Double-Nosed Andean Tiger Hound vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison

The Braques Français – Gascogne – is a hunting dog from southern France’s Gascony region. Known also as the French Gascony Pointer, this dog has descended from Spanish and Italian Pointers. The dog was saved from extinction at the turn of the 20th century.

There are actually two breeds of Braque français, with the other being somewhat smaller and known as Braque français, type Pyrénées. Whichever one you have, they are popular hunting dogs in France. The first breed club was established in 1850.

This is truly a rare breed of dog with his double nose. He hails from Bolivia.

Twentieth century reports of this rare feature include one report of a certain Percy Fawcett in 1913 already. This report received wide press coverage in 2006. There were photographs of this unique dog breed and they were distributed in the leading press outlets, with some people thinking that this was just a genetic abnormality.

However it soon proved that this wasn’t an abnormality but part of the breeds unique features, and these dogs can be seen around Bolivia and Trinidad.

It is believed that this dog is descended from the Pachon Navarro, a type of Pointer dog believed to have been brought to Central- and South America in the 16th century. Today, no kennel club recognizes the dog.

Looks:

The Braque Francais is a dog which looks much like the German Short-haired Pointer. The Braque Francais (Gascogne) is a large breed dog, standing roughly 56 – 69cm. Weight is most times dependent on height, but the average weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. The dog is attractively lean and muscular and the tails have always been docked, although rules and regulations see the breed with a long tail these days. The natural tail of the Braque Francais is medium length. The eyes of this breed are brown or yellow and the ears are medium in length and floppy. The coat of the Gascogne is short and dense and in two colors – white and chestnut patching and mottling.

Temperament:

The dog is a keen tracker and is an excellent game and gun dog with some of them requiring more training than others. Training and socialization makes the Braque Francais an excellent, obedient pet who is eager to please and he is considered to be easily trainable, learning quickly. He loves his human family and is noted for his gentle, friendly nature, and he therefore makes and excellent family pet where there are children and other pets.

The Double-nosed Andean Tiger Hound is a medium to large sized pure bred dog known specifically for this unique feature – the double nostril divided by a skin and fur band.

He stands at roughly 48 – 60cm and weighs 20 – 29kg. The dog has floppy ears or semi-erect ears with short limbs and a long tail.The coat of the dog is short and silky and it can be brown and white or black, grey and white or he can be a mixture of several of these colors.

Temperament:

Even though the dog’s name - Andean Tiger Hound - might make people think it is similar in character to a tiger, it is actually a sweet natured dog with a gentle nature that loves being close to its human family.

It lives peacefully with children and pets in the home. It is a brave, alert dog who makes a good watchdog. He is an energetic dog and will require regular exercise such as long walks. As with all dogs he can benefit with training and socialization and being an intelligent breed, he is actually easy to train.

The attractive Braque Francais is a calm, contented dog who is also affectionate, social and intelligent. He is already a well mannered dog but will do even better with training and socialization. However, Braque Francais don’t take well to aggressive training and done the wrong way, the dog can end up being timid and confused.

Wanting to please and being an intelligent dog, training should be fun, lighthearted but firm. In exchange you’re going to have an awesome friend from this wonderful, loving dog breed.

This medium sized dog with the double nose is unusual in that respect, but he is no different from most other dogs when it comes to making a wonderful pet.

Loving, loyal, gentle, easy to please, amicable and intelligent, the Double Nosed Andean Tiger Hound guarantees to make you an excellent pet as he has so many of the desired characteristics of a good friend.

You won’t find many health issues with this active breed but nonetheless hip and joint issues will need to be watched. If you are considering a Braque Français puppy, you’ll want to be selective in choosing a responsible breeder. A healthy puppy with the right environment, can get to up to 15 years of age.

Ectropion and entropion in dogs affect their eyelids. Ectropion is where the eyelids roll outward, whereas entropion is where the eyelids curve inward, irritating the eye. Because visual and skeletal problems occur in this breed, it can be recommended that owners have their pets tested by both the Canine Eye Registration Foundation as well as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The Double nosed Andean Tiger Hound, with good care, can reach 12 to 15 years of age.

Every dog has common dog ailments to contend with and some of these your dog might be susceptible to are -

Arthritis:

Atypical disease to look out for as your dog grows older. It can be heartbreaking to watch your bet battling to walk and battling to get up from lying down.

Cancer:

This is a disease with dogs that accounts for almost 50% of deaths in pets. It is a killer and you want to be looking out for drastic weight loss and lumps and get your pet to the vet.

Kennel Cough:

This is a respiratory infection and it can be easily be passed from one dog to the next. Your dog will have a raspy cough and will be lethargic too.

Worms:

This can cause weight loss in your pet and he can also have a swollen stomach and be lethargic.

Allergies:

Anything can cause your dog to have an allergy, whether it is fleas or ticks or even food. Common allergies can be treated by changing some of the things you believe could be aggravating your pet.

Remember that a healthy, balanced diet and good exercise are important for keeping your pet healthy and ensuring longevity.

Grooming:

Brushing the coat twice a week will get rid of loose hairs and maintain the sheen of the coat. Also, as a floppy eared breed, attention should be given to the ears to prevent infections. He will also need to have his teeth brushed with dog toothpaste and brush to prevent the build-up of damaging plaque and his nails will also require a clipping if they don’t manage to wear down naturally.

Exercise:

Daily activity will be needed for this dog and he will want a walk every day. He certainly isn’t a dog you can leave indoors or outside in your backyard day after day. Any activities that require physical exertion will be good because they are exceptional athletes. If you are a cyclist or a runner, take him with you – he’ll love it.

Diet:

Your Braque Francais loves energetic activities and for this he will require an excellent nutrient-rich diet. Nutrient-rich dog foods are higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates. It’s important to check out the carbohydrate content in commercial dog foods to avoid those one high in carbohydrates.

Your vet can always advise you on a good quality food and you can always give him your own home-prepared foods which include rice, vegetables and meat. Certainly include some raw meat into his diet every now and then to avoid skin problems. Fresh, cool water must be available to him night and day.

Diet:

Feed your pet a quality diet – either from the top-range commercially manufactured foods or home-made food such as cooked rice, vegetables and chicken.

Steer well clear of over-feeding your pet as this can negatively affect your pet’s health in many ways.

Warm, Dry Living Environment:

Ensure your pet is always sheltered from the weather and that he has both sun and shade.

Exercise:

Your Double Nosed Andean Tiger Hound is an energetic dog and you want to walk him and make sure that he gets regular exercise to keep fit, lean and healthy.

Be Involved with the Pet:

Dogs are social creatures and to stick him in your back yard without any interaction with you is enough to make him ill and to take all the spirit out of him. Rather don’t get a pet.