Tibetan Terrier vs Pont-Audemer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-size breed of dog that originated in Tibet. He has always been kept as a pet and companion for Tibetan monks.

He is still a popular companion dog, more so because he is thought to be hypoallergenic, so that even allergy sufferers can enjoy a canine friend.

This isn't a new dog breed, and if you have to go according to records, they have been around for more than 2000 years as herding dogs.

The first Tibetan Terrier was brought to Europe in 1922. The first Tibetan Terriers in the US were imported in 1956 and in 1973 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. They're classified as a non-sporting breed.

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.

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog weighing about 8 – 14kg and standing at about 35 – 41cm in height.

People liken him to the Bearded Collie in looks. The long, shaggy, double coat of the dog is available in a number of colors such as white, grey, golden, black or tri-colored.

The dog is powerful and squarely built with floppy ears and a tail that is well feathered, long and carried curled over the back.

Temperament:

He has always been a dog kept by Tibetan monks. There is nothing aggressive about this dog at all and he is sweet, reserved, gentle and sensitive while also being playful and social with his human family.

These dogs thrive on human companionship and are often used as therapy dogs. He is energetic and active and will require regular exercise. He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, his exercise needs can never be neglected.

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.

Tibetan Terriers are loyal ad devoted to their human family. They’re social dogs and won’t do well stuck in the back yard.

They want to be part of the family and what they’re doing.

They are sensitive dogs, being able to sense the mood of those whom they love. They also make good watchdogs. They’re ideally suited to people who can give them the attention they crave, making splendid pets and companions.

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.

Your Tibetan Terrier can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age but even so it is susceptible to a host of health problems. Some of the problems you may have to contend with are hip dysplasia, eye problems and heart murmurs.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a serious condition where the femur doesn't fit snugly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. It can be painful and cause lameness even. Dogs that have hip dysplasia most certainly shouldn't be bred.

Heart Murmurs:

Heart murmurs are extra heart vibrations. This is because of a disturbance in the blood flow so as to produce an audible noise.

Sometimes the sound is barely audible but it can also be louder and your pet can show signs of congestive heart failure such as coughing, not being able to tolerate exercise, and being lethargic and weak.

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.

Diet:

The Tibetan will require good food and exercise to stay healthy. The commercially manufactured dog foods are always a convenient choice, but make sure to give your pet one of the better brand foods, otherwise you feed him a lot of useless ingredients such as fillers, preservatives and colorants from the cheap, inferior brands.

Feed him some home-made food too just to add a little bit of variety to his diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet.

Avoid people foods such as chocolates, onions, spices, chips etc as these can just upset his stomach and push your vet fees up. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Brush your Tibetan Terrier. He has a long shaggy coat so will require brushing at least twice a week.

Brushing your dog regularly will help to reduce shedding. Many people opt to take the dog to professional groomers and have the coat professionally clipped. The groomers will also trim your dog’s nails and clean the inside of your dog’s ears.

Vaccines:

Before you get a dog, make sure you have a reliable veterinarian. It’s no good if your pet becomes ill, maybe even some kind of an emergency, such as bloat, and you don’t know where to take your pet.

You need to be aware of a vet that is open 24/7. Your Tibetan will need to have your vet vaccinate him against some of the deadly diseases there are.

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.