Hungarian Hound vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Hungarian Hound vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonGreek Sheepdog is originated from Greece but Hungarian Hound is originated from Hungary. Greek Sheepdog may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Hungarian Hound. Greek Sheepdog may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Hungarian Hound. Both Greek Sheepdog and Hungarian Hound has same life span. Both Greek Sheepdog and Hungarian Hound has almost same litter size. Greek Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Hungarian Hound requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
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Greece
Hungary
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
21 - 24 kg
46 - 53 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Greek Shepherd, Olympus Dog
Transylvanian Hound Erdelyi Kopo, Copoi Ardelenesc, Ungarische Bracke, Transylvanian Bloodhound, or Transylvania Scenthound
Colors Available:
White with red, black or brown markings
black with tan markings
Coat:
Thick, double-coat, long hair
dense, coarse double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

greek sheepdogKnown as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.

It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.

Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.

It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.

hungarian houndThe Hungarian Hound, also known as the Transylvanian Hound, originated in ancient Hungary as a hunting dog. At the time there were Asian Hounds that traveled with Hungarian Magyar tribes into Transylvania. As early as the 9th century it is believed that these Hungarian dogs were crossed with Celtic Hounds and local dogs. The result is the Hungarian Hound. These dogs were incredibly popular throughout Transylvania.

This scent hound almost became extinct but was saved by intense breeding during the latter part of the 21st century. They developed two kinds, short and tall, for different types of hunting. The tall dogs hunted boar, bison, lynx and bear. The short dogs hunted hare, fox and chamois.

Only the tall dogs exist today. Some Hungarians raided parts of Europe and took the dogs with them. There was then a crossing breeding with Polish dogs. The tall dogs exist today in Hungary and Romania. The Hungarian Kennel Club recognized the breed and the United Kennel Club (UKC) from the United States recognizes them. No major clubs such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the British Clubs. The breed was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program

Description

greek sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.

You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.

Temperament:

Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.

The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.

They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.

hungarian hound puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Hound is a medium sized dog, a scent hound with the same characteristics of the type of hunting hounds found in Mid-Europe. The breed is a hardy one with a long head slightly domed skull. The muzzle is short, and the jaws are strong. The lips are black, and the ears are round and hang. Their eyes are shaped like almonds and dark brown. The breed has large paws with cushioned pads and strong toes.

Characteristics

greek sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.

He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.

They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.

Children friendliness

hungarian hound dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – This breed is very friendly with children.

Special talents

Special talents - Hunting independently and at a distance from the hunter.

Adaptability

Adaptability – Not an apartment dog. They need space and land.

Learning ability

Learning ability – They are very independent and intelligent.

Health Problems

greek sheepdog puppies - health problemsWith good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.

Some diseases to look out for include -

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.

Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.

Lyme Disease:

Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.

Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.

hungarian hound puppies - health problemsEven though this is an ancient breed they do face certain medical issues such as:

  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cancer – can be fatal.
  • Entropian – The eyelid folds forward and can injure the eye.
  • Bloat – Distension and twisting of digestive organ can cause immediate death.
  • Hypothyroidism – medication can control this.
  • Ectropia – The eyelids fold outward and can injure the eye.
  • Sensitivity to anesthesia – must be careful if have surgery and for teeth cleaning.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

greek sheepdog dogs - caringThe coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.

Diet:

Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.

Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding the puppy

hungarian hound dogs - caringFeeding the puppy – 1-3 cups of high quality food served in 3-5 meals per day.

Feeding the adult

Feeding the adult – 3-5 cups of high quality food served in 2-3 meals a day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – generally healthy

Games and Exercises

Games and Exercises – The Hungarian Hound is a hunting dog and therefore accustomed to and bred for a high level of exercise. Their instinct for hunting is really strong so make sure you do not let them off leash outside of a contained area. They excel at tracking, field trials, lure chasing, and fly ball.

Comparison with other breeds

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  38. Hungarian Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Hungarian Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Hungarian Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Hungarian Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Hungarian Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Hungarian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Hungarian Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Hungarian Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Hungarian Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Hungarian Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Hungarian Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Hungarian Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Hungarian Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison