred to hunt grouse, water fowl and prairie chickens as well as furry land animals. Pfeifer advertised his dogs for sale everywhere using a mailer that read: “, "The American Brown Spaniel is distinctively an American production. Hunters have known this type for years and it was through their efforts that this dog was propagated.... For years we have bred only selective stock, breeding for gameness, stability, courage, intelligence, and beauty. They are dogs to admire and trust under all conditions whether in the home circle or in the field with the outdoor man."[2]

In Wisconsin, around the wolf River and the Fox River, hunters were looking for a water dog that could also hunt on land. They needed a dog that could work a variety of fowl and game but who was small enough for a skiff and strong enough for the artic water temperatures of Wisconsin in the Winter. So, in addition to the spaniels named above, other breeds such as the Curly Coated Retriever, the Poodle, Native Indian dogs and the Sussex Spaniel were intermixed. When first developed the American Water Spaniel was known as the American Brown Spaniel. It was bred with a curly, thick coat so that it cold be sustained in Wisconsin winters and cold water. It was bred to hunt grouse, water fowl and prairie chickens as well as furry land animals. The American Water Spaniel was then itself used to develop another new breed, the Boykin Spaniel. In 1985 Wisconsin declared the American Water Spaniel to be the official state dog. Even so there remain only a few thousand dogs in existence. Though recognized by the AKC, they are neither spaniels nor retrievers and remain unclassified. Because of this they cannot compete in AKC field trials, but they do compete in AKC hunt tests. Though rare, the American Water Spaniel is a great hunting dog, retriever and companion.

briquet griffon vendeenThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen, a product of France is a hunting down bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen. The two dogs are descendants of the Gaul’s Canis sequsius and the Gris de St. Louis hounds. They are one of four dogs with rough coats from the Vendeen area along France’s west coast. Many of these lines were decimated by the Second World War and are still not found in France today.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen survived the war due to a French dog show judge named Hubert Dezamy, who restored the breed and it is mainly a show dog today. Many of Frances royalty prior to the French Revolution favored the breed as show dogs as well. The Briquet was originally developed for hunting of smaller game and is a scent hound. The larger Grand Griffon Vendeen was used in the hunt for large game, namely wolves and boar.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is recognized by the UKC and the FCI but not by the AKC and the breed is hardly known outside of France

Description

american water spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Water spaniel is a midsized, muscular dog. There is nothing flashy about his looks or his work performance. He is however a consistent, competent swimmer and hunter. His brown coat is wavy or tightly curled, waterproof and dense. His feet have thick pads and webbed toes. The AWS is intelligent, happy, and easy going. He is a very versatile hunting dog on land and in water. The breed has not changed much since it originated in the 19th century. They can be liver, chocolate or brown. The eyes should be the same as the color of the coat. They have broad skulls with wide, long ears and an undocked tail.

They have a square, medium sized muzzle and wide nose. They have a bite that is level or scissors. The legs of the muscular American Water Spaniel are medium in length and the tail is full, with a medium length, curved and feathered. The dewclaws might or might not be removed.

briquet griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionThis medium sized dog is stocky and well proportioned. He looks very much like the Grand Griffon Vendeen only smaller. It is less muscular than other hound dogs and it holds its tail up when working. The head is short with a medium/long muzzle. It has low set ears and a flat skull with large, dark eyes and pronounced eyebrows. It also has a mustache.

Characteristics

american water spaniel dog - characteristicsBred to work the American Water Spaniels are loyal to their people, want to please them, but are not so great with strangers. They are stubborn and love to be the center of attention. They are often one person or one family dogs. They need an owner who is the pack leader and willing to put in the time to train them. However, they are a versatile breed and need variety in training and activities rather than repetitive activities. They are prone to resource guarding, slow maturation and dominance. These negative traits are dissipated with a strong leader, good training and a lot of daily activity. They are sensitive as well as stubborn. Do not use a punishment-oriented training with them. They will respond out of love and loyalty or not at all. This is a breed that wants to be the alpha over the people and will do so if you let him. Keep them fenced as being hunters they love to wander and will leave home whenever they can.

briquet griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a smart, attentive and sensitive dog. It is easy to train. They are loyal and bond quickly with their owner/trainer. These are enthusiastic dogs with a lot of stamina and get along with dogs and children. They don’t like to be told what to do. They respond well if you bribe them with treats or play with them. They are patient, extroverted and happy dogs.

Health Problems

american water spaniel puppies - health problemsThe American Water Spaniel is a hardy, healthy breed without a lot of the genetic concerns of other breeds. Some of the concerns of this breed include vision, cardiac, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. They might also have skin issues and metabolic disorders.

briquet griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThey are bred to be healthy and hardy, but still have some health concerns. These include:

Aseptic Meningitis

This is a frightening disease if you find your dog has it. It is characterized by a high fever and an intense hypersensitivity to touch. Aseptic Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused by an infection and the most common ones include:

Ear infections

Sinus infection

Bite wounds – infected

Severe Allergic Reaction to something – may take medication

Ear Infections – long droopy ears can get infected

Deafness – white dog can be born deaf

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – bone doesn’t fit well into joint

Patellar luxation – dislocated knee cap

Glaucoma- Increased pressure in the eyes

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy - Seizures

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american water spaniel dogs - caringFeeding the American Water Spaniel is no mystery. They need a high quality dry dog food with an eye toward calorie consumption. Some AWS have a tendency to become obese. Treats are important to the AWS in training but can add to the obesity concerns.

Health

Like other isolated breeds that were bred true, the genetic issues we see in many other popular breeds are not seen as much in the American Water Spaniel. They do however have a few issues to contend with.

Eyes: These issues appear to be inherited with progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Many AWS that develop cataracts do so at a very young age, usually under a year. Metabolic: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, glandular disorders and epilepsy. Baldness and Cardiac Issues. Orthopedic: Hip dysplasia. There is no evidence to suggest any elbow dysplasia. Additional concerns are hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, diabetes and glandular disorders which Of course, the American Water Spaniel is an athlete who loves to be outdoors. He loves to swim, run and hunt. He needs daily exercise, or he can become loud and destructive. They thrive on having a job and they are not happy if they don’t have one. They are good at agility, obedience, dock diving and field trials. They also enjoy flyball and barn hunt.

Feeding

briquet griffon vendeen dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Give her at least 2 meals of high quality dry food – two and one half to three cups daily.

Health issues

Aseptic Meningitis can result in death.

Ear Infections can cause meningitis

Deafness – born with this

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – lameness, arthritis

Patellar luxation - lameness

Glaucoma - blindness

Eye Issues -blindness

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy – could be fatal

Exercise and games

Every type of Griffon is a strong hunter and has strong instincts. The Briquet is no different. They need to be able to hunt as this is one of the strongest of scent hounds. They need a fenced in yard at the very least to explore and smell. They also enjoy long walks with new smells. Stay in shape because your Briquet Griffon Vendeen has stamina to share.

They love to play in leu of hunting. The games they love include frisbee, retrieving balls, and learning new tricks. They need mental stimulation as well as physical.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Water Spaniel vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. American Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. American Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. American Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American Water Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Water Spaniel vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Water Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Water Spaniel vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Water Spaniel vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Water Spaniel vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Water Spaniel vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Water Spaniel vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Water Spaniel vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Water Spaniel vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Water Spaniel vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Water Spaniel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Water Spaniel vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Water Spaniel vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison