Pyrenean Shepherd vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Shepherd vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed ComparisonPicardy Spaniel is originated from France but Pyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain. Picardy Spaniel may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Picardy Spaniel and Pyrenean Shepherd are having almost same weight. Both Picardy Spaniel and Pyrenean Shepherd has almost same life span. Picardy Spaniel may have more litter size than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Picardy Spaniel and Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Herding dogs
undefined
France
Spain
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Épagneul Picard
Pyr Shep
Colors Available:
chocolate, Chestnut brown, sandy colored markings
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
Coat:
Shortish, dense, slightly wavy
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

picardy spanielThe Picardy Spaniel hails from France and has always been used as a gundog, having been crossed with different British hunting dogs.

While this dog breed is related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, the Picardy is the older of the two breeds. It has always been sought after by the French nobility for its hunting skills and the fact that its weather resistant coat allowed it to hunt in all kinds of weather conditions.

The dog’s popularity waned in the early 20th century. The UKC have recognized the Picardy Spaniel as a Gun Dog and the breed has also been accepted within the FCI as a Pointing dog group.

pyrenean shepherdThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

Description

picardy spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Picardy Spaniel is larger than other spaniels. It is described as a medium sized dog, standing at 56 – 61cm in height and weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms. The body of the spaniel is squarely built and muscular body. The dog has long floppy ears and the coat which is shortish in areas except for feathering around the legs and belly can vary in colour from red to chestnut brown to sandy and chocolate. The tail is long and feathered.

Temperament:

The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and makes a great family pet, loving being playful with the children in the home and getting on well with other dogs. He is gentle but sociable and intelligent too and is easy to train and socialize.

Although he has been used as a hunting dog he can slot into life in the city or the countryside. He can be indoors or outdoors and still be happy, so long as his family members are close by.

He is an active dog though, and won’t be content to be sitting around for too long, loving nothing more than to be chasing a ball or going for a walk with you.

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

Characteristics

picardy spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Picardy Spaniel is a docile dog who forms strong bonds with his human family.

He doesn’t gel easily with strangers though, but socialization and training will at least make him well behaved among strangers.

A well-mannered Picardy Spaniel is a joy in the home, and this gentle dog is guaranteed to make you the most wonderfully loyal and loving pet and companion.

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

Health Problems

picardy spaniel puppies - health problemsWithout any major health issues, your Picardy can reach 14 years of age and possibly even older. A couple of common dog conditions to be on the watch for include:

Ear Infections:

Your beautiful Picardy Spaniel has floppy ears and this opens up the tendency to suffer with ear infections. The inside of the ears are moist and hot and you as the dog owner can try to keep the inside of the ear clean and dry.

He is a dog that loves water too, and swimming encourages dampness. If you prefer not to work on the inside of the ears, dog groomers or your vet can clean the ears for you. An ear infection can be painful for your pet and it will require veterinary intervention.

Obesity:

These are dogs which can pick up weight quite easily. Dogs which are overweight are more prone to developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease, not to mention joint problems.

Other problems to look out for include cancer, bloat, dental disease and parasites.

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

picardy spaniel dogs - caringYour Picardy has a thick coat which sheds and the coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting. The ears of the Picardy Spaniel require special attention. Because they are long they will need to be cleaned and kept dry otherwise an ear infection can develop.

At the same time, check your pet over for ticks and fleas, check his eyes, keep the nails trimmed, and check inside his mouth for rotting teeth which can be the source of many health problems if left untreated.

Feeding your Picardy:

If you have a puppy, you will need to provide 4 bowls of food in a 24 hour period. Check on the directions provided on the food packaging to see how much to feed your puppy.

By the time your Picardy is one year of age, he can move over to 2 bowls of food a day. Only the highest quality commercially manufactured food will be good enough for your dog. Food and its quality impacts the health and longevity of your pet.

Apart from dry kibble, try and provide some home-made food, keeping it as simple as possible. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent foods. Chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots added to the kibble now and then will thrill your pet. Occasionally you can also add in some raw meat.

Avoid feeding your dog things like coffee, chocolates, popcorn, nuts and onions as all these will just upset your dog's digestive system. The secret is to keep things simple and nutritious.

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. 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 your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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