Huntaway vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison

Huntaway vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed ComparisonBraque Francais (Gascogne Type) is originated from France but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Both Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) and Huntaway are having almost same height. Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Huntaway. Both Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) and Huntaway has almost same life span. Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) may have more litter size than Huntaway. Both Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) and Huntaway requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
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France
New Zealand
Height Male:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 67 cm
22 - 27 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 69 kg
50 - 153 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Braque Francais de Grand Taille, Large French Pointer
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Chestnut brown with white markings - freckling
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
Short and dense
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

braque francais gascogne typeThe 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.

huntawayThe Huntaway or New Zealand Huntaway is a herding dog that originated in the New Zealand sheep country. Their main purpose is to drive sheep and they are not an old breed. They were developed late in the 19th century for their working skills. The only real criteria was that they were black and tan. A dog must win a trial in order to be placed in the New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association studbook. They drive sheep mainly through their deep, loud voice.

In the New Zealand high country there was a need for a working dog with stamina, agility and intelligence to work the sheep as a drover (herder). The dog had to be able to handle rough, steep land and work with very large groups of sheep. The sheer area of land that the sheep graze and the dog would have to cover, demanded that this dog have stamina and strength to cover large pasture land and work for days if necessary. Before this the shepherds had used British sheepdogs but they preferred dogs that barked while working. So they bred the British Sheepdogs with Collies, Border Collies, Labrador, Rottweiler, Doberman and other barking sheepdogs to create the Huntaway. In addition to the bark, they bred for stamina and size.

They were participating in field trails in 1870 and ads for them were seen in newspapers by 1884. They became a separate breed in the 20th century. Today they are spreading around the world and are becoming very popular. It is not recommended that they be kept as pets however, since they are true working dogs.

Description

Looks:

braque francais gascogne type puppy - descriptionThe 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.

huntaway puppy - descriptionThe Huntaway is a large dog with a deep chest and a black and tan coat. They are strong, big and muscular with voices to match. They herd, head, work the sheep in pastures and force them into pens. They are bred to have that big authoritative, deep bark. They do not yap. Their bodies are well proportioned but longer than high. They have well - padded feet and a deep chest for stamina, along with strong legs and body that allows them to run fast and change directions at will.

The tail of a Huntaway if long, while their heads are shaped like blocks while the muzzle is long and the nose is black. They have dark, round eyes and long ears. An unusually attractive dog, they have dense fur with fringe on the tail and chest. There is characteristics a very large variety in the in the way the breed looks from one dog to the next. Thus they do not participate in confirmation events, as the standard is based on working characteristics rather than appearance guidelines. They are more a “class” than a “breed”.

Characteristics

braque francais gascogne type dog - characteristicsThe 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.

Children friendliness

huntaway dog - characteristicsThey are very good with children and love to play with them.

Special talents

Stamina, speed and independence

Adaptability

Not really. Don’t do well in small spaces. Better off in the country.

Learning ability

Very intelligent, quick learner, loves learning new things.

Health Problems

braque francais gascogne type puppies - health problemsYou 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.

huntaway puppies - health problemsThe Huntaway is a pretty healthy breed, developed as it was from the sheepdogs and collies. They still face some inherited issues such as:

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis
  • Cancer of bone – life threatening
  • Ear Infections – long eared dogs are prone to infections
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA (MPS IIIA) – rare metabolic issue can cause neurological problems.
  • Dilated Caridomyopathy (DCM) – enlarged heart can cause heart failure

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

braque francais gascogne type dogs - caringBrushing 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.

Feeding the Puppy

huntaway dogs - caringIf you are not using your Huntaway to herd, then feed a medium formula not a high protein, high calorie formula. Feed 3-4 times a day and 1-2 cups.

Feeding the adult

3 cups per day feeding twice a day high quality medium calorie food.

Points for Good Health

Exceptional stamina

Games and Exercises

This herding breed has a great need of mental and physical stimulation. They were born to herd and to do so over vast tracts of land in challenging conditions. They need to be challenged. They need daily exercise at a very high level. A Run them every day or take them on a couple of long walks. They will excel in field trials, Barnhunt, agility and rescue. They love to learn.

Comparison with other breeds

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