Pandikona vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison

These large dogs have descended from Flemish cattle dogs, and in French, the word Bouvier means herdsman or cattle herder. This is because the dog was used for driving cattle. The Bouvier comes from the Flemish region of Belgium where it was bred as a working farm dog. It is believed that the breed may have come from crossing local farm dogs with imported Irish Wolfhounds, Schnauzers, Tibetan Mastiffs, Brabanters, Griffons and Beaucerons.

It was in 1910 that the first Bouviers appeared at the international dog show in Brussels, with a standard for the breed being adopted in 1912.The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in 1929. It was after World War 11 that Bouviers were brought to America and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club was founded in 1963.

The Pandikona hails from the village of Pandikona, India, but is in danger of becoming extinct. They have always been well adapted to the harsh conditions of the Kurnool district in India, and they are considered to be a primitive-type dog breed.

It has always been a territorial dog that has been used to guard villages and today it’s a dog which isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs. It is essentially a companion dog today.

The Bouvier is a large compact, well built dog with strong muscled limbs. He stands at roughly 59 to 70 cm high at the withers, weighing between 27 and 52 kg. He has a large head with a thick and abundant coat which is of rough appearance. The coat is mostly black, but you’ll also find a range of other shades such as brindle, grey and fawn.

The back of the dog is level and broad, and is typically wider in female dogs. The back legs are strong and muscular. Some Bouvier des Flandres are born tail-less and this is most attractive. Most Bouvier dog owners used to have the tails docked because of the excellent appearance, but with docking now being banned, the tail is kept long. The muzzle is wide, the nose large, the eyes dark brown and the ears high set and floppy.

The Bouvier is intelligent, energetic and full of confidence while being calm and balanced in temperament. The puppies are vocal and full of antics, but as the Bouvier grows into adulthood, he mellows and becomes a steady family friend who gets on well with each human family member. He loves spending time with his family and becomes both friend and guardian, making a good watchdog too.

The Pandikona is a medium sized sighthound which stands at between 48 and 66cm in height and weighs in the region of 30 – 40kg. They are actually slightly built dogs, although the Pandikona can come in a variety of sizes as there is no selective breeding.

The breed’s coat is essentially short-haired and smooth with colors varying from solid fawn, white to black with white patches. Brindle is also sometimes seen. They are slim, muscular dogs with erect ears and a long tail that most times curves upwards.

Temperament:

These intelligent and very independent dogs are found roaming around Indian villages and guarding their owner’s property. They are territorial dogs, they are fearless too and make excellent guard dogs. They get on well with children as well as with pets, and with training they become loyal and faithful companions.

The Bouvier is such an amicable dog and strong and energetic too. He makes the most marvellous companion and will happily adapt to life in the city or in the country, although, with his big size, he is better suited to a home where there is enough space to run around in.

He is loyal, loving and protective and when you make sure to make him an active part of your family, you’ll find in him all the characteristics of a true friend.

The Pandikona may well be a primitive-type hunting dog from India but he is robust and low maintenance, and capable of making a splendid pet. That is one huge tick in his favor already.

He is an active dog who likes to be kept busy but that doesn’t mean he is too busy to give his human family his loyalty and companionship. Easy to keep, the Pandikona promises to make you the most fantastic pet and friend.

The big teddy-bear of a dog is a healthy breed, but as a large dog, you will need to look out for certain health problems with him.

Hip Dysplasia:

Xrays have been done on many Bouvier des Flandres by the Club and by the Orthopedic Foundation of America and it has been found that a significant percentage of Bouviers were dysplastic. Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint and many large breed dogs battle with this. It can be very sad for dog lovers as they watch their dog battling to get up after lying down and sometimes lameness in the hind legs.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is a common problem in many dogs, and the Bouvier isn’t excluded one bit. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush, there is tartar build-up which can lead to bad breath and gum infection. Dental disease can lead to pain in the teeth and even the loss of teeth. Bad teeth affect the entire body, and the heart, kidneys and joints can all be negatively affected.

Obesity:

The Bouvier is a large dog prone to obesity. This is a serious disease that can lead to all kinds of digestive disorders, back pain as well as heart disease. It can be easy just to give in to your pet’s pleading eyes, but in the long run, excessive weight can spell a host of health problems.

Dogs are totally dependent on us for their care, and it is our responsibility to keep our eyes on them to ensure they are happy and healthy. It can be to you and your pet’s benefit to know some of the most common health problems that dogs face.

The Pandikona dogs are super hardy – used to roughing it - and they’re not going to require much veterinary care. Even though this is such a hardy dog, you can never tell if a sudden canine illness strikes your pet. Sometimes it will be necessary to get your pet to the vet to be examined and to receive medication.

Ear Infections:

This is very common in dogs and an ear infection can be triggered by dirt and wax in the ear, allergies and ear mites or something else. Your dog will be scratching at his ear, shaking his head, there will be redness and possibly discharge and a nasty odor. Don’t hesitate to take your pet to the vet.

Worms:

Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are horrible parasites that can cause a whole lot of unpleasant symptoms in your dog. He could have a cough, a dull, listless coat, diarrhea, a lack of appetite and weight loss. Treatment from the vet will depend on the type of worm that has infested your pet.

Training:

Your Bouvier is an intelligent, independent dog and you will be doing him a favor by having him socialized and trained. He becomes such a pleasure to have around, being obedient and willing to respond to your commands.

Exercise:

Every dog, and particularly large dogs like the Bouvier, should be able to rely on a daily walk, a run in the park or on the farm and have special games from his owner. Not only does participating in activities together build a strong bond between dog and owner, its important to avoid boredom and frustration with your dog. You bought him so you therefore have a responsibility toward him.

Grooming:

Your Bouvier des Flandres has a thick, medium-length coat that gets a shaggy look to it. The breed needs regular brushing every second day or so to get rid of loose hairs and to prevent the hair matting. He will require some professional grooming to look and feel his best. With his thick coat, he is hypoallergenic which can be a relief for allergy sufferers.

Diet:

The Bouvier has to be on high-quality dog food, whether you give him home-made food or commercially manufactured food. It has to have the right amount of vitamins and minerals. If you’re unsure about feeding a dog, remember that the amount and type of food you give your pet must be appropriate to your dog’s age, size and energy levels.It can also be wise to know which human foods are bad. Speak to your vet about your dog – they are a minefield of useful information about your pet. Fresh, cool water should be be available at all times.

Exercise:

There isn’t much information on the Pandikona but they have always spent their time roaming free around Indian villages. They’re used to having a lot of space to run and won’t do well in cramped spaces in the city. He wants to be busy and will certainly require you taking him on walks or allowing him to run free in a park. Ball games will also be appreciated as he loves lots of activity.

Diet:

Food is so very important to the health of dogs. As pets, the Pandikona deserves to have nutritious food which has all the right vitamins and minerals.

These days the best commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice for your pet and you choose these foods by reading the labels on the packaging and going according to the dog’s size, his activity levels and his age.

Dogs thrive on homemade food, especially when its simple and nutritious. Boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots all chopped up and added into his kibble from time to time can only do him good. Some raw meat added in occasionally can also be immensely beneficial. Make sure he has always got a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Check your Pandikona over from time to time. Check inside his ears for redness and signs of infection and check his eyes too. Brush him at least twice a week to get rid of dust and loose hairs. Trim his nails too and check inside his mouth for bad teeth.

Never ever leave him in a hot car or outside without shade and water. Make sure he has a nice dry comfortable place to sleep. He gives you unconditional love and companionship, and in exchange for this you want him to be well provided for.