Spanish Water Dog vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison

Spanish Water Dog vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed ComparisonSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but Braque du Bourbonnais is originated from France. Spanish Water Dog may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Braque du Bourbonnais. Both Spanish Water Dog and Braque du Bourbonnais are having almost same weight. Both Spanish Water Dog and Braque du Bourbonnais has almost same life span. Both Spanish Water Dog and Braque du Bourbonnais has almost same litter size. Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Braque du Bourbonnais requires Low maintenance

History

spanish water dog - historyBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

braque du bourbonnais - historyThe Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient breed, seen in the 15th century in France in the province of Bourbonnais. He became extremely popular with hunters by the 1800’s as a good pointer. He has become very popular in the United States and all of North America. There are often more puppies born in the U.S. than in France. The British call this breed the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog.

As with so many European hunting and working dogs, the Braque du Bourbonnais almost disappeared following World War I but was saved by the first breed club, established in 1925. Then following World War II, they were again in danger as the club dissolved and birth rates among the breed decreased drastically.

Actually, there were no dogs at all in the French registry between 1963 and 1973. This was attributed to the fact that the registry put more emphasis on the secondary characteristics such as color, length of tail) instead of the hunting characteristics. Because of this some hunter-breeders vowed to bring the real Braque du Bourbonnais back.

Michel Comte took on this task in 1970 but could not find any dogs with pure Bourbonnais blood. So, he took missed breed with characteristics like the Bourbonnais and inbred several litters until he had a dog he was satisfied with. He registered this dog with the LOF in 1973-75. Seeing this several other breeders got into the act and they successfully brought the breed back.

Michel became president of the new Club du Braque du Bourbonnais in 1981 and remained so until 2001. During this time the breed excelled at field trials and was first sent to the U.S. in 1988. The breed is now thriving in both Europe and North America.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
Spain
France
Height Male:
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
51 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
49 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
16 - 22 kg
35 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Bourbonnais Pointer • Bourbonnais Pointing Dog • French Pointing Dog • French Pointer • Braques Francaises • Braque Bourbonnais
Colors Available:
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
White, with fine brown or fawn ticking
Coat:
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
fine, short, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

braque du bourbonnais puppy - descriptionThis is an elegant breed with a medium sized, muscular bod and a round head. The nose will be the color of the coat and the muzzle is cone shaped with a wide base. He has large dark or hazel eyes, again depending on the color of the coat. The ears can drop below the throat and the neck is very muscular. He has a deep, wide chest and straight, muscular legs. The coat can come in two colors – liver and fawn – and ticked or spotted. They have a typical short pointer type tail.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

braque du bourbonnais dog - characteristicsThe Braque du Bourbonnais is a gentle, calm dog. He is affectionate and kind when off the job but intelligent, adaptable and serious when hunting. They are intense when learning or hunting and they will learn quickly. They are good with other dogs.

Health Problems

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

This medium sized pointer can suffer from:

Hip Dysplasia – can be tested

braque du bourbonnais puppies - health problemsEntropion - both of these are issues with eyelashes turning inward or outward and both can

Ectropion - injure the eye

Pulmonic Stenosis of the heart – valve doesn’t open

Caring The Pet

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

Feeding

braque du bourbonnais dogs - caringThis breed is prone to weight gain and obesity. Be careful not to overfeed them. Don’t free feed them but give them 2-3 smaller meals per day.

Health issues

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis

Entropion - both of these are issues with eyelashes turning inward or outward and both can

Ectropion - injure the eye

Pulmonic Stenosis of the heart- minor will have no symptoms but eventually the heart will not be able to function efficiently and could lead to congestive heart failure.

Exercise and games

The Braque du Bourbonnais needs at least a minimum amount of exercise daily , especially if he is not used for hunting. A fenced backyard for playtime would be perfect but long walks will work. He likes to learn tricks, play ball or hide and seek. Outside activities could include hiking, swimming, agility, retrieving, rally and obedience trials, along with the usual field trials.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Water Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Water Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Water Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Water Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Water Dog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Water Dog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Water Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Water Dog vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Water Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Water Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Water Dog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Water Dog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Water Dog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Water Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Water Dog vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  27. English Setter vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  29. Pudelpointer vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  30. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  31. Ariege Pointer vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  32. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  33. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  34. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  35. Clumber Spaniel vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  36. Stabyhoun vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  37. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  38. Vizsla vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  39. Large Munsterlander vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  40. Tyrolean Hound vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  41. Cockalier vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  42. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  47. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  48. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds