Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bracco Italiano - Breed ComparisonPyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain but Bracco Italiano is originated from Italy. Pyrenean Shepherd may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Bracco Italiano. Pyrenean Shepherd may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Bracco Italiano. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Bracco Italiano has almost same life span. Both Pyrenean Shepherd and Bracco Italiano has almost same litter size. Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Bracco Italiano requires Low maintenance

History

pyrenean shepherd - historyThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.

bracco italiano - historyThe attractive and popular breed in Italy, the Bracco Italiano was used for tracking and retrieving, evolving in Piedmont and Lombardy. It is believed the Bracco Italiano came about from crossing the Segugio with the ancient Asiatic Mastiff.

There are people however, who believe that the breed goes back to the St Hubert Hound, but it is certain that both hounds and gundogs are part of the breed’s ancestry. The dog only arrived in Britain in the last decade of the 20th century.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
Spain
Italy
Height Male:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
58 - 67 cm
22 - 27 inches
Height Female:
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
23 - 40 kg
50 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Pyr Shep
Italian Pointer Italian Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
Orange and White, Chestnut and White with some freckling
Coat:
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
Short, dense and glossy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

His Looks:

bracco italiano puppy - descriptionThe Bracco Italiano is a large athletic, muscular dog. He stands at 58–67cm, weighing anything between 25 – 40kg. He reminds one somewhat of a German Short-haired Pointer. He has long ears and a serious expression, and this reminds one of a Bloodhound. He has short, shiny hair with his coat being white and chestnut or orange. The tail of the Bracco Italiano has always been docked, giving him an attractive, distinctive look but with rules and regulations coming in regarding docking, the long tail is often left intact. His eyes are brown.

His Temperament

Braccos are wonderful pets – they are intelligent, loving, gentle and amicable, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. Socialize and train them and they become gentle and obedient. They long to be involved with their human family and will adapt to life in the city or the country so long as they are made to feel like family. He is alert and makes a good watchdog. As with most other dogs, they can’t be bought, loved as a puppy and then ignored and left to themselves when they grow into adults.

Characteristics

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

bracco italiano dog - characteristicsThe gentle, amicable Bracco Italiano is a versatile dog that can be a super sport companion for active people and it can also be an exceptional companion for families and older people. He has a sweet, gentle expression and his amicable nature makes him easy to love. He is alert though, and therefore can be both protector and friend at the same time.

Overall, this easy going dog with his low maintenance coat can make an excellent 4-legged addition to any family.

Health Problems

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

bracco italiano puppies - health problemsThere don’t appear to be any major health issues with your Bracco Italiano and he can live to be 12, 13 or 14 years of age. Because he is a large breed however, you will need to watch out for hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal disease with dogs and larger dogs have the genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia. Your dog can develop joint inflammation with pain and lameness.

Other health problems to look out for include kidney disease (Amaloidosis), cherry eye which results in dry eye. If you want to buy a Bracco Italiano, you should ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

bracco italiano dogs - caringThese dogs are moderate shedders so he will simply need a good brushing twice a week to ensure the coat is kept shiny and free from loose hairs. Nails should be clipped from time to time and he will also need to have his long ears checked for cleanliness. Long-eared dog breeds are more susceptible to canine ear infections.

Feeding:

The Bracco is a large dog and therefore he will require a high quality, large-breed dog food formula. Your veterinarian can even recommend a quality commercially manufactured food for large, energetic dogs and which comes with all the vitamins and minerals required for such a breed.

Your vet will recommend you steer clear of foods with cheap fillers, lots of preservatives, sugar and colorants. He has a glossy, dense short coat and you want to ensure he gets raw meat, rice and vegetables from time to time to ensure that the beautiful coat never becomes dull and dry.

Cool, fresh water must always be available to him. Diet and nutrition is an important decision for your pet as it will ultimately affect his long term health.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  16. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  17. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Pyrenean Shepherd vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  19. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  21. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  22. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  23. Pyrenean Shepherd vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  24. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Norwegian Buhund - Breed Comparison
  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  27. Irish Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  28. Bracco Italiano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  30. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Red and White Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  32. Pachon Navarro vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  34. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  35. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  36. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  37. Spanish Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  38. Spinone Italiano vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  39. Talbot vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  40. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  41. Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  42. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  43. Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  44. Samoyed vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  45. Labradoodle vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  46. Cane Corso vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  47. Mixed vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  48. Bullmastiff vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds