Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Briard - Breed Comparison

Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Briard - Breed ComparisonWelsh Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Briard is originated from France. Welsh Springer Spaniel may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Briard. Welsh Springer Spaniel may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Briard. Both Welsh Springer Spaniel and Briard has almost same life span. Welsh Springer Spaniel may have less litter size than Briard. Welsh Springer Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance. But Briard requires High maintenance

History

welsh springer spaniel - historyThe Welsh Springer Spaniel is thought to be an old Land Spaniel similar to the English Springer Spaniel. They were pretty mush an unknown breed until they won a string of dog trials and became more popular. Following this surge the breed was recognized by the UKC in 1902 and were named the Welsh Springer Spaniel. No one really knows when the breed was developed and cannot be traced because of lack of documentation. They were brought to America in the early 1900’s and were recognized as a breed by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906.

There are images of a dog looking a lot like the Welsh Springer Spaniel in old prints and pictures. The pictures are of a dog known as a Land Spaniel very much like the Welsh Springer Spaniel. These dogs were thought to be preserved by the Welsh and originally called the Welsh Starter. It was a hunting breed working with falcons.

At one point the breed was called the Welsh Spaniel and was also in the UK studbook as a Cocker Spaniel or a Welsh Cocker. There were several different types of Cocker Spaniels including the English Cocker, the Welsh Cocker, the Devonshire Cocker. The Welsh Cocker Spaniel was a solid dark color while the Welsh and Devonshire Cockers were liver colored.

Following World War II there were no dogs left in Wales or anywhere else in the United Kingdom whose parents were registered pedigree. The unregistered dogs were used to restart the breed and these dogs are the ancestors of the modern Welsh Springer Spaniel.

The breed is still rare with only 299 registered in the UK in 2016. They are listed now a vulnerable Native Breed.

briard - historyThrough myth and legend, the Briard is thought to be a very ancient dog. A French herding breed, a Briard type of dog appears in writings as early as the end of the 14th century. According to legends the Briard was owned by Napoleon, Charlemagne, Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. As a cross between the Barbet and the Beauceron, the Briard came into popularity following its appearance in a Paris dog show in 1863. Bred originally to guard and herd sheep, these intelligent, independent dogs were often left on their own. Because they both guarded and herded, their size and structure as well as their personalities were different from other dogs that worked sheep. Those that herded only were fast, agile and smaller. Those that only guarded were heavier, bigger and stronger. The Briard was in-between these two types of breeds. He was well suited to any kind of farm work and guarded the crops from the sheep’s desire to eat them. They moved the sheep from one grazing area to another and then to their holding area at night. No humans had to assist the Briard in this work once they were trained.

During World War 1, the Briards were drafted into service as messengers, sentries and search dogs for lost or injured soldiers. In that time frame the breed served almost to the point of extinction. Breeding programs following the war brought them back. Today the Briard is a home companion, a police dog, as well as both military and civilian search and rescue dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
58 - 65 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 20 kg
39 - 45 pounds
30 - 40 kg
66 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 6
8 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Welshie Welsh Spaniel Welsh Cocker Spaniel Welsh Starter
Berger de Brie Berger Briard
Colors Available:
red and white
Uniform black, fawn, grey or blue.
Coat:
Naturally straight flat and soft to the touch, never wiry or wavy feathered coat
Double, wavy, long, fine
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

welsh springer spaniel puppy - descriptionThe breed is a medium size, solid and compact dog bred to work. Their forequarters are angled and there hindquarters are well developed. This is a very good looking breed that is only red with white markings. A hard working dog bred to hunt. They are slighter longer than tall and are not penalized as long as the height tis not greater than the length.

The tail in docked except in countries where it is illegal to do so. Their eyes should be brown. Noses are black or brown. The ears are small with a fethering like most setters. The show and field styles are the same. They are confused with the Engolish Springer Spaniel even though there are many differences. But both breeds are born to hunt and “spring” at the prey. They are smaller than the English Springer Spaniel and larger than the English Cocker Spaniel.

briard puppy - descriptionThe Briard is a powerful, intelligent and independent working dog. They have a straight topline and their height is almost the same as their length. They have long, large, rectangular heads with wide muzzles. Their noses are also square and jet black while their side set, large eyes can be black-brown or black. Their ears have traditionally been cropped but with more countries outlawing it, they can now have natural ears set high on the head. They have a tail that is feathered and low-cut. The feet of a Briard are round, compact and large.

The Briard is a double coated breed with a long beard and mustache. Their hair completely covers the head and the eyes so that they are not seen. They have prominent eyebrows as well.

Characteristics

Characteristics

welsh springer spaniel dog - characteristics1Children friendliness yes they love their own children, but might be wary of others.

2.Special talents - endurance and stamina are intense with this breed.

3.Adapability – not that good in an apartment as this is a rare working dog.

4.Learning ability - intelligent and willing

briard dog - characteristicsAs mentioned previously the Briard is intelligent and independent. They are also loyal, rugged, protective and bond intensely with their humans. They are often aloof when it comes to strangers or even when new furniture is introduced into the household. They have to learn that anything new into the family environment is friendly and good. They are great with children and susceptible to separation anxiety because of their deep affection for their people. Socialization for puppies is a must. This will let them know that people and children, other dogs in general are not harmful to their families. They have great memories and once they learn something – right or wrong – it is almost impossible to change it. They were bred to be independent thinkers who acted on their own conclusions. This is still true of the breed today, making them appear to be stubborn.

They are great watchdogs, fearless and brave; willing to learn, eager to make you happy. They are basically gentle but that always runs up against their protective nature. A strong alpha leader is needed to handle this hard-working dog.

Health Problems

Health Problems

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a few serious health concerns such as:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.

welsh springer spaniel puppies - health problems• Eye Diseases – Glaucoma can cause blindness; Entropian – eyelids curl inwards and can damage the cornea.

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis – can be treated with medication.
  • Ear infections – be sure to keep them clean to prevent this.
  • Epilepsy – as many spaniels have. Can be treated with medications.

briard puppies - health problemsBeing a large breed, the Briard shares many of the same health concerns as other large breeds. They have a few of their own as well. Typical issues for a Briard might include:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – bones don’t fit into joints.

Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration –degeneration of the photoreceptors and retina.

Hypothyroidism – disorder of the thyroid.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists.

Cancer – Number 1 killer of all dogs.

Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder.

Caring The Pet

welsh springer spaniel dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy active puppy. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed ½ -3/4 cup in 2-3 meals

2.Feeding the adult active breed. Feed breed specific or medium breed high quality dogfood. Feed 1-1/2 cup in 1-2meals

3.Points for Good Health endurance/stamina – can outlast many hunting dogs.

4. Games and Exercises – Needs a secure fenced yard. Loves sports and outdoor activity. Agility, obedience, rally, tracking and loves to run, bike and hike.

Feeding

briard dogs - caringIt is best to feed the Briard smaller meals 2-3 times a day to prevent bloat. Feed 3-4 cups total for the day of a dry dog food that is high quality and made for large breeds.

Health issues

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause painful arthritis and lameness

Stationary Night Blindness – Congenital limited vision in the dark can vary from slight difficulty moving to complete inability to see in the dark.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration – Can lead to night blindness, limited or total blindness. Puppies with the disease can be blind before their first birthday.

Hypothyroidism – disorder of the thyroid.

Bloat (Gastric Torsion) – Stomach is distended and twists. Fatal if not treated quickly. Caused by eating a large meal quickly and either exercise immediately or drink a large amount of water right after eating.

Cancer – Number 1 killer of all dogs. Various types.

Von Willebrand’s Disease – Blood clotting disorder leads to excessive bleeding. There is no cure, but it is manageable.

Exercise and games

The Briard is a working dog and as such needs a job. They excel at agility, flyball, herding, obedience, confirmation and tracking. They need exercise and make excellent service dogs for people with disabilities and therapy dogs for those in emotional need.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Old English Sheepdog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  27. Briard vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Briard vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Briard vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  30. Briard vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  31. Rough Collie vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  32. East German Shepherd vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  33. Saarlooswolfhond vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  34. Estrela Mountain Dog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  35. Huntaway vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  36. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  37. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  39. Mioritic Sheepdog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  40. Samoyed vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  41. Labradoodle vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  42. Mixed vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  43. Dogue De Bordeaux vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  44. German Shorthaired Pointer vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  45. Great Pyrenees vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  46. Presa Canario vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  47. Labrador Husky vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  48. Perro de Presa Canario vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  49. Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Briard - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds