Huntaway vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

Huntaway vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed ComparisonBraque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France but Huntaway is originated from New Zealand. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Huntaway. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Huntaway. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Huntaway has almost same life span. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may have more litter size than Huntaway. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Huntaway requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
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France
New Zealand
Height Male:
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
25 - 46 kg
55 - 102 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
20 - 35 kg
44 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
New Zealand Huntaway, New Zealand Sheepdog
Colors Available:
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
commonly black and tan, tricolour, variable
Coat:
fine and short
smooth or rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
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 pyrenean typeThe Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees are two alike dogs that are in reality separate breeds. The Pyrenees is not as rare as his larger brother, Gascognes. Around since the 15th century at least, not mush is really known about their origins. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of information regarding the origins of the breeds were lost. There was a major study done in the 19th century that showed the two dogs came from very different blood lines. It is known that in this timeframe there was an acute need for a dog that was better than the current hunting breeds. This dog needed to be able to point, track, retrieve and flush.

With no authenticated story of origin, many myths have grown up in the vacuum. The most common belief is that the Chien d’Oysel, an ancient spaniel breed that was medium sized with brown or white fur and brown markings, is an ancestor of the Braque Francais and local hunting dogs. To make the Gascognes larger and stronger than the Pyrenees, local scent hounds were also crossed with these dogs. The Pyrenees does not have these scent hounds in their background.

Until the late 1800’s, there was only one type and one breed of Braque Francais. But when the breed was no longer the dogs of a nobility, the average hunter needed a smaller dog. Urbanization following the French Revolution added to this trend and the Pyrenees Mountain hunters crossed the Gascognes with smaller scent hounds and pointers. Thus, they created the Braque Francais Pyrenees and each dog became its own breed in 1920.

The Braque Francais breed club, including standards for both breeds was established in 1850 with the standards established in 1880. This acceptance was then followed by registration of both breeds in the International Kennel Club (FCI) and the French Kennel Club. Canada recognizes only the Gascoigne and the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States, recognized both. Neither breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Second World War was brutal to both types of the Braque Francais, but the Pyrenees have surpassed their sister breed and are the only one that has found its way to North America. The importers have started a breeding program in Canada. Later a few were imported to the States. There are currently at least four breeders in North America – 2 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. It is thought that there are less than 200 Braque Francais Pyrenees living in North America.

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

braque francais pyrenean type puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais breeds are medium sized dogs with the Pyrenean standing 10 centimeters shorter than the Gascogne. They have a, white or chestnut brown coat with brown spots and a brown head. The Pyrenees has a head that is broader and ears that are not as long as the Gascogne. Their muzzle is narrower. He is strong, tall with hanging lips and square muzzles.

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 pyrenean type dog - characteristicsThis is a sociable, lovable, friendly breed. They are gentle and docile dogs that want only to please you. They like children as well as adults and will never be a guard dog as they are friendly to strangers as well. The Braque Francais Pyrenees is affectionate while being highly skilled hunters. They are prone to severe separation anxiety if left alone for long. They might even have a tendency toward shyness.

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 pyrenean type puppies - health problemsThe breed of Braque Francais in both its incarnations is generally a pretty healthy dog. They are prone to several issues including dysplasia of the elbow and hip, aortic stenosis, some eye issues and patellar luxation. The eye issues are around the lids and include ectropion and entropion along with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These issues are not avoidable, but the risk can be reduced even more by breeder testing of parents of any litter and then test the litter. Both the OFA and CERF should conduct tests for the dysplasia (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and eyes (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

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

Feeding

braque francais pyrenean type dogs - caringThis breed need a high energy food including raw meat such as chicken, fish, and beef. If feeding kibble, they need about 2.5 cups per day.

Health issues

Prone to inflammation and infections of the ears as they are long and floppy. Clean them regularly. As previously mention eye disorders, joint dysplasia and bloat.

Exercise and games

The Braque Francais Pyrenees is a fairly versatile hunting dog. They can hunt on all types of terrain by trailing, flushing and retrieving. They are quick and move quickly without actually sprinting. This dog needs serious exercise every day. They will walk or jog with you. They will run along side your bike. Whatever you choose to do, do it for an hour a day. Don’t make couch potatoes out of this breed. It will not turn out well if you do. They need a place where they can play off leash as well, such as a large yard or a dog park.

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 (Pyrenean Type) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Braque Francais (Pyrenean 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