Swedish Vallhund vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

Swedish Vallhund vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed ComparisonBraque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France but Swedish Vallhund is originated from Sweden. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may grow 24 cm / 10 inches higher than Swedish Vallhund. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may weigh 41 kg / 91 pounds more than Swedish Vallhund. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Swedish Vallhund has same life span. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Swedish Vallhund has same litter size. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) requires Low Maintenance. But Swedish Vallhund requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
undefined
France
Sweden
Height Male:
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
30 - 34 cm
11 - 14 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
30 - 34 cm
11 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Västgötaspets, Swedish cow dog
Colors Available:
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
Cream, grey, brown
Coat:
fine and short
Medium length, thick
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate 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.

swedish vallhundKnown also as the Västgötaspets or Swedish cow dog, the Valhund hails from Sweden. It’s a herding dog, and was always a farm dog in that country.

It was in 1943 that the dog was first recognized as a breed by the Swedish Kennel Club. Only later, in 1996, did the American Kennel Club start registering the breed.

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.

swedish vallhund puppy - descriptionLooking much like a cross between a Corgi and the German Shepherd, the Swedish Valhund is a medium sized dog that stands between 30 and 34cm in height and weighs between 9 and 14kg.

His medium length weather-resistant coat is available in wolf like shades – cream, grey, brown etc. The tail can be long or bobbed and the medium sized ears are held erect.

Temperament:

Intelligent, confident, independent, alert, playful and active, your Swedish Valhund promises to make a good family pet.

You'll need to be an active, outdoor type of family though, as he isn’t a couch potato type of dog, snoozing in front of the TV.

He wants to be up and about going on long walks or playing ball games that give him a good run. If he gets his fair share of exercise he can adapt to life in the city or the countryside.

He is intelligent too and will respond well to training and socialization.

He just loves his human family and wants to be constantly with them. He won’t do well if you just keep him locked outside away from everyone. He is social, alert innovative and entertaining as well as being a good guard dog.

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.

swedish vallhund dog - characteristicsYour Swedish Valhund is such a confident, independent dog and he promises to be a loving, faithful pet. He's also alert and will let you know if strangers are approaching his property.

He is a calm, easy going pet and is capable of adapting to quiet or noisy homes. He may be quite a strange looking dog, but he's got a whole lot of loving to give.

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).

swedish vallhund puppies - health problemsCapable of living a long, healthy life, the Swedish Valhund isn’t likely to fall victim to some of the many dog illnesses there are, and yet it is wise to be alert to some of them that he could get.

One of these is an hereditary eye disease known as retinopathy. Its where there is degeneration of the retinal photoreceptor cells. This eye disease can lead to blindness.  

You need to be careful with this pet of yours, because with his long back and short legs he can so easily hurt his back if he leaps off a bed or high chair.

Whenever you pick this dog up, always support his legs and back. Don’t pick them up without supporting both the front legs and the rear end.

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.

swedish vallhund dogs - caringTry and feed your Swedish Valhund two meals a day instead of just one, so that he doesn’t gobble down his food too quickly.

Your dog can be prone to obesity, so you have to be careful with the way you feed him. Overfeeding a dog packs on extra weight and this puts strain on the joints.

Apart from the dry kibble that you feed him, try to include some tasty, nutritious homemade food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach.

This can all be chopped up and added to his dry kibble. Some raw meat added to the diet can only be to his benefit. Remember to always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water is available.

General Care:

Give his thick coat a brush twice a week to remove dead hair. Brushing also stimulates the sebaceous glands that produces oil which gives the coat is sheen.

Open his mouth and check for rotting teeth which can be painful for him.

Trim his nails because left long, they can hook onto things and rip the skin open.

Check inside the ears too for redness which could mean an ear infection.You get dog wipes that you can wipe the ear out with. There are always professional dog groomers who can do these chores for you if you don't want to.

See that his vaccines are up to date and that if he shows signs of illness, you get him to the vet.

Comparison with other breeds

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