MyDogBreeds
Pug is originated from China but Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. Pug may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Picardy Spaniel. Pug may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Picardy Spaniel. Both Pug and Picardy Spaniel has same life span. Both Pug and Picardy Spaniel has almost same litter size. Pug requires Low maintenance. But Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate 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.
The Picardy Spaniel hails from France and has always been used as a gundog, having been crossed with different British hunting dogs.
While this dog breed is related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, the Picardy is the older of the two breeds. It has always been sought after by the French nobility for its hunting skills and the fact that its weather resistant coat allowed it to hunt in all kinds of weather conditions.
The dog’s popularity waned in the early 20th century. The UKC have recognized the Picardy Spaniel as a Gun Dog and the breed has also been accepted within the FCI as a Pointing dog group.
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 Picardy Spaniel is larger than other spaniels. It is described as a medium sized dog, standing at 56 – 61cm in height and weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms. The body of the spaniel is squarely built and muscular body. The dog has long floppy ears and the coat which is shortish in areas except for feathering around the legs and belly can vary in colour from red to chestnut brown to sandy and chocolate. The tail is long and feathered.
The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and makes a great family pet, loving being playful with the children in the home and getting on well with other dogs. He is gentle but sociable and intelligent too and is easy to train and socialize.
Although he has been used as a hunting dog he can slot into life in the city or the countryside. He can be indoors or outdoors and still be happy, so long as his family members are close by.
He is an active dog though, and won’t be content to be sitting around for too long, loving nothing more than to be chasing a ball or going for a walk with you.
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.
The Picardy Spaniel is a docile dog who forms strong bonds with his human family.
He doesn’t gel easily with strangers though, but socialization and training will at least make him well behaved among strangers.
A well-mannered Picardy Spaniel is a joy in the home, and this gentle dog is guaranteed to make you the most wonderfully loyal and loving pet and companion.
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.
Without any major health issues, your Picardy can reach 14 years of age and possibly even older. A couple of common dog conditions to be on the watch for include:
Your beautiful Picardy Spaniel has floppy ears and this opens up the tendency to suffer with ear infections. The inside of the ears are moist and hot and you as the dog owner can try to keep the inside of the ear clean and dry.
He is a dog that loves water too, and swimming encourages dampness. If you prefer not to work on the inside of the ears, dog groomers or your vet can clean the ears for you. An ear infection can be painful for your pet and it will require veterinary intervention.
These are dogs which can pick up weight quite easily. Dogs which are overweight are more prone to developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease, not to mention joint problems.
Other problems to look out for include cancer, bloat, dental disease and parasites.
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.
Your Picardy has a thick coat which sheds and the coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting. The ears of the Picardy Spaniel require special attention. Because they are long they will need to be cleaned and kept dry otherwise an ear infection can develop.
At the same time, check your pet over for ticks and fleas, check his eyes, keep the nails trimmed, and check inside his mouth for rotting teeth which can be the source of many health problems if left untreated.
If you have a puppy, you will need to provide 4 bowls of food in a 24 hour period. Check on the directions provided on the food packaging to see how much to feed your puppy.
By the time your Picardy is one year of age, he can move over to 2 bowls of food a day. Only the highest quality commercially manufactured food will be good enough for your dog. Food and its quality impacts the health and longevity of your pet.
Apart from dry kibble, try and provide some home-made food, keeping it as simple as possible. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent foods. Chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots added to the kibble now and then will thrill your pet. Occasionally you can also add in some raw meat.
Avoid feeding your dog things like coffee, chocolates, popcorn, nuts and onions as all these will just upset your dog's digestive system. The secret is to keep things simple and nutritious.
Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.