Pug vs Pont-Audemer Spaniel - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

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 Pont-Audemer Spaniel hails from France. The dog, known also as Epagneul Pont-Audemer is a rare breed of gun dog, and dates back to the 19th century.

There aren’t clear records on the origins of the dog, but it is thought that it was developed during the 19th century. It is also thought that the dog was bred from the English Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel.

When numbers of these dogs declined, the president of the Pont-Audemer breed club permitted other breeds to be crossed with the existing gene pool. In 1980, the breed club merged with the Picardy Spaniel club and the dog is recognized by the FCI as the Pont-Audemer Spaniel.

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.

Temperament:

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 Pont Audemer Spaniel is a medium- to large-sized breed, standing at between 50 and 58cm in height and weighing in the region of 20 – 27kg, the Pont Audemer Spaniel has a wavy, slightly curly coat of medium length, with some long hair on the top of his head. Common coat colors include white and reddish brown although there are some solid colors too. Te Muzzle of the dog is longish and fairly pointed, the nose brown and they eyes amber or hazel. This is a deep chested dog and wile the tail is traditionally docked, these days it tends to be left long and carried with a slight curve.

Temperament:

The Pont Audemer Spaniel is an intelligent dog that will respond well to training. Training and socialization are important for making him well-rounded and obedient. This spaniel-type dog just loves having loads of fun, even to the extent of being clownish.

Because he is a working dog, and an energetic one at that, he wouldn’t do well in a tiny city property but is better suited to life in the suburbs or the countryside. He is a playful dog and will get on well with children. He can also make a great friend of other dogs, particularly if he grew up with them.

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.

This is truly an old breed of spaniel, loving to spend time outdoors and in marshy areas.

He is a calm, gentle breed, and passionate breeders have worked to preserve it as the dog makes a splendid pet. With an amicable look on his face which has a kind expression, he has other good characteristics to his name such as being intelligent, courageous and energetic.

Whether you’re indoors or out, the Pont-Audemer spaniel is a great companion thanks to his loyalty. Your docile, affectionate and cheerful friend will ensure you tick him off as a pet to be recommended.

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 -

Pug Dog Encephalitis:

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.

Brachycephalic Syndrome:

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.

Dental Disease:

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.

There isn’t a great deal of information on this dog as it is a fairly uncommon breed, but nonetheless a robust dog breed. He can reach 14 years or more if well cared for.

Their long, floppy ears may be a problem as dogs with long ears like this, where sunlight and air don’t reach the insides of the ear, are more prone to dampness, dirt and wax. The inside of the ears becomes a breeding place for bacteria.

Bloat:

It is the deep chest of the Pont-Audemer Spaniel that can put him at risk for developing bloat. When a dog like this becomes bloated you can actually see the swollen, hard stomach. The dog is extremely restless, he is panting and pacing. Immediate veterinary attention is required as this is a life threatening illness.

Follicular Dysplasia:

Known also as alopecia, there are a few things that can cause your pet to lose his hair. These can be hormonal issues or parasites such as worms.

Grooming:

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.

Diet:

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.

Exercise:

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel has always been a working breed so he is used to being active. They have high exercise requirements and will require having quite a large outdoor space to run. Ball and rope games are a must for him, lots of swimming and hikes as well as a daily walk.

Grooming:

Even though the fairly long hair of the spaniel looks as though it may require quite a bit of upkeep, the Pont Audemer Spaniel is a low maintenance dog that will require a good brush twice a week.

While you’re brushing him, feel him over for any new, unusual lumps. Look into his eyes to make sure they’re bright and alert. Check around his ears for ticks and fleas and look inside his ears for dirt and wax which could lead to bacteria and an ear infection.

Diet:

You don’t want your dog gaining weight and becoming obese as this opens up a whole lot of health issues. There are always dogs that can gain weight after they have been spayed or neutered. Remember if you’re using commercially manufactured dog food, to make sure it is high quality and also suited to your dog’s age, it’s season of life and its activity levels.

Give your canine friend some home-made food too, bearing in mind that dogs like simple, healthy food that won’t upset their stomachs, and which will be good for them too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach all chopped up can be so beneficial for your pet. If you cook it in bulk, it can be put into portions and some of this can be added into the dry kibble occasionally. This is a great treat for your dog.

Some raw meat added in from time to time can also be hugely benefit for your pet. Avoid all spicy, exotic foods for your pet.

Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.