Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a scenthound dog originating in France where he has always been used as a hunting dog.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a descendant of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. This dog was developed around the 16th century already, with the numbers of the dog being reduced at the time of the World Wars.

They’re quite well known in France, but not in any other parts of the world. The dog is an official member of the UKC, and it was in 1991 that the dog joined their scent hound group.

The Yorkshire terrier originated in Yorkshire which is a place in northern England. In mid 19th century workers from Scotland came to Yorkshire in search for work. They brought different varieties of small terriers with them. Earlier they are known as Broken Haired Scotch Terrier and then Toy Terrier. In 1874 they were officially named as Yorkshire Terrier. They begun their journey as hunting dogs and later developed as companion dogs. AKC registered the breed in 1878.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium to large sized dog which stands at between 52 to 58cm in height at the withers and weighs in the region of 18 to 22kg.

In fact, the only difference between the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the original Bleu de Gascogne is its size. They’re well proportioned dogs and they have lean, muscular bodies. The head is long and slim, the nose black, the expression gentle and unthreatening.

Most times you’ll find a black patch on each side of the head which extends to the ears so that the ears are essentially black. The patch also extends to around the eyes.

The dense, short coat is a typical trademark feature, with the color of the coat being white mottled with black so that the general appearance is a slate blue color. The dog usually has tan eyebrows over each eye. The tail is long and the ears long and floppy.

Temperament:

Kept essentially as a pet today, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne has kept its hunting instincts and is an excellent scent-dog, being able to follow a scent for miles. It is why you want to ensure that as a pet, you take him on regular walks, every day in fact. He just loves to get out, and given the chance to run and chase a scent.

Apart from his hunting skills, he still makes an excellent pet, being loyal and loving with his human family. He is looked upon as being amicable and well-balanced, getting on well with children as well as dogs in the home.

They’re quite laid-back and friendly, so they don’t make particularly good watchdogs. They are independent and intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

Yorkshire terriers are one of the glamorous member of the dog breeds. They have excellent personality as their owner will be surely proud of them when taking them in public. They like to go outside and make adventures. They are good companion dogs and watch dogs too. They are very affectionate with their owners. Yorkies always bark when any stranger comes and they should be taught about neighbours and when to bark. They will get angry on seeing new dogs and surely chases squirrels.

They like to spend more time with their people. Leaving them alone for long time is not good. Yorkshire terrier should be treated gently and with love. They love to spend time with older children. They love apartment life if they are made to play and walk daily. Yorkies are the second most popular dog in America.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne just loves being outdoors, chasing the scent of something interesting. He is in his element outside as a hunting or tracking dog.

Training and socialization will always be a good idea for these dogs, as once on the scent he may be inclined to ignore your calls and not return easily.

They’re easy-going dogs, loving be around their human family. Provide well for him and you will find that he makes an amicable, loyal and devoted companion.

Children friendliness

Yorkshire terrier are not so much friendly with children. It is not advised to leave them with children without adult supervision.

Special talents

They were previously used to catch rats and hunt badger and fox. They are excellent watchdogs and defend their territory very well.

Adaptability

They adapts well for apartment living. But they will not be happy if leaved alone for a long time. Yorkies cannot tolerate too hot or cold weather.

Learning ability

They are moderately easy to train. Yorkshire terrier should be trained early when they are amenable to process. Sessions should be conducted with lots of treats and must be short as they will easily get bored.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a healthy dog with no unusual health problems being documented. With good care, he can generally live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. Nonetheless it is a good idea to be aware of some of the horrible dog illnesses that can strike, even though it is highly unlikely.

Bloat:

Your Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a deep chested dog and this simply means it can develop bloat. A swollen stomach, lethargy and trying to vomit are just some of the signs of this ailment which can become deadly if not attended to. The stomach can twist with bloat and this is when things get serious.

Ear Infections:

Floppy eared dogs are always at risk of ear infections and these can be painful for your pet. You will notice him scratching at his ears or shaking his head and then its time to investigate further for redness or discharge.

Yorkshire terrier have possibilities of having hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and von willebrand's disease.

Hair fall

Usually yorkies don't shed more. They have long, silky and straight hair. They should be made to bath weekly once.

Grooming:

Luckily the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a fairly low maintenance dog who will basically require a good brush twice a week to rid him of loose hairs and to keep his coat nice and shiny.

Take the time while brushing him to test for any unusual lumps on his body. Check inside his ears too, because as a floppy eared dog, there can be a build-up of wax, debris and dampness and these can all cause bacteria and an ear infection.

Check his eyes too as well as inside his mouth. He can’t tell you when he’s got terrible tooth ache from a rotting tooth and you need to check for this. Bad teeth can cause all kinds of health issues.

Diet:

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market which have got the vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Some of the lower quality foods have got bad ingredients such as colorants and fillers and these can actually be toxic for your pet.

It’s always wise to add a little bit of home-made food into your pet’s diet and then simple, nutritious foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach can do him the world of good. Just chop it up and add it into the dried kibble every other night when you feed your pet. A bit of raw meat occasionally can also be healthy for him.

Always ensure there’s a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Ensure your pet has a nice comfortable, dry place to sleep.

Never ever leave your pet alone in a hot car.

Make sure your puppy has his puppy vaccines to avoid some life-threatening diseases.

Have your dog spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

Feeding the puppy

For English bull dog puppies, When you change the puppy food from liquid to solid initially you must give what the dam is having. This is to avoid digestive problems when new food is introduced. The level of liquid food should be reduced in a step by step manner and thus increasing solid food gradually.

Feeding the adult

You have two choices and one is manufactured dog food and another is home cooked food. Commercial brands are not suggested as they contain artificial coloring and chemical preservatives.

Points for Good Health

Vaccinations should be made at the right time. The food given should be the best.

Games and Exercises

Yorkshire terrier should be taught tricks by giving rewards. Exercising them has benefits such as maintaining muscles, release pent-up energy, good for heart, good metabolism, good sleep and be active.