English Shepherd vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison

English Shepherd vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed ComparisonBraque d'Auvergne is originated from France but English Shepherd is originated from United States. Braque d'Auvergne may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than English Shepherd. Braque d'Auvergne may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than English Shepherd. Both Braque d'Auvergne and English Shepherd has same life span. Both Braque d'Auvergne and English Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Braque d'Auvergne and English Shepherd requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
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France
United States
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
46 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
44 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
48 - 62 kg
105 - 137 pounds
21 - 28 kg
46 - 62 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 57 kg
94 - 126 pounds
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
5 - 8
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
old fashioed collie, old fashioned shepherd, Scotch Collie, old time collie, farm collie
Colors Available:
balck with white markings or mottled
black and white, sable and white, and tri-color. , black and tan
Coat:
short
double, silky
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
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.

english shepherdThe English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.

The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.

Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.

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.

english shepherd puppy - descriptionThe American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.

The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.

With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.

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.

english shepherd dog - characteristicsIt may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.

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).

english shepherd puppies - health problemsLike many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.

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.

Feeding

english shepherd dogs - caringRemember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.

Health issues

In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:

Dysplasia

Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.

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