Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Berger Picard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Sporting Group
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Welsh Springer Spaniel Overview
Welsh Springer Spaniels feature a distinctive red and white coat, medium-sized athletic build, and gentle expression. Their well-proportioned frame combines strength with agility, standing 18-19 inches at the shoulder. Known for their soft, feathered coat and pendulous ears, these dogs exhibit a balanced blend of working ability and companionable charm. Their alert, friendly expression reflects their warm temperament.
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Welsh Springer Spaniels are less energetic than Berger Picards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Welsh Springer Spaniels require more grooming attention compared to Berger Picards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Welsh Springer Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than Berger Picards.
- Trainability: Berger Picards may be slightly easier to train due to their Berger Picard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Berger Picards adapt better to apartment living, while Welsh Springer Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Welsh Springer Spaniel and Berger Picard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Welsh Springer Spaniel | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Welsh Springer Spaniel | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm |
| Weight | 35-55 lbs 16-25 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Welsh Springer Spaniel | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Happy, Reserved, Upbeat | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Welsh Springer Spaniel | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Welsh Springer Spaniel Temperament
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is known for being happy, reserved, upbeat, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, observant, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Welsh Springer Spaniel and Berger Picard, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Welsh Springer Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Welsh Springer Spaniels require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Welsh Springer Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Welsh Springer Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Entropion
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Pros & Cons
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Trainable
- Athletic
- Affectionate
Cons
- Needs regular exercise
- Regular grooming required
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Moderate shedding
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Welsh Springer Spaniel and Berger Picard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.