MyDogBreeds
Braque Francais is originated from France but Akbash Dog is originated from Turkey. Braque Francais may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Akbash Dog. Braque Francais may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than Akbash Dog. Braque Francais may live 4 years more than Akbash Dog. Both Braque Francais and Akbash Dog has almost same litter size. Braque Francais requires Low maintenance. But Akbash Dog requires Moderate maintenance
Braque Francais was at first one general breed of hounds in the Gascognes and Pyrenees Mountains areas of France. The one breed became two. Known as the Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees - two separate breeds of very alike dogs. The Gascognes is a lot less common than his smaller brother. Not very much is known about the beginnings of these two strains of Braque Francais as the breed has been around since at least the 15th century. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of the origins of the breeds were lost. A major bloodline search was The conducted in the 19th century and found that these were two very distinct breeds of dog.
It is known that France was the birthplace of this breed and it was developed because of a need for a tracker that could point, flush and retrieve. The Braque Francais Gascogne probably came from the south of France. It is related to the German Shorthair Pointer and the English Pointer as well. Having existed since the 15th century, he was the father of all pointing dogs in France. By the 17th century the breed had grown enough to be called the “old style Braque Francais”,
Though the origin of the breed is not known there are of course several theories about it. The most prevalent belief is that the Braque Francais Gascogne is a descendent of the Chien d’Oysel, a spaniel breed of medium size and white or brown with brown markings. The Chien d’Oysel is an ancient breed used for hunting prior to the 13th century. Hunters crossed the Chien with local dogs on a routine basis.
Braque Francais came out of these breedings. It was probably French Scent hounds that created the larger size of the Gascogne. This also increased the stamina and strength of the Gascogne as opposed to the Pyrenees. There was also a mixing in of the Grand Bleu De Gasgogne and the Petit Bleu De Gasgogne.
The other prominent theory is that this breed the Gasgogne was actually developed from the Portugese, Spanish and Italian pointers rather than the French dogs. These dogs originated not with the Chien d’Oysel but with the scent hounds. From these dogs came the Spanish and English Pointers. All that is truly known is that all of these types of dogs were present in Europe by the fifteenth century and were moved among countries and cross bred regularly. However in the part of France called the Central Pyrenees region and in a small southern part of France the original, old style Braque Francais was pure bred. This aspect of the breed contributed to the development of all of the French pointers and European shorthaired dogs. By the end of the 1800’s today’s breed was developed.
In 1850 the first Braque Francais breed club was established and in the breed standards for both dogs followed in 1880. They were then registered in the French Kennel Club and the International Kennel Club (FCI). The French Kennel Club does not allow dogs with any common ancestors in Generations 1-3 into the Club in order to keep out the practice of inbreeding. In Canada only the Gascogne is recognized and the United States’ United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes both. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize either.
With most local regions and countries choosing their local dogs over other breeds, the Braque Francais Gascogne has become fairly rare outside of France where the breed was the most popular gun dog throughout the 1700’s. The Gascogne was mostly a dog of the hunting nobility because of its size and food needs. Following the French Revolution, the breed fell off dramatically, while the smaller Pyrenees continued to thrive. This was because in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Southwestern region of Gascony, the English Pointer never supplanted the Braque Francais.
The Second World War was brutal to the Braque Francais Gascognes and as it recovered it became much less common than its sister breed. Today it is found almost exclusively in France.
Akbash breed became popular in the 1970s. Around that period, Akbash was introduced to North America. There is archeological evidence that this breed was popular even in the 750-300 BC. Of course, it wasn’t the exact dog as we know it today, but there are many similarities between Akbash and dog from the ancient period. This breed was developed in Turkey to be a guardian dog. They were perfect flock guardians.
The Braque Francais Gascogne is a larger dog than the Pyrenees breed and is a very handsome dog. Both have a deep chest, a solid bodies, strong and slender legs and are well-proportioned. They have padded, round paws and a large brown head with floppy ears. The muzzle is a pointed block and he has a scissors bite, with a black nose and dark or amber eyes. The eyes are very expressive and round. The tail can be straight and long, or it can be docked. They are tall and athletic.
