Irish Bull Terrier vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

The Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is one of three Grand Anglo-Français breeds. The dogs comes from crossing French scenting hounds with English Foxhounds way back in the 19th century.

The sporting dog is rare, believing to be be pretty much confined to their country of origin – France. It is recognized in France by the French Kennel Club and also internationally by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Since 2006, they have been recognized by the UKC and are thought to be kept essentially as a working dog as opposed to being kept as a companion dog.

The Irish Bull Terrier is a variant of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and is also known as the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrie.

The dog isn’t particularly well known outside of Ireland and it is also unrecognized by any kennel clubs, although there are some dog organizations which recognize the Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier and this includes the Dog Registry of America as well as the United National Kennel Club.

Although descended from the Irish Bulldog and the original Staffordshire Pit Terrier, the breed has also been influenced by other dog breeds such as the English White Terrier among others.

The lean, muscular Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is a large, powerful dog standing at 60 – 70cm at the withers and weighing 30 to 36 kg.

He has a short, broad head with a broad, flat skull. He has long legs, a long tail and long, floppy ears. His coat is white with orange markings. These dogs are instinctive hunters with a superb sense of smell and the ability to track their prey for miles.

Temperament:

Sociable, independent, loving and loyal, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange can become attached to his owner. He doesn't want to be left alone for long periods of time, becoming bored and destructive.

Training and socialization is excellent for your dog, making him obedient and also more relaxed when you're not there.While he is patient and good with children, if you're looking for a playful pet, this dog wouldn't come as recommended for children, as his heart longs to just be outside on the hunt.

Bred essentially for dog fighting, the Irish Bull Terrier, known also as the Irish Staffie, is a medium sized dog which stands at roughly 43 to 48cm and weighs in at anything from 14kg to 18kg.

The dog is muscular, lean and strong with a strong jaw, deep chest, a broad head, short muzzle with round, brown eyes. The ears are half-erect and he has a long, straight tail. The coat of the dog is short and smooth and in different shades of red, fawn, black and brindle. Sometimes there are white markings.

Temperament:

The Irish Staffie has an aggressive temperament when it comes to fighting other dogs, but he loves being with a human family, being a social dog.

Those who have owned the dog say he is a courageous, confident, strong-willed, affectionate, loyal pet who is playful and loves getting up to mischief. He is intelligent too and can be easily trained and socialized, getting on well with children in the home.

This dog seems to have a constant grin on his face and he just loves life. He loves working hard and playing hard and even though he has a history of fighting, with people he is loving and devoted.

He is boisterous and better suited to a strong-minded, active family as he tends to be stubborn, wanting his own way. He can adapt well to life in the city or the country, but wherever he lives, he will require his owners to give him a good amount of exercise.

The Grand Anglo – Francais et Orange has always been a pack dog and used to being social. He will get on well with his entire human family as well as with any other pets in the home.

The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange is a loyal dog, and when trained he becomes an excellent companion. He is patient with children, but doesn't make a particularly great playmate as he has a more serious personality.

The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange is a dog that has been specifically developed to hunt, so ensure that he gets a good amount of exercise. While he is essentially a dog that loves working in a pack, he can still make his human family a loving and devoted pet.

Lots of contact from his human family is what your Irish Bull Terrier will want from you. He is a loving, social dog and close human contact as well as lots of good food and exercise is what he will require from you.

With training and socialization he becomes an awesomely obedient pet, getting on well with adults and children in the home. He is such an entertaining, happy dog and once you've had an Irish Bull Terrier you will find your home empty without one.

Capable of reaching 10 to 12 years in age, you won't really find any particular health issues with this dog. He is a fairly healthy dog and will be able to reach a good age with good nutrition, exercise, love and care.

Because of the long, floppy ears, you want to be checking inside the ears. As a hunting scentdog, he will chase his prey through water if needs be, and damp ears can encourage bacteria.

Ear infections are common in most dogs, and you'll notice your pet scratching and rubbing at his ear and even shaking his head. You may also notice swelling or redness. Veterinary intervention will be necessary.

If your dog's ear infection has cleared up, you can maintain the health of the ear by cleaning them with a gentle cleanser and cotton wool. There is always caution when cleaning a dog’s ear, and rupturing the ear drum is one. Be careful, and if you're not sure, rather make an appointment with your vet to have his ears cleaned.

Looked after well, your Irish Bull Terrier can reach 14, 15 or 16 years of age. Just like with other dogs, he is prone to some common dog illnesses, of which eye illnesses can be one.

Glaucoma:

Production and drainage of fluid is supposed to be balanced in the eye, and Glaucoma comes about when this balance is disrupted. Symptoms include red eye, pain, increased tear production and corneal cloudiness. Your vet may recommend treatment that will decrease inflammation in the eye.

Cataracts:

The lens of the eye is usually clear but sometimes it develops a cloudy cataract which blocks light from reaching the back of the eye. The result is poor vision and even blindness. Cataract surgery is available for dogs and your vet can advise you further.

Exercise:

As a scenthound, your Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange loves being outdoors and following a scent trail. These dogs therefore are better suited to life in the countryside as opposed to life in the city. Make sure you provide him with plenty of exercise – walks, swimming and running with you when you go cycling or jogging. Include ball- and rope games too.

Grooming:

Your orange and white scent dog will thrive on you taking time out for him to brush his short coat twice a week and to also check for fleas and ticks at the same time.

Diet:

Looking forward to his food, your energetic Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange will require a high quality commercially manufactured food. Make sure that you buy the best brands to ensure your pet gets his vitamins and minerals in instead of just a lot of fillers, colorants and preservatives.

Many dog owners prefer giving their dogs several smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to one or two large meals. With his dry kibble you can add in some raw meat from time to time as well as cooked brown rice, cooked chicken and vegetables. See that he has access to a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

An Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier isn't going to require you spending a lot of money on him in terms of grooming. He is a low maintenance dog and his short, smooth coat will only require a good brush once or twice a week as he isn't a heavy shedder.

Brushing him has several advantages – he loves the attention you’re giving him, its a time to check on fleas and ticks and it is excellent conditioning therapy for his coat. A damp cloth can also be used to wipe him down, and this is far better than bathing him with a shampoo that could aggravate his skin.

Exercise:

Your Irish Bull Terrier is an energetic breed and he certainly won't do well in a home where the family leaves him to his own devices day after day in the back yard.

Social and energetic, your pet will want to join you with your daily walks and he finds a ball irresistible. As a responsible dog owner, you will need to see that he gets a fair quota of exercise otherwise you should rather settle for a less active breed.

Diet:

It goes without saying that such an active dog will require a good diet so ensure he can remain happy and active. Always try and feed your pet the best quality food there is.

If its commercially manufactured food, make sure its high quality and isn’t packed with unwholesome fillers and preservatives. Your vet can always offer sound advice on this aspect.

Some homemade food such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables added to his kibble will do him the world of good and if you can afford it, mix in some raw meat from time to time. Make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.