Nenets Herding Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison

Nenets Herding Laika vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed ComparisonBraque Saint-Germain is originated from France but Nenets Herding Laika is originated from Russia. Both Braque Saint-Germain and Nenets Herding Laika are having almost same height. Braque Saint-Germain may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Nenets Herding Laika. Both Braque Saint-Germain and Nenets Herding Laika has almost same life span. Both Braque Saint-Germain and Nenets Herding Laika has almost same litter size. Braque Saint-Germain requires Low Maintenance. But Nenets Herding Laika requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
undefined
France
Russia
Height Male:
56 - 62 cm
22 - 25 inches
48 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
16 - 29 kg
35 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 28 kg
35 - 62 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Saint-Germain Pointer, French Pointer (Saint-Germain), Saint-Germain Pointing Dog, French Pointing Dog (Saint-Germain) Braque d’Auvergne Pointer, Auvergne Pointer, Braque du Auvergne, Auvergnese Pointer, Auvergne Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointer, Auvergnese Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointing Dog Bleu de Auvergne, Bleu d’Auvergne
Nenets Laika or Reindeer Herding Laika, Samoyed Laika
Colors Available:
Dull white with orange (fawn) markings
grey, black or white , tan
Coat:
short not fine
The harsh outer coat is straight, and the abundant woolly undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

braque saint germainThe Braque Saint-Germain, also known as the St. Germain Pointing Dog, is a French creation. The French pointing dogs and the English pointing dogs were mixed to develop the Braque Saint-Germain. He is a versatile hunting dog that was both a pointer and a gun dog. They are medium to large in size and went from being bred by royalty in the 1830’s to a popular everyday hunting dog. The ancestry of the breed can be traced back many additional centuries.

As popular as the Braque Saint-Germain was as a hunter, he gained his notoriety in the show ring. The first time a Braque Saint-Germain entered the ring in 1863 it was an acclaimed breed and upstaged all other pointing breeds. The French Braque Saint-Germain club was opened in 1913 and recognized by the Federation Cynoloqique International (FCI) and in 2006 was recognized by the North American United Kennel Club. Their popularity has risen and fallen since World War II. It has flirted with extinction more than once. Today’s Braque Saint-Germain is a highly talented hunting dog with a standard appearance that still does well in the ring.

The English Pointer was a cross between the hound dogs, British gundog, Spanish Pointer and herding breeds. This made the English Pointer a very versatile breed before it was crossed with the Braque Francais Gascogne. The Braque Francais Gascogne itself is believed to have developed from the Chien d-Oysel and Italian and Spanish pointing dogs. The English Pointer was specialized in pointing and the French Braque Francais Gascogne was a very versatile dog. In the Braque Saint-Germain the dog world has a versatile, excellent pointing dog.

In the 1800’s the French Crown was gifted with two English Pointers that were great at hunting. Some considered the English Pointers to be better than any of their Braque Francais. The female of these two pointers was bred many times but the male died without breeding. The female’s first litter was with a brown German Spaniel and were of low quality. Her second litter however was with an outstanding bird dog and produced 7 excellent puppies. Because of this these two dogs were bred several more times. The owner of the adult dogs moved to Saint-Germain, where their appearance attracted many hunters. The breed flourished here and was named the Braque Saint-Germain.

Soon corrupt individuals sold non-purebreds as Braque Saint-Germains and handlers showed these dogs under the Saint-Germain name. There are always dangers when a popular breed’s beginnings comes from only two dogs. In 1913 the new breed club fought over the standard and ended up producing two types. The first type was a sturdy dog with long ears and a round chest. He was larger and slower than his cousin. The second type was a smaller dog with a finer skeleton and short, high set ears. He was a galloper to his cousin’s trot.

The breed found itself facing near extinction in 1914 and during all of World War I. Dogs were not bred and many were not properly cared for. The breed became quite rare. Then as it began to recover, the Second World War intervened and devasted the breed again. By the end of the war, they were once again very rare and on the edge of extinction. It took a dedicated effort from local breeders to bring the breed back. By the 1950’s the two types of Braque Saint-Germain dogs were molded into only one breed. There remained a conflict between those that bred show dogs and those that bred hunting dogs.

Slowly the breed grew in number and in the late 1990’s there were over 100 puppies registered into the club every year. More than 100 were entered into the clubs in 2009. There have also been a few English Pointer crosses allowed to breed with the Braque Saint-Germains in order to grow and improve the gene pool. Still the breed is exceedingly rare outside of France. Through it all the breed has been able to maintain its place in confirmation and still be a versatile hunting dog.

nenets herding laikaThere is a large variety of Laika dogs as the word is almost a generic term for a type of Russian hunting dog. They are found in Northern Russia and Siberia and there are several recognized by the Federation Cynologique International including the East Siberian Laika, the Russian European Laika, and the West Siberian Laika. These Siberia Laika are crosses between the aboriginal dogs of Siberia and northern Russia. The word Laika means a barking dog and comes from the word meaning to bark. These laikas are working dogs, hunting pointers that were bred specifically for their barks.

All the dogs in this category are loyal and affectionate. They are hard workers and hunters/herders and sled dogs. Of the official Laika groups including the Nenets Herding Laika, there is the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Northeasterly Siberian Laika, the West Siberian Laika, The Russian European Laika, Eastern Siberian Laika. The Laika are wary of strangers, noisy and rowdy.

Nenets Herding Laika

The Laika breed known as the Nenets Herding Laika is also called the Reindeer Herding Laika. The breed is pretty ancient, developed by the Nentry tribe at about the same time that the nomads were developing the Samoyed. Like the Samoyed breed, the Nenets Herding Laika herded Reindeer. The artic breed originates from Russia and can be used for transportation and hauling as well.

