Sussex Spaniel vs Briard - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Sussex Spaniel vs Briard - Breed ComparisonBriard is originated from France but Sussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Briard may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than Sussex Spaniel. Briard may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Sussex Spaniel. Briard may live 3 years less than Sussex Spaniel. Both Briard and Sussex Spaniel has almost same litter size. Briard requires High Maintenance. But Sussex Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
undefined
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Height Female:
58 - 65 cm
22 - 26 inches
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 40 kg
66 - 89 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Berger de Brie Berger Briard
The Sussex
Colors Available:
Uniform black, fawn, grey or blue.
Golden liver
Coat:
Double, wavy, long, fine
Quite long, thick, silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

briardThrough 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.

sussex spanielThe Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

Description

briard puppy - descriptionThe 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.

sussex spaniel puppy - descriptionWith his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

Characteristics

briard dog - characteristicsAs 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.

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

sussex spaniel dog - characteristicsHe is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

Health Problems

briard puppies - health problemsBeing 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.

sussex spaniel puppies - health problemsYour Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

briard dogs - caringIt 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.

Grooming:

sussex spaniel dogs - caringBecause of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.

Comparison with other breeds

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