Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed ComparisonBraque d'Auvergne is originated from France but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Braque d'Auvergne may grow 22 cm / 9 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Braque d'Auvergne may weigh 47 kg / 104 pounds more than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Braque d'Auvergne and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same life span. Braque d'Auvergne may have more litter size than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Braque d'Auvergne and Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Hound dog
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France
Switzerland
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
48 - 62 kg
105 - 137 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 57 kg
94 - 126 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
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
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
balck with white markings or mottled
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
short
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Social
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

braque d auvergneSometime 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.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating 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.

Description

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.

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.

Characteristics

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.

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.

Health Problems

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).

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.

Caring The Pet

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.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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