While their temperament and history are very much the same as the Samoyed, they are recognized as separate breeds. However there are many aficionados of both breeds believe that the Samoyed and the Nenets Herding Laika are the same breed. For many the Samoyed are simply a white version of the Nenets Herding Laika.

The Nenets Herding Laika is also know as the Samoyed Laika, so you can see how close if not the same, these two breeds are. The Nenets Herding Laika was bred by the Nenet peoples. The Samoyed is all white while the Nenets is any variation of black, gray, piebald, red, white, sable and brown.

The dogs herd and guard reindeer, keeping the herd together and moving them from one pasture to another. They will also stay with a stray reindeer until they are found. They will do this whether they have food or water. They will bark to try to bring the people’s attention to the lost reindeer. They are also an excellent hunting and retrieving, swimming dog.

The Nenets are also known as Yurak Samoyeds and they are the largest group of Samoyedic peoples today. They live on both sides of Russian Ural Mountains in northern Russia and the Yamal Peninsula. They move large herds of reindeer to the winter lands south of the Artic Circle from the north – about 600-900 miles. It is believed that the Herding Laika originated with this group of people but spread beyond them. They were shipped to far northeast Siberia to be bred and shared with reindeer herding tribes there.

There is a longhaired or rough coated variety and a shorthaired variety. The Nenets consider the work routine of both varieties the same, but they believed that the shorthaired version was a more ancient than the longhaired version.

Description

braque saint germain puppy - descriptionThe Braque Saint-Germain is very much a pointer and yet is a very attractive dog. They have a medium build, drop ears and a long, level tail tapered at the end. They are really distinctive looking with an athletic, lean, muscled look. The skull is round and the muzzle is the same length as the skull. Their nose is pink , their lips cover their lower jaw and their eyes are golden, round and large. The ears are set high on the head and look like they are slightly detached. The neck is long, muscular and arched, while they have deep chest. They are well proportioned, good looking dogs with a friendly facial expression. Their coat is true to the pointing dog group as it is short, smooth and white with orange markings. Dogs of any other color might be great hunting dogs but are not show dogs and should not be bred

nenets herding laika puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog , muscular and strong. Slightly smaller than the Samoyed, the Nenets Laika weighs about 40-55 pounds and is 18 inches tall. The ears are typical Spitz ears and the tail is carried up over the back. The Nenets Herding Laika can have gray, piebald, black or tan coats and some can be solid white and look just like a Samoyed. The coat is a thick, double coat with the undercoat very wooly.

Characteristics

braque saint germain dog - characteristicsThe Braque Saint-Germain is a working dog and a show dog. They are energetic, competitive and driven. They are generally affectionate, loyal and love to cuddle with their people. They need human companionship companionship and can have severe separation anxiety when left by themselves. They love being a member of the family with children, but they are likely to knock very young children down unintentionally.

The Braque Saint-Germain is a loyal, gentle breed and some might even be shy. They are not guard dogs. They are much too friendly toward strangers. Even though they were bred to point and track small game, they can be socialized to be safe living with smaller pets such as cats. They are intelligent, fast learners who love to learn. They also love to work and work long hours without fatigue. They will love to be a jogging or cycling partner.

They do best with large yards, rural areas or in hunting packs. They are not small apartment, city dwellers. They do get along with strangers and other animals. They will warn of strangers, but they are not aggressive.

Children friendliness

nenets herding laika dog - characteristicsyes

Special talents

mushing

Adaptability

Adaptability not good in apartments or smaller spaces. Needs a fenced in yard.

Learning ability

High but stubborn and independent

Health Problems

braque saint germain puppies - health problemsThe breed has very few health issues even with all the cross breeding followed by inbreeding. Due to the small gene pool there might be some genetically inherited problems. Due to the size of the gene pool, they might suffer from “founder’s effect” where if one dog has a certain condition, their descendants could also. Not enough research has been done to know if this is the case with the Braque Saint-Germain of not.

Some of the potential health issues that the3 Braque Saint-Germain might face include:

  • Dysplasia of the hip and elbow.
  • Cleft Palate or Lip.
  • Ear Infections.
  • PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Demodex Mange/Demodectic mange
  • Epilepsy
  • Deafness
  • Aortic Stenosis
  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome

nenets herding laika puppies - health problemsFor the most part the Nenets Herding Laika is a healthy breed and very hardy. They do however have some propensities for some illnesses and conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus – can be treated with medication and is usual seen in middle age -after 7 years of age.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Slow loss of vision and this is a genetic disease – leads to blindness.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.
  • Skin diseases are possible – autoimmune disease the is idiopathic.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque saint germain dogs - caringThis is a working dog that can run and track for miles. She needs good nutrition. Feed about 3 cups per day in one or two meals. Two meals are preferred.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed might be susceptible to many genetic diseases or disorders but there have not been any studies to show this.

Exercise and games

The Braque Saint Germain does not need a high amount of exercise as their energy level is medium. They still need daily exercise. They do best with a fenced off leash area to run. They love frisbee and chasing balls.

Feeding the puppy

nenets herding laika dogs - caringBe careful that your pup doesn’t grow too fast. They are open to injuries if they grow too fast. Low calorie with protein and not a lot of fat. half a cup of high quality medium breed dog food 3X a day.

Feeding the adult

1 1/2 cups high quality medium breed dog food.

Points for Good Health

athletic and agile

Games and Exercises

At leaset a walk or two every day. Don’t get overheated as they are used to cold weather. Would be good at agility and herding exercise.

Comparison with other breeds

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