Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed ComparisonBraque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may weigh 40 kg / 89 pounds more than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same life span. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may have more litter size than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
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France
Switzerland
Height Male:
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
fine and short
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
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 francais pyrenean typeThe Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees are two alike dogs that are in reality separate breeds. The Pyrenees is not as rare as his larger brother, Gascognes. Around since the 15th century at least, not mush is really known about their origins. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of information regarding the origins of the breeds were lost. There was a major study done in the 19th century that showed the two dogs came from very different blood lines. It is known that in this timeframe there was an acute need for a dog that was better than the current hunting breeds. This dog needed to be able to point, track, retrieve and flush.

With no authenticated story of origin, many myths have grown up in the vacuum. The most common belief is that the Chien d’Oysel, an ancient spaniel breed that was medium sized with brown or white fur and brown markings, is an ancestor of the Braque Francais and local hunting dogs. To make the Gascognes larger and stronger than the Pyrenees, local scent hounds were also crossed with these dogs. The Pyrenees does not have these scent hounds in their background.

Until the late 1800’s, there was only one type and one breed of Braque Francais. But when the breed was no longer the dogs of a nobility, the average hunter needed a smaller dog. Urbanization following the French Revolution added to this trend and the Pyrenees Mountain hunters crossed the Gascognes with smaller scent hounds and pointers. Thus, they created the Braque Francais Pyrenees and each dog became its own breed in 1920.

The Braque Francais breed club, including standards for both breeds was established in 1850 with the standards established in 1880. This acceptance was then followed by registration of both breeds in the International Kennel Club (FCI) and the French Kennel Club. Canada recognizes only the Gascoigne and the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States, recognized both. Neither breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Second World War was brutal to both types of the Braque Francais, but the Pyrenees have surpassed their sister breed and are the only one that has found its way to North America. The importers have started a breeding program in Canada. Later a few were imported to the States. There are currently at least four breeders in North America – 2 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. It is thought that there are less than 200 Braque Francais Pyrenees living in North America.

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 francais pyrenean type puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais breeds are medium sized dogs with the Pyrenean standing 10 centimeters shorter than the Gascogne. They have a, white or chestnut brown coat with brown spots and a brown head. The Pyrenees has a head that is broader and ears that are not as long as the Gascogne. Their muzzle is narrower. He is strong, tall with hanging lips and square muzzles.

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 francais pyrenean type dog - characteristicsThis is a sociable, lovable, friendly breed. They are gentle and docile dogs that want only to please you. They like children as well as adults and will never be a guard dog as they are friendly to strangers as well. The Braque Francais Pyrenees is affectionate while being highly skilled hunters. They are prone to severe separation anxiety if left alone for long. They might even have a tendency toward shyness.

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 francais pyrenean type puppies - health problemsThe breed of Braque Francais in both its incarnations is generally a pretty healthy dog. They are prone to several issues including dysplasia of the elbow and hip, aortic stenosis, some eye issues and patellar luxation. The eye issues are around the lids and include ectropion and entropion along with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These issues are not avoidable, but the risk can be reduced even more by breeder testing of parents of any litter and then test the litter. Both the OFA and CERF should conduct tests for the dysplasia (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and eyes (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

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 francais pyrenean type dogs - caringThis breed need a high energy food including raw meat such as chicken, fish, and beef. If feeding kibble, they need about 2.5 cups per day.

Health issues

Prone to inflammation and infections of the ears as they are long and floppy. Clean them regularly. As previously mention eye disorders, joint dysplasia and bloat.

Exercise and games

The Braque Francais Pyrenees is a fairly versatile hunting dog. They can hunt on all types of terrain by trailing, flushing and retrieving. They are quick and move quickly without actually sprinting. This dog needs serious exercise every day. They will walk or jog with you. They will run along side your bike. Whatever you choose to do, do it for an hour a day. Don’t make couch potatoes out of this breed. It will not turn out well if you do. They need a place where they can play off leash as well, such as a large yard or a dog park.

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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  26. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison