Pandikona vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

The 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.

The Pandikona hails from the village of Pandikona, India, but is in danger of becoming extinct. They have always been well adapted to the harsh conditions of the Kurnool district in India, and they are considered to be a primitive-type dog breed.

It has always been a territorial dog that has been used to guard villages and today it’s a dog which isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs. It is essentially a companion dog today.

The 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.

The Pandikona is a medium sized sighthound which stands at between 48 and 66cm in height and weighs in the region of 30 – 40kg. They are actually slightly built dogs, although the Pandikona can come in a variety of sizes as there is no selective breeding.

The breed’s coat is essentially short-haired and smooth with colors varying from solid fawn, white to black with white patches. Brindle is also sometimes seen. They are slim, muscular dogs with erect ears and a long tail that most times curves upwards.

Temperament:

These intelligent and very independent dogs are found roaming around Indian villages and guarding their owner’s property. They are territorial dogs, they are fearless too and make excellent guard dogs. They get on well with children as well as with pets, and with training they become loyal and faithful companions.

This 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.

The Pandikona may well be a primitive-type hunting dog from India but he is robust and low maintenance, and capable of making a splendid pet. That is one huge tick in his favor already.

He is an active dog who likes to be kept busy but that doesn’t mean he is too busy to give his human family his loyalty and companionship. Easy to keep, the Pandikona promises to make you the most fantastic pet and friend.

The 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).

Dogs are totally dependent on us for their care, and it is our responsibility to keep our eyes on them to ensure they are happy and healthy. It can be to you and your pet’s benefit to know some of the most common health problems that dogs face.

The Pandikona dogs are super hardy – used to roughing it - and they’re not going to require much veterinary care. Even though this is such a hardy dog, you can never tell if a sudden canine illness strikes your pet. Sometimes it will be necessary to get your pet to the vet to be examined and to receive medication.

Ear Infections:

This is very common in dogs and an ear infection can be triggered by dirt and wax in the ear, allergies and ear mites or something else. Your dog will be scratching at his ear, shaking his head, there will be redness and possibly discharge and a nasty odor. Don’t hesitate to take your pet to the vet.

Worms:

Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are horrible parasites that can cause a whole lot of unpleasant symptoms in your dog. He could have a cough, a dull, listless coat, diarrhea, a lack of appetite and weight loss. Treatment from the vet will depend on the type of worm that has infested your pet.

Feeding

This 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.

Exercise:

There isn’t much information on the Pandikona but they have always spent their time roaming free around Indian villages. They’re used to having a lot of space to run and won’t do well in cramped spaces in the city. He wants to be busy and will certainly require you taking him on walks or allowing him to run free in a park. Ball games will also be appreciated as he loves lots of activity.

Diet:

Food is so very important to the health of dogs. As pets, the Pandikona deserves to have nutritious food which has all the right vitamins and minerals.

These days the best commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice for your pet and you choose these foods by reading the labels on the packaging and going according to the dog’s size, his activity levels and his age.

Dogs thrive on homemade food, especially when its simple and nutritious. Boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots all chopped up and added into his kibble from time to time can only do him good. Some raw meat added in occasionally can also be immensely beneficial. Make sure he has always got a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Check your Pandikona over from time to time. Check inside his ears for redness and signs of infection and check his eyes too. Brush him at least twice a week to get rid of dust and loose hairs. Trim his nails too and check inside his mouth for bad teeth.

Never ever leave him in a hot car or outside without shade and water. Make sure he has a nice dry comfortable place to sleep. He gives you unconditional love and companionship, and in exchange for this you want him to be well provided for.