Irish Mastiff Hound vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison

Irish Mastiff Hound vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed ComparisonGriffon Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Irish Mastiff Hound is originated from United States. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may grow 34 cm / 13 inches shorter than Irish Mastiff Hound. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 47 kg / 103 pounds lesser than Irish Mastiff Hound. Both Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Irish Mastiff Hound has same life span. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne may have less litter size than Irish Mastiff Hound. Both Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and Irish Mastiff Hound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Companion dog
undefined
France
United States
Height Male:
48 - 57 cm
18 - 23 inches
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
Height Female:
48 - 57 cm
18 - 23 inches
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
5 - 12
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
Blue Gascony Griffon
Irish Mastiff
Colors Available:
Mottle white, black and grey
grey, Brown, tan or black, white
Coat:
Longish and wiry
Short and smooth or long and wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

griffon bleu de gascogneThe Griffon Bleu de Gascogne dog hails from France and is descended from crosses between the Bleu de Gascogne as well as the Griffon Nivernais. Dog experts tell us that the Grand Griffon Vendeen is also part of the mix.

Raised as working dogs, with his good nose and alertness, he has always been used as a single hunting dog or being used as part of a pack.

It was in 1920 that the first Griffon Bleu de Gascogne breed standard was written in France, and over the decades, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks except that it is slightly taller.

This is a rare breed not much seen outside of France, but breeding attempts have taken it from ‘close to extinction’ to a popular pet today.The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991.

irish mastiff houndThe Irish Mastiff Hound is a huge dog – a mix of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.

Both of these dogs have been around for a long time and actually have ancient histories. The Mastiff for instance has origins that date back to ancient times in China, while the Irish Wolfhound has origins that date far back to 391 AD.

Today this dog is regarded as an excellent companion for any home.

Description

griffon bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThis is a medium to large sized scenthound. He stands at anything between 48 to 57cms and weighs between 16 and 27kg.

He has a long, wiry type of coat which is usually a mottled white and black, taking on a blue hue look. There are tan marking above the eyes and around the muzzle. The ears of the dog are long and floppy, he has that typical soulful look in his brown eyes and the tail is long with a curve at the point.

Temperament:

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is an intelligent dog breed, capable of learning quickly and therefore will do well with training and socialization.

This popular docile dog gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. He is alert and energetic but is known to be a loyal and loving dog, being good with children, particularly those he grew up with.

The dog isn't particularly well suited to city life simply because of his high energy. He will require a good deal of exercise, so essentially he needs a home with a fair sized garden. He will want to join you on your walks. Walks provide your pet with stimulation and are good for socializing a dog too.

irish mastiff hound puppy - descriptionThis is a large crossbreed which can stand at 85 to 91 cm in height and weigh in the region of 47kg to 74kg.

He essentially has the short, smooth coat of the Mastiff but other dogs may well inherit the longer, more wiry coat of the Wolfhound. Coloring of the coat can be quite varied and can be brown, grey, white, tan or black. Some dogs take more after the Mastiff while others have more Wolfhound characteristics. They have a large head, some have a somewhat wrinkly face because of the Mastiff side, the ears are fairly small and floppy and the tail is long.

Temperament:

Even though they're so huge, these are easy going dogs that are able to fit in well with most human families. Described as gentle giants, they are loving, loyal, easy-going, even-tempered and eager to please.

The Irish Mastiff does well in the city or in the country because he isn't particularly active and will be happy to have a comfortable spot to lie close to you, however with such a large dog, you will certainly need a garden.

Characteristics

griffon bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsYour Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is such a popular pet in France and Spain simply because he is so amicable, getting on well with everyone in the home.

He is everything that a pet lover wants – loving, protective, friendly and companionable. They get on well with other pets too and they’re easy to train, becoming super obedient. Add to that the fact that he isn’t a sickly dog and is also fairly low maintenance.

This dog has all it takes to make him the most splendid pet.

irish mastiff hound dog - characteristicsYour big Irish Mastiff Hound is cool, confident and calm. He isn't particularly energetic and as long as he gets a nice walk as well as some mental stimulation, he'll be happy, wanting to spend a good part of the day lying close to where you are.

Socialization and training will be good for him and he learns easily. He is just a big gentle giant who promises to make you a wonderful canine friend.

Health Problems

griffon bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsAs a healthy dog breed, your Griffon Bleu de Gascogne isn't likely to cost you much at the vet. Nonetheless there are some common dog ailments that you need to be aware of.

Some dog owners, when buying a Griffon puppy, want to see health clearance certificates to show that the parents of the puppy are free from the like of certain diseases such as hip dysplasia and von Willebrand's disease.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a condition where your dogs thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your puppy can develop this condition from 4 months of age already.

With some dogs you can see the pain, and they may even become lame in one or both back legs. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but environmental factors such as an injury or the wrong diet can contribute towards your pet succumbing to hip dysplasia.

Skin Allergies:

A skin allergy can make your pet totally miserable as they lick and scratch with discomfort, pain and irritation. All the scratching and licking can cause secondary infections and your pet can even lose his hair.

Atopic Dermatitis is when your dog is allergic to things like dust or pollen. Some people look at homeopathic treatments for dogs and are pleased with the results. The thing is you need to get help for your pet as it can cause your pet endless misery.

irish mastiff hound puppies - health problemsMany people find giant dogs irresistible because they're usually gentle, patient and loving. However, it is their very size which makes them more prone to certain health concerns and gives them a shorter lifespan.

It is why it is so important to ensure you feed your pet a healthy diet to ward off illness. A large dog like the Irish Mastiff doesn't have a particularly long lifespan, and with good care he can get to 9, 10, 11, 12 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is more common in large dogs and it can lead to joint degeneration, arthritis and pain. Your pet may even be reluctant to get up and greet you when you come home which can be very sad. Vet intervention will certainly be required.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This heart disease is commonly seen in large dog breeds where the heart becomes weak so that it can't pump blood throughout the body. Coughing, difficulty with breathing, weakness and lethargy are just some of the symptoms of this disease and will also require veterinary intervention.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

griffon bleu de gascogne dogs - caringThe Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a rough, shaggy, fairly long coated dog and is an average shedder. He will therefore require regular brushing to get rid of grass and burrs that cling to the hair, causing it to matt and tangle.It's always a good chance for you to check him over for ticks and fleas too.

He has floppy ears, so these will require cleaning to prevent infections. Check his nails too and trim them as needed. Take him to the vet for this if you're not sure how or you don't have the correct grooming tools.

Sleeping Area:

Just like his human family, a dog needs to have his own sleeping spot – a place which is warm and dry and which he can retreat too. It is a good idea to train your dog to sleep in his own place where there are some warm blankets which are clean and comfortable for him.

Diet:

You chose to bring a dog into your home, and it is therefore your responsibility to see that he is looked after well.

To keep him healthy, he will require high-quality kibble twice a day. How much your Griffon eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Follow the feeding directions carefully on the packaging to ensure you keep him in good shape.

Remove the boredom of the same food every day by adding in some raw meat as well as cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat. This will keep him alert, healthy and his coat shiny. Fresh, cool water should be constantly available.

Grooming:

irish mastiff hound dogs - caringHe has a short coat, and grooming of this laid-back dog will include brushing him twice a week, trimming his nails and making sure that you check inside his ears for ear infection.

Diet:

Large dogs have special nutritional needs, particularly because they are more prone to illnesses such as hip dysplasia. You want to make sure that the foods he eats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and antioxidants because these will ensure proper joint health.

You've got to be careful what you feed a large breed dog because of the weight management issue too. Excess weight puts stress on the joints and promotes the development of osteoarthritis. Speak to your vet about portion control and meat protein for your pet and how to ensure excellent nutrition to avoid common dog illnesses.

Fresh, cool water needs to be available to your pet every minute of the night and day.

Comparison with other breeds

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