Thai Bangkaew vs Briard - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Through myth and legend, the Briard is thought to be a very ancient dog. A French herding breed, a Briard type of dog appears in writings as early as the end of the 14th century. According to legends the Briard was owned by Napoleon, Charlemagne, Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron, the Briard came into popularity following its appearance in a Paris dog show in 1863. Bred originally to guard and herd sheep, these intelligent, independent dogs were often left on their own. Because they both guarded and herded, their size and structure as well as their personalities were different from other dogs that worked sheep. Those that herded only were fast, agile and smaller. Those that only guarded were heavier, bigger and stronger. The Briard was in-between these two types of breeds. He was well suited to any kind of farm work and guarded the crops from the sheep’s desire to eat them. They moved the sheep from one grazing area to another and then to their holding area at night. No humans had to assist the Briard in this work once they were trained.

During World War 1, the Briards were drafted into service as messengers, sentries and search dogs for lost or injured soldiers. In that time frame the breed served almost to the point of extinction. Breeding programs following the war brought them back. Today the Briard is a home companion, a police dog, as well as both military and civilian search and rescue dogs.

The Thai Bangkaew breed comes from a small village in the Bang Rakarn District of the Phitsanulok Province, in Thailand. The breed is named after that village of Bangkaew. A wild dog was crossed with a Buddhist abbot’s black and white female. Today’s Bangkew is the direct result of breeding only from the litters produced from these original two. Some believe the wild dog was a jackal that is now extinct. The breed is similar to a Spitz and is a good hunter and an intelligent family member. However they still maintain some of the wildness of the jackal.

The Thai Bangkaew was developed to be a guard dog and alert their owners of any strangers or dangers. By 1957 the dog we know today we being developed through selective breeding. They are not recognized today by the AKC. These facts have made it a very rare breed that is hard to find outside southeast Asia. They are great outdoor companions.

The Briard is a powerful, intelligent and independent working dog. They have a straight topline and their height is almost the same as their length. They have long, large, rectangular heads with wide muzzles. Their noses are also square and jet black while their side set, large eyes can be black-brown or black. Their ears have traditionally been cropped but with more countries outlawing it, they can now have natural ears set high on the head. They have a tail that is feathered and low-cut. The feet of a Briard are round, compact and large.

The Briard is a double coated breed with a long beard and mustache. Their hair completely covers the head and the eyes so that they are not seen. They have prominent eyebrows as well.

A compact and square dog, the Thai Bangkaew is a well proportioned breed with a gait that is smooth. They have a deep, wide chest with muscular and strong neck. The head is also square, the ears pointed and the eyes brown and average size. They have a double coat and a longer, thicker ruff. Their chest and back also have a ruff like a lion. The tail is plumed and carried up high and curves over the dog’s back. Their coat is water-repellent.

As mentioned previously the Briard is intelligent and independent. They are also loyal, rugged, protective and bond intensely with their humans. They are often aloof when it comes to strangers or even when new furniture is introduced into the household. They have to learn that anything new into the family environment is friendly and good. They are great with children and susceptible to separation anxiety because of their deep affection for their people. Socialization for puppies is a must. This will let them know that people and children, other dogs in general are not harmful to their families. They have great memories and once they learn something – right or wrong – it is almost impossible to change it. They were bred to be independent thinkers who acted on their own conclusions. This is still true of the breed today, making them appear to be stubborn.

They are great watchdogs, fearless and brave; willing to learn, eager to make you happy. They are basically gentle but that always runs up against their protective nature. A strong alpha leader is needed to handle this hard-working dog.

1.Children friendliness – yes with early and proper socialization be watchful with small children

2.Special talents tenacity, climber

3.Adaptability – needs exercise, not a great apartment dog

4.Learning ability – high but independent and stubborn

Being a large breed, the Briard shares many of the same health concerns as other large breeds. They have a few of their own as well. Typical issues for a Briard might include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – bones don’t fit into joints.

Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration –degeneration of the photoreceptors and retina.

Hypothyroidism – disorder of the thyroid.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists.

Cancer – Number 1 killer of all dogs.

Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder.

This is a very healthy breed with a relatively clean genentic pool. The dogs tend to be healthy. They have no congenital health issues. However they do contract some normal canine issues.

Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Luxating Patella – slipped kneecap – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Cryptorchidism – absence of testicles – dog is sterile.

Chronic ear infections

Eye Diseases

Feeding

It is best to feed the Briard smaller meals 2-3 times a day to prevent bloat. Feed 3-4 cups total for the day of a dry dog food that is high quality and made for large breeds.

Health issues

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause painful arthritis and lameness

Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark can vary from slight difficulty moving to complete inability to see in the dark.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration – Can lead to night blindness, limited or total blindness. Puppies with the disease can be blind before their first birthday.

Hypothyroidism – disorder of the thyroid.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists. Fatal if not treated quickly. Caused by eating a large meal quickly and either exercise immediately or drink a large amount of water right after eating.

Cancer – Number 1 killer of all dogs. Various types.

Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder leads to excessive bleeding. There is no cure, but it is manageable.

Exercise and games

The Briard is a working dog and as such needs a job. They excel at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, confirmation and tracking. They need exercise and make excellent service dogs for people with disabilities and therapy dogs for those in emotional need.

. Feeding the puppy Feed a high quality high protein puppy food for medium sized dog. Feed 2 cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality high protein adult food for medium sized dog. Feed 2.5 cups in 2 meals per day

3.Points for Good Health general good health

4. Games and Exercises they need daily exercise and they love to swim. He loves to dig and is a climber as well. Good at herding, barnchase.