Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonBoth Berger Picard and Briquet Griffon Vendeen are originated from France. Berger Picard may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Berger Picard may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Both Berger Picard and Briquet Griffon Vendeen has same life span. Berger Picard may have more litter size than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Berger Picard requires Low Maintenance. But Briquet Griffon Vendeen requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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France
France
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
22 - 24 kg
48 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Medium Vendéen Griffon
Colors Available:
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
white and orange, tricolor, White and black, black and tan
Coat:
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
double
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

berger picardIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

briquet griffon vendeenThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen, a product of France is a hunting down bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen. The two dogs are descendants of the Gaul’s Canis sequsius and the Gris de St. Louis hounds. They are one of four dogs with rough coats from the Vendeen area along France’s west coast. Many of these lines were decimated by the Second World War and are still not found in France today.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen survived the war due to a French dog show judge named Hubert Dezamy, who restored the breed and it is mainly a show dog today. Many of Frances royalty prior to the French Revolution favored the breed as show dogs as well. The Briquet was originally developed for hunting of smaller game and is a scent hound. The larger Grand Griffon Vendeen was used in the hunt for large game, namely wolves and boar.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is recognized by the UKC and the FCI but not by the AKC and the breed is hardly known outside of France

Description

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

briquet griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionThis medium sized dog is stocky and well proportioned. He looks very much like the Grand Griffon Vendeen only smaller. It is less muscular than other hound dogs and it holds its tail up when working. The head is short with a medium/long muzzle. It has low set ears and a flat skull with large, dark eyes and pronounced eyebrows. It also has a mustache.

Characteristics

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

briquet griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a smart, attentive and sensitive dog. It is easy to train. They are loyal and bond quickly with their owner/trainer. These are enthusiastic dogs with a lot of stamina and get along with dogs and children. They don’t like to be told what to do. They respond well if you bribe them with treats or play with them. They are patient, extroverted and happy dogs.

Health Problems

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

briquet griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThey are bred to be healthy and hardy, but still have some health concerns. These include:

Aseptic Meningitis

This is a frightening disease if you find your dog has it. It is characterized by a high fever and an intense hypersensitivity to touch. Aseptic Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused by an infection and the most common ones include:

Ear infections

Sinus infection

Bite wounds – infected

Severe Allergic Reaction to something – may take medication

Ear Infections – long droopy ears can get infected

Deafness – white dog can be born deaf

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – bone doesn’t fit well into joint

Patellar luxation – dislocated knee cap

Glaucoma- Increased pressure in the eyes

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy - Seizures

Caring The Pet

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

Feeding

briquet griffon vendeen dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Give her at least 2 meals of high quality dry food – two and one half to three cups daily.

Health issues

Aseptic Meningitis can result in death.

Ear Infections can cause meningitis

Deafness – born with this

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – lameness, arthritis

Patellar luxation - lameness

Glaucoma - blindness

Eye Issues -blindness

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy – could be fatal

Exercise and games

Every type of Griffon is a strong hunter and has strong instincts. The Briquet is no different. They need to be able to hunt as this is one of the strongest of scent hounds. They need a fenced in yard at the very least to explore and smell. They also enjoy long walks with new smells. Stay in shape because your Briquet Griffon Vendeen has stamina to share.

They love to play in leu of hunting. The games they love include frisbee, retrieving balls, and learning new tricks. They need mental stimulation as well as physical.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Berger Picard vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Berger Picard vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Berger Picard vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Berger Picard vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Berger Picard vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Berger Picard vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  16. Berger Picard vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Berger Picard vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  26. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Briquet Griffon Vendeen vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison