Mucuchies vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison

Mucuchies vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed ComparisonMucuchies is originated from Venezuela but Longhaired Weimaraner is originated from Germany. Both Mucuchies and Longhaired Weimaraner are having almost same height. Mucuchies may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Longhaired Weimaraner. Both Mucuchies and Longhaired Weimaraner has almost same life span. Both Mucuchies and Longhaired Weimaraner has same litter size. Mucuchies requires Low maintenance. But Longhaired Weimaraner requires Moderate maintenance

History

mucuchies - historyThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

longhaired weimaraner - historyYou may be used to the sleek, silver shorthaired Weimaraner, but did you know you get a beautiful long haired version too? Known also as the Long Coated Weimaraner or the ‘Gray Ghost’, with its mesmerising amber eyes, the less common long haired variety shares a similar history as the more familiar short haired version.

The dog originates in Germany and was developed to be a hunting dog. It is believed that the silver dog dates back to the early 1800’s, and in 1897 the first breed club in Germany was formed to protect the future of this dog.

The longhair coat is recognized in all countries except the American Kennel Club.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Venezuela
Germany
Height Male:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
58 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
25 - 40 kg
55 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Grey Ghost, Weim
Colors Available:
all white or white with spots of other colors
Silver
Coat:
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Long, soft and silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

longhaired weimaraner puppy - descriptionThe Longhair Weimaraner with its eye-catching grey coat is a large dog that stands between 58 and 70cm and weighs between 25 to 40kg.

These dogs, unlike the short haired version, have the tail traditionally long and the tail is feathered. The eyes are a blue-green, amber or grey color. The grey coat is soft and silky and even though it is quite long, a brush twice a week will keep it in tip-top condition.

Temperament:

The Longhaired Weimaraner’s temperament is the same as the short haired variety. He is also a superb field dog with excellent hunting skills.

They’re very active dogs, looking for plenty of mental and physical stimulation. For first-time dog owners, this might prove to be too demanding, so the long haired Weimaraner might not be the best first-choice dog to get.

They can be aggressive when meeting new people and he will certainly require training and socialization if you want him to be calm and obedient.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

longhaired weimaraner dog - characteristicsYour Long Haired Weimaraner is a friendly, alert dog that makes for an excellent companion and watchdog. The fact that he is also restless, confident, independent and strong-willed means that training and socialization will be necessary to make him pleasant and obedient.

You can’t always count on him to be amicable as he also has a bit of an aggressive side.

The way your Long Haired Weimaraner turns out will depend on heredity, the personality of the owner as well as training and socialization.

These dogs want to be with their human family and will follow the owner around and contentedly lie at their feet. Once he's trained, the Weimaraner is guaranteed to make you a fine family companion.

Health Problems

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

longhaired weimaraner puppies - health problemsHip Dysplasia is a medical threat to all dog breeds and fortunately the Weimaraner is a dog breed that has a low rate of dysplasia. When buying a Long Haired Weimaraner, try and get one from breeders who have had their breeding dogs hip