Jonangi vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison

The Jonangi, known also as the Jagilam or Kolleti Jagilam is an Indian breed of dog which has always been used for hunting and herding.

The dog isn’t seen abundantly in India and it isn’t recognized by any major kennel clubs in India. It isn’t recognized as a pure” breed and there is also concern that the dog is reaching extinction.

Because of interbreeding with other dogs, there is quite a bit of variation in the Jonangi breed.

The Braques Français – Gascogne – is a hunting dog from southern France’s Gascony region. Known also as the French Gascony Pointer, this dog has descended from Spanish and Italian Pointers. The dog was saved from extinction at the turn of the 20th century.

There are actually two breeds of Braque français, with the other being somewhat smaller and known as Braque français, type Pyrénées. Whichever one you have, they are popular hunting dogs in France. The first breed club was established in 1850.

The Jonangi is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 – 53cm in height and weighs between 12 and 21kg. He is lean and muscular. Because of interbreeding with the Jonangi dog, the colors of their coats can vary and be anything from fawn, white, tan, black, bi-colored or even brindle. The coat is very short and fine which helps it cope with the extreme heat of the environment.

The ears are erect, the forehead is often wrinkled and the long tail is held out straight or it hangs down low. The ears are fairly short and are somewhat floppy.

Temperament:

The Jonangi is capable of being a true family pet, becoming loyal and devoted to his human family. This isn't a particularly intelligent dog but they're even tempered, fun loving, social and easy to please.

You'll find them getting on well with other pets in the home and children too. An interesting aspect with this dog is that he seems to like digging a hole and lying in it, even preferring this to the regular dog beds you get.

Looks:

The Braque Francais is a dog which looks much like the German Short-haired Pointer. The Braque Francais (Gascogne) is a large breed dog, standing roughly 56 – 69cm. Weight is most times dependent on height, but the average weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. The dog is attractively lean and muscular and the tails have always been docked, although rules and regulations see the breed with a long tail these days. The natural tail of the Braque Francais is medium length. The eyes of this breed are brown or yellow and the ears are medium in length and floppy. The coat of the Gascogne is short and dense and in two colors – white and chestnut patching and mottling.

Temperament:

The dog is a keen tracker and is an excellent game and gun dog with some of them requiring more training than others. Training and socialization makes the Braque Francais an excellent, obedient pet who is eager to please and he is considered to be easily trainable, learning quickly. He loves his human family and is noted for his gentle, friendly nature, and he therefore makes and excellent family pet where there are children and other pets.

Life with a Jonangi is easy going as these aren’t finicky dogs – they’re low maintenance, easy going, fairly healthy dogs that want to please you and just be your pet.

They make excellent companions, being loving and loyal to their human families and getting on well with other dogs and children in the home.

There are those who are trying to revive the breed, and that is a good thing as these are good natured family pets that will be a positive addition to any home.

The attractive Braque Francais is a calm, contented dog who is also affectionate, social and intelligent. He is already a well mannered dog but will do even better with training and socialization. However, Braque Francais don’t take well to aggressive training and done the wrong way, the dog can end up being timid and confused.

Wanting to please and being an intelligent dog, training should be fun, lighthearted but firm. In exchange you’re going to have an awesome friend from this wonderful, loving dog breed.

This dog is a robust breed, used to living under difficult circumstances. You won't find many inherited diseases with him, but still it pays to know about some of the more common dog illnesses that he might face.

Arthritis:

With any dog, the joints can take quite a pounding which can lead to injuries. You may notice your dog doing less and having difficulty with common activities. Your dog may even have lameness. Your vet will try to avoid surgery and look at things such as diet and weight management. There are also medications, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections are common with dogs and can be caused by allergies, ear mites and bacteria in the ear canal. Your Jonangi may be tilting his head or shaking it, he may be constantly scratching his ear, he may even have lack of balance and an unpleasant odor coming from his ear because of a discharge. Take him to the vet as soon as you think he has an ear infection.

Lower Urinary Tract Problems and Infections:

This problem which affects a dog’s lower urinary system can be totally debilitating for your dog. There are many problems which can cause this problem in your pet and which can lead to health conditions such as incontinence.

Older dogs and those with diabetes are more prone to urinary tract problems. Your dog will strain or yelp with discomfort when trying to pass urine. The urine may be very cloudy or even have blood in it and there may be dribbling of urine too. Other signs can be vomiting, lethargy, back pain, weight loss and change in appetite. See your veterinarian for immediate medical attention. It is considered a medical emergency.

You won’t find many health issues with this active breed but nonetheless hip and joint issues will need to be watched. If you are considering a Braque Français puppy, you’ll want to be selective in choosing a responsible breeder. A healthy puppy with the right environment, can get to up to 15 years of age.

Ectropion and entropion in dogs affect their eyelids. Ectropion is where the eyelids roll outward, whereas entropion is where the eyelids curve inward, irritating the eye. Because visual and skeletal problems occur in this breed, it can be recommended that owners have their pets tested by both the Canine Eye Registration Foundation as well as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Diet:

With commercially manufactured dog food, there are companies that make quality foods that are formulated for certain conditions such as joint health. They have additives in them such as fish oils which decrease inflammation. Always look for a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age and energy levels.

Add in your own home-made food to his dry kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as vegetables and also try to include some raw meat into his kibble from time to time. Fresh, cool water should be available to him night and day.

Grooming:

With his short coat, the dog is looked upon as low maintenance. Brush him a couple of times a week to make sure the coat remains shiny. Check his eyes, ears and teeth for infections.

Exercise:

This dog is lean, energetic and agile. With his long strides, he likes to run over terrain sniffing and following scents. He is more suited to life in the countryside than to the city. Make sure you have a reasonable sized garden for him and meet his exercise needs by taking him on walks and playing ball and fetch games with him.

Grooming:

Brushing the coat twice a week will get rid of loose hairs and maintain the sheen of the coat. Also, as a floppy eared breed, attention should be given to the ears to prevent infections. He will also need to have his teeth brushed with dog toothpaste and brush to prevent the build-up of damaging plaque and his nails will also require a clipping if they don’t manage to wear down naturally.

Exercise:

Daily activity will be needed for this dog and he will want a walk every day. He certainly isn’t a dog you can leave indoors or outside in your backyard day after day. Any activities that require physical exertion will be good because they are exceptional athletes. If you are a cyclist or a runner, take him with you – he’ll love it.

Diet:

Your Braque Francais loves energetic activities and for this he will require an excellent nutrient-rich diet. Nutrient-rich dog foods are higher in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates. It’s important to check out the carbohydrate content in commercial dog foods to avoid those one high in carbohydrates.

Your vet can always advise you on a good quality food and you can always give him your own home-prepared foods which include rice, vegetables and meat. Certainly include some raw meat into his diet every now and then to avoid skin problems. Fresh, cool water must be available to him night and day.