Weight of the Akbash dog variates from 41-64kg, while their height is 71-78cm. Female Akbash is smaller than a male Akbash, but not for much.
A lifespan of an average Akbash dog is 10-11 years, but if they have cared properly, they tend to live longer.
Litter Size of Akbash is 8-9 puppies.
Another Name for Akbash is Akbas Coban Kopegi, Coban Kopegi.
This is a working breed, but they are nevertheless friendly and loyal to their families. They want to please their people and are usually docile. They love kids and are good as a first ever dog. They are friendly and even-tempered. They tolerate people they do not know but can be shy and are not guard dogs. instead they are loving, affectionate and people oriented. They need to be with their families and never left outside alone. They can develop separation anxiety.
Have in mind that Akbash is a large and powerful dog. They are bred through generations to be guardians and suspicious. They are very independent because they tend to make their own decisions while guarding flocks. They will require adequate socialization, but overall, they are very intelligent and they tend to learn quickly. It requires time and patience, but are great pets for right owners. Akbash has a white to biscuit color coat. They also have a dark pigment around nose, eyes, and mouth. Akbash is very quick and agile dog, which might be surprised because of its size.
It is important to train them since the puppyhood. They are working dogs and they will be happy when they have tasks during training. Due to their independence, consistent and steady training is important. An old-fashioned way of training that includes punishment is not recommendable. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Akbash dog. They do not require a lot of daily exercises. Daily walks would do more than enough. Younger dogs need more exercise than more mature ones. They can be very good for other animals, but they have to be socialized with them. It is the best way to socialize your dog when it is still a puppy.
The Braque Francais is a fairly healthy breed. They are susceptible to certain health conditions that most dogs of their size and working history are susceptible to. These include Patellar luxation which seems to be one of the most common problems for them. They also can have hip and/or elbow dysplasia, aortic stenosis which is a narrowing of the aorta, and some eye issues such as ectropion, entropion, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy as well as cataracts.
Generally, Akbash is a very healthy breed. They do not have any major health issues. As many large breeds, they can develop hip dysplasia and OCD. But with proper care, regular vet checks, and choosing the right puppy, you won’t be having any problems.
This is a high energy, working dog with a need for a high-quality energy food or raw food that you make up yourself. Be sure to include chicken, beef and fish. Feed him about 3 cups once a day or 1.5 cups twice a day.
In addition to the conditions listed above, his long floppy ears can lead to ear infections if not cared for. Wash them out daily. He is also susceptible to bloat so don’t feed him large meals and don’t let him exercise or work right before or right after exercise.
These dogs have a variety of hunting skills. They are not only pointers but can flush, trail and retrieve. The Gascogne is not as quick as the Pyrenees. They need a lot of exercise daily or they need a hunting job. They would do well with barn hunt, lure coursing and free play in an off leash fenced in area. If they don’t get rid of their energy, they can be destructive. They were bred to hunt and cannot resist the chase,
Akbash dog is very easy to care. They can stay fit on a minimum amount of food. 2-2.5 cups divided into two meals would be ideal for your dog. They require meat, so giving them dry industrial food can be a solid substitute. Vegetables and oil can also be included in meals. It will keep your dog healthy and happy.
Puppies have to eat more meals per day. It is the best to give your puppy Akbash 3-5 meals per day. Those meals should be divided into smaller portions. It is recommended to give your puppy all necessary vitamins and minerals that include calcium for stronger bones. It will improve the overall health of your dog, and it will help it develop into a healthy adult dog.
Akbash will request some grooming, but they are not very difficult to groom. They require regular grooming. Every few days will be enough, except when they are shedding. Akbash will need daily grooming when shed. You can bath your pet occasionally, but not very often. Bathing, if necessary, should be done only 5-6 times a year. There is no need for more.