Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonPetit Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Icelandic Sheepdog is originated from Iceland. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Icelandic Sheepdog. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Icelandic Sheepdog. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Icelandic Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Petit Bleu de Gascogne requires Low maintenance. But Icelandic Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

petit bleu de gascogne - historyThe 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.

icelandic sheepdog - historyThere are quite a few different dog breeds that fall under the name of Spitz-type dogs, and in fact they have a number of similar characteristics, one of which is that they have some wolf-like features. They typically have the thick coat with undercoat and the erect, pointed ears and slanted eyes.

There is definitely a strong link between the Spitz type dogs and wild wolves. The tail too is feathery and can curl over the back of the dog.

The Icelandic Sheepdog, a native dog to Iceland, is a Spitz type dog which originates from the dogs brought to Iceland by the Vikings. The dogs have always been used to herd sheep, and they resemble dogs found in graves in Sweden and Denmark.

The dog at one time was facing extinction in the late 20th century, but in 1969, the Icelandic Dog Breeder Association was established to restore and preserve the breed. The Icelandic Sheepdog gained AKC recognition in June 2010.

Description

petit bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThe 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.

icelandic sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Icelandic Sheepdog is a smallish to medium sized dog standing at 40 to 45cm in height and he can weigh anything between 9 and 14kg.

His double coat can be short or long, straight or wavy and in a mix of colors such as grey and white or tan and white, black, tan and white, cream or chocolate. Even though they come in a number of predominant colors, these colors are always accompanied by white markings.

He has a longish muzzle, much like the wolf, giving him an alert, foxy appearance. He has a muscular, rectangular body with strong, straight legs with dewclaws on both the front and hind legs.

Temperament:

Your social, energetic dog will require socialization and training which does him the world of good, turning him into a well-adjusted, obedient dog.

He is an intelligent dog, and training him won't be difficult as he is eager to please. These are social dogs which love being part of the family and they don't like being left outside day after day with little human intervention. He is a lively, confident breed, gentle and not at all aggressive.

Characteristics

petit bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsThe 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.

icelandic sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Icelandic Sheepdog is such a good all-round family pet. He is alert, intelligent, social, playful, loyal, loving and brave.

He is friendly too, getting on well with children and any pets you have in the home. He is essentially a working dog, so you shouldn’t think of owning him as a pet if your lifestyle is centered around the TV and the couch for the best part of the day.

This is an energetic dog who wants lots of action during the day. He is a dog that badly wants to be part of the family and in exchange for looking after him well, he’ll promise to be an exceptional pet.

Health Problems

petit bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsThe 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.

icelandic sheepdog puppies - health problemsYour pet will reach 12 to 14 years of age with good care and is regarded as a generally healthy dog breed. However, they can be prone to a few health conditions, and these include hip dysplasia and diabetes.

Diabetes:

Mercifully for your pet, diabetes is considered a manageable disorder. When your pet doesn’t produce insulin or can’t utilize it normally, his blood sugar levels rise, resulting in hyperglycemia.

If left untreated, your pet can land up with a host of complicated health problems. Diabetes can be classified as either Type 1 or Type II, with the more common form in dogs being Type 1.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

petit bleu de gascogne dogs - caringLuckily 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.

Diet:

icelandic sheepdog dogs - caringFeed your energetic Icelandic Sheepdog a diet which is appropriate for his age and activity level. Don't just feed him the best commercially manufactured dog food, but give him some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables mixed into his kibble as a tasty treat. Also, dogs are carnivores, so include some raw meat into his diet from time to time. Clean, cool water should always be available.

Grooming:

The Icelandic Sheepdog has a thick double coat, with the outer coat being longer and the hair being shiny and glossy. These dogs shed quite a bit with seasonal shedding too so twice-weekly brushing will be necessary to keep the fur free of loose hair. His nails should also be checked regularly and his teeth should be brushed a couple of times a week too.

Exercise:

Icelandic Sheepdogs are athletic, active dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them in good physical shape.

He loves all kinds of games and outdoor activities, one of which will be going with you for a walk every day. He makes a wonderful companion for those people going on long hikes.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
France
Iceland
Height Male:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
4 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Iceland Dog, Icelandic Spitz
Colors Available:
Mottled black, giving appearance of slate grey or blue
black, cream or chocolate., tan and white, Grey and white or tan and white
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short or long, straight or wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
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, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  9. Istrian Sheepdog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Jamthund vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Karelian Bear Dog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Kintamani vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  14. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Russo-European Laika vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  16. Ryukyu Inu vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  17. Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  18. Serbian Mountain Hound vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  19. Shiba Inu vs Icelandic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  20. Icelandic Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  22. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  23. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  24. Icelandic Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  25. Icelandic Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  29. Porcelaine vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  30. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  34. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  36. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  37. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  38. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  41. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  46. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  47. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  49. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  50. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds