Braque d'Auvergne vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison

Braque d'Auvergne vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed ComparisonBouvier des Flandres is originated from Belgium but Braque d'Auvergne is originated from France. Both Bouvier des Flandres and Braque d'Auvergne are having almost same height. Bouvier des Flandres may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Braque d'Auvergne. Bouvier des Flandres may live 3 years less than Braque d'Auvergne. Both Bouvier des Flandres and Braque d'Auvergne has same litter size. Bouvier des Flandres requires Moderate Maintenance. But Braque d'Auvergne requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
undefined
Belgium
France
Height Male:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
55 - 70 cm
21 - 28 inches
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 52 kg
59 - 115 pounds
48 - 62 kg
105 - 137 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 52 kg
55 - 115 pounds
43 - 57 kg
94 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Flanders Cattle Dog
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:
Black, Brindle, Fawn, Grey
balck with white markings or mottled
Coat:
Medium length, coarse, shaggy, dense
short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Social
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bouvier des flandresThese large dogs have descended from Flemish cattle dogs, and in French, the word Bouvier means herdsman or cattle herder. This is because the dog was used for driving cattle. The Bouvier comes from the Flemish region of Belgium where it was bred as a working farm dog. It is believed that the breed may have come from crossing local farm dogs with imported Irish Wolfhounds, Schnauzers, Tibetan Mastiffs, Brabanters, Griffons and Beaucerons.

It was in 1910 that the first Bouviers appeared at the international dog show in Brussels, with a standard for the breed being adopted in 1912.The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in 1929. It was after World War 11 that Bouviers were brought to America and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.

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.

Description

bouvier des flandres puppy - descriptionThe Bouvier is a large compact, well built dog with strong muscled limbs. He stands at roughly 59 to 70 cm high at the withers, weighing between 27 and 52 kg. He has a large head with a thick and abundant coat which is of rough appearance. The coat is mostly black, but you’ll also find a range of other shades such as brindle, grey and fawn.

The back of the dog is level and broad, and is typically wider in female dogs. The back legs are strong and muscular. Some Bouvier des Flandres are born tail-less and this is most attractive. Most Bouvier dog owners used to have the tails docked because of the excellent appearance, but with docking now being banned, the tail is kept long. The muzzle is wide, the nose large, the eyes dark brown and the ears high set and floppy.

The Bouvier is intelligent, energetic and full of confidence while being calm and balanced in temperament. The puppies are vocal and full of antics, but as the Bouvier grows into adulthood, he mellows and becomes a steady family friend who gets on well with each human family member. He loves spending time with his family and becomes both friend and guardian, making a good watchdog too.

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

bouvier des flandres dog - characteristicsThe Bouvier is such an amicable dog and strong and energetic too. He makes the most marvellous companion and will happily adapt to life in the city or in the country, although, with his big size, he is better suited to a home where there is enough space to run around in.

He is loyal, loving and protective and when you make sure to make him an active part of your family, you’ll find in him all the characteristics of a true friend.

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

bouvier des flandres puppies - health problemsThe big teddy-bear of a dog is a healthy breed, but as a large dog, you will need to look out for certain health problems with him.

Hip Dysplasia:

Xrays have been done on many Bouvier des Flandres by the Club and by the Orthopedic Foundation of America and it has been found that a significant percentage of Bouviers were dysplastic. Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint and many large breed dogs battle with this. It can be very sad for dog lovers as they watch their dog battling to get up after lying down and sometimes lameness in the hind legs.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is a common problem in many dogs, and the Bouvier isn’t excluded one bit. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush, there is tartar build-up which can lead to bad breath and gum infection. Dental disease can lead to pain in the teeth and even the loss of teeth. Bad teeth affect the entire body, and the heart, kidneys and joints can all be negatively affected.

Obesity:

The Bouvier is a large dog prone to obesity. This is a serious disease that can lead to all kinds of digestive disorders, back pain as well as heart disease. It can be easy just to give in to your pet’s pleading eyes, but in the long run, excessive weight can spell a host of 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).

Caring The Pet

Training:

bouvier des flandres dogs - caringYour Bouvier is an intelligent, independent dog and you will be doing him a favor by having him socialized and trained. He becomes such a pleasure to have around, being obedient and willing to respond to your commands.

Exercise:

Every dog, and particularly large dogs like the Bouvier, should be able to rely on a daily walk, a run in the park or on the farm and have special games from his owner. Not only does participating in activities together build a strong bond between dog and owner, its important to avoid boredom and frustration with your dog. You bought him so you therefore have a responsibility toward him.

Grooming:

Your Bouvier des Flandres has a thick, medium-length coat that gets a shaggy look to it. The breed needs regular brushing every second day or so to get rid of loose hairs and to prevent the hair matting. He will require some professional grooming to look and feel his best. With his thick coat, he is hypoallergenic which can be a relief for allergy sufferers.

Diet:

The Bouvier has to be on high-quality dog food, whether you give him home-made food or commercially manufactured food. It has to have the right amount of vitamins and minerals. If you’re unsure about feeding a dog, remember that the amount and type of food you give your pet must be appropriate to your dog’s age, size and energy levels.It can also be wise to know which human foods are bad. Speak to your vet about your dog – they are a minefield of useful information about your pet. Fresh, cool water should be be available at all times.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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