MyDogBreeds
Pug is originated from China but Briard is originated from France. Pug may grow 33 cm / 12 inches shorter than Briard. Pug may weigh 31 kg / 68 pounds lesser than Briard. Both Pug and Briard has almost same life span. Pug may have less litter size than Briard. Pug requires Low maintenance. But Briard requires High maintenance
It is believed that Pugs originated in China, but not much is known about the early history of these dogs. There are some dog experts who believe that the dogs were brought to Holland by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.
These dogs then went from Holland to England in 1689. The American Kennel Club registered the Pugs in 1885.
In 1931, the Pug Dog Club of America was established.
Through myth and legend, the Briard is thought to be a very ancient dog. A French herding breed, a Briard type of dog appears in writings as early as the end of the 14th century. According to legends the Briard was owned by Napoleon, Charlemagne, Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron, the Briard came into popularity following its appearance in a Paris dog show in 1863. Bred originally to guard and herd sheep, these intelligent, independent dogs were often left on their own. Because they both guarded and herded, their size and structure as well as their personalities were different from other dogs that worked sheep. Those that herded only were fast, agile and smaller. Those that only guarded were heavier, bigger and stronger. The Briard was in-between these two types of breeds. He was well suited to any kind of farm work and guarded the crops from the sheep’s desire to eat them. They moved the sheep from one grazing area to another and then to their holding area at night. No humans had to assist the Briard in this work once they were trained.
During World War 1, the Briards were drafted into service as messengers, sentries and search dogs for lost or injured soldiers. In that time frame the breed served almost to the point of extinction. Breeding programs following the war brought them back. Today the Briard is a home companion, a police dog, as well as both military and civilian search and rescue dogs.
Pugs are small dogs standing at roughly 25cm and 36cm in height and weighing between 6 and 8.5kg. They are categorized as a toy breed.
The head is large in size compared to the body. It’s the eyes which are quite distinct – being particularly large and prominent, almost bulging. The face is fairly wrinkled too with the muzzle being short or blunt and black in color.
The coat of the dog is smooth and short with colors mainly being fawn, but black is also seen. The ears are medium sized and floppy while the tail curls up tightly over the back.
The Pug is unusual to look at and also has an unusual personality. He is an entertaining dog with his clownish antics but he happens to be intelligent too, and will respond well to training and socialization.
With their short coats they are regarded as low-maintenance dogs, although the short, double coat does shed quite a bit. They’re also not your typical live-wire and can quite easily be found lounging around.
Of course they can’t be left to do this too often as obesity can easily set it. Pugs will certainly need some physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re playful dogs and get on well with children and other pets, especially if there are games to be enjoyed.
They are loyal, affectionate pets with their human owners and make a good pet for those living in the city or in the countryside.
The Briard is a powerful, intelligent and independent working dog. They have a straight topline and their height is almost the same as their length. They have long, large, rectangular heads with wide muzzles. Their noses are also square and jet black while their side set, large eyes can be black-brown or black. Their ears have traditionally been cropped but with more countries outlawing it, they can now have natural ears set high on the head. They have a tail that is feathered and low-cut. The feet of a Briard are round, compact and large.
The Briard is a double coated breed with a long beard and mustache. Their hair completely covers the head and the eyes so that they are not seen. They have prominent eyebrows as well.
The Pug just loves spending time with his human family. They’re good with other dogs too and with children.
They’re even tempered and will make anyone a splendid family pet, so long as they’re not heavy into things like jogging and cycling.
He is alert and can make you a good watchdog. With all the love he comes with, the comical Pug can make you a most wonderful pet and friend.
As mentioned previously the Briard is intelligent and independent. They are also loyal, rugged, protective and bond intensely with their humans. They are often aloof when it comes to strangers or even when new furniture is introduced into the household. They have to learn that anything new into the family environment is friendly and good. They are great with children and susceptible to separation anxiety because of their deep affection for their people. Socialization for puppies is a must. This will let them know that people and children, other dogs in general are not harmful to their families. They have great memories and once they learn something – right or wrong – it is almost impossible to change it. They were bred to be independent thinkers who acted on their own conclusions. This is still true of the breed today, making them appear to be stubborn.
They are great watchdogs, fearless and brave; willing to learn, eager to make you happy. They are basically gentle but that always runs up against their protective nature. A strong alpha leader is needed to handle this hard-working dog.
Every dog, regardless of breed, can develop health problems. Good nutrition, exercise and love and care go a long way to ward off diseases and ensure your pet has a healthy, happy life.
The Pug can also develop certain health problems and we look at one or two -
This is inflammation of the brain and it causes seizures. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure. This neurological disease is luckily rare. Usually it attacks young Pugs of 2 or 3 years of age. Seizures, neck stiffness, loss of co-ordination, lethargy are all signs of this disease.
Sad though it may be, the best way forward would be to put your dog to sleep, but in any case your vet will discuss all options with you.
With this disease, your Pug can have breathing problems, which can be aggravated if the Pug is overweight or the weather particularly hot. Don’t exercise your Pug too vigorously on a hot day.
Stenoic nares is a medical term for narrow nostrils in a dog, and this is precisely what the Pug battles with. If the Pug battles too much with breathing problems, corrective surgery is possible.
Pugs often have to contend with some serious dental problems, and this is because their teeth are crowded. He may require more dental attention than other dogs.
Being a large breed, the Briard shares many of the same health concerns as other large breeds. They have a few of their own as well. Typical issues for a Briard might include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration –degeneration of the photoreceptors and retina.
Grooming your Pug’s coat will simply require a brush twice a week. They’re fairly heavy shedders these Pugs so you can’t neglect the brushing.
It’s your chance to check the inside of his ears for signs of redness and to also check that his eyes are alright. You’ll also need a damp cloth to wipe his face and get rid of debris caught in the wrinkles. Run your hands over his body and make sure there aren’t any unusual new lumps. Keep his nails trimmed too.
Your Pug will need the best food there is to give his health the best chance. Remember that if you buy commercially manufactured dog food, to buy the very best one there is. Some of the poorer quality ones don’t come with the right balance of vitamins and minerals, and they also have lots of bad colorants and preservatives.
Also, be careful to read the packaging. Your Pug is a toy breed so you can’t be buying him food for large breed dogs such as Mastiffs or German Shepherds.
Consistency and simplicity is what your Pug wants from you. Home-made food is always an excellent choice for your pet’s diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy for him. For your Pug, chop it all up and maybe twice a week add it into the dry kibble.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will also ensure his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.
It is best to feed the Briard smaller meals 2-3 times a day to prevent bloat. Feed 3-4 cups total for the day of a dry dog food that is high quality and made for large breeds.
Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark can vary from slight difficulty moving to complete inability to see in the dark.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration – Can lead to night blindness, limited or total blindness. Puppies with the disease can be blind before their first birthday.
Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists. Fatal if not treated quickly. Caused by eating a large meal quickly and either exercise immediately or drink a large amount of water right after eating.
Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder leads to excessive bleeding. There is no cure, but it is manageable.
The Briard is a working dog and as such needs a job. They excel at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, confirmation and tracking. They need exercise and make excellent service dogs for people with disabilities and therapy dogs for those in emotional need.