Briquet Griffon Vendeen is originated from France but Chow Chow is originated from China. Both Briquet Griffon Vendeen and Chow Chow are having almost same height. Briquet Griffon Vendeen may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Chow Chow. Both Briquet Griffon Vendeen and Chow Chow has almost same life span. Both Briquet Griffon Vendeen and Chow Chow has almost same litter size. Both Briquet Griffon Vendeen and Chow Chow requires High Maintenance.
The 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
Northern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.
It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.
Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.
This 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.
The Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.
These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.
The 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.
Loyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.
They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.
They are bred to be healthy and hardy, but still have some health concerns. These include:
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:
Although an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:
This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.
This can cause lameness and arthritis.
This can cause lameness and arthritis.
Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.
Don’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.
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.
Don’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.
This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.
These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.
Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.
Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.
Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.
The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.