Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison

Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Bracco Italiano - Breed ComparisonBracco Italiano is originated from Italy but Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France. Bracco Italiano may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Bracco Italiano may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Both Bracco Italiano and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) has almost same life span. Bracco Italiano may have less litter size than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Both Bracco Italiano and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Sporting dog
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Italy
France
Height Male:
58 - 67 cm
22 - 27 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 40 kg
50 - 89 pounds
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 10
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Italian Pointer Italian Pointing Dog
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Colors Available:
Orange and White, Chestnut and White with some freckling
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
Coat:
Short, dense and glossy
fine and short
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bracco italianoThe attractive and popular breed in Italy, the Bracco Italiano was used for tracking and retrieving, evolving in Piedmont and Lombardy. It is believed the Bracco Italiano came about from crossing the Segugio with the ancient Asiatic Mastiff.

There are people however, who believe that the breed goes back to the St Hubert Hound, but it is certain that both hounds and gundogs are part of the breed’s ancestry. The dog only arrived in Britain in the last decade of the 20th century.

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.

Description

His Looks:

bracco italiano puppy - descriptionThe Bracco Italiano is a large athletic, muscular dog. He stands at 58–67cm, weighing anything between 25 – 40kg. He reminds one somewhat of a German Short-haired Pointer. He has long ears and a serious expression, and this reminds one of a Bloodhound. He has short, shiny hair with his coat being white and chestnut or orange. The tail of the Bracco Italiano has always been docked, giving him an attractive, distinctive look but with rules and regulations coming in regarding docking, the long tail is often left intact. His eyes are brown.

His Temperament

Braccos are wonderful pets – they are intelligent, loving, gentle and amicable, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. Socialize and train them and they become gentle and obedient. They long to be involved with their human family and will adapt to life in the city or the country so long as they are made to feel like family. He is alert and makes a good watchdog. As with most other dogs, they can’t be bought, loved as a puppy and then ignored and left to themselves when they grow into adults.

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.

Characteristics

bracco italiano dog - characteristicsThe gentle, amicable Bracco Italiano is a versatile dog that can be a super sport companion for active people and it can also be an exceptional companion for families and older people. He has a sweet, gentle expression and his amicable nature makes him easy to love. He is alert though, and therefore can be both protector and friend at the same time.

Overall, this easy going dog with his low maintenance coat can make an excellent 4-legged addition to any family.

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.

Health Problems

bracco italiano puppies - health problemsThere don’t appear to be any major health issues with your Bracco Italiano and he can live to be 12, 13 or 14 years of age. Because he is a large breed however, you will need to watch out for hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disease with dogs and larger dogs have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia. Your dog can develop joint inflammation with pain and lameness.

Other health problems to look out for include kidney disease (Amaloidosis), cherry eye which results in dry eye. If you want to buy a Bracco Italiano, you should ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents.

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).

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

bracco italiano dogs - caringThese dogs are moderate shedders so he will simply need a good brushing twice a week to ensure the coat is kept shiny and free from loose hairs. Nails should be clipped from time to time and he will also need to have his long ears checked for cleanliness. Long-eared dog breeds are more susceptible to canine ear infections.

Feeding:

The Bracco is a large dog and therefore he will require a high quality, large-breed dog food formula. Your veterinarian can even recommend a quality commercially manufactured food for large, energetic dogs and which comes with all the vitamins and minerals required for such a breed.

Your vet will recommend you steer clear of foods with cheap fillers, lots of preservatives, sugar and colorants. He has a glossy, dense short coat and you want to ensure he gets raw meat, rice and vegetables from time to time to ensure that the beautiful coat never becomes dull and dry.

Cool, fresh water must always be available to him. Diet and nutrition is an important decision for your pet as it will ultimately affect his long term health.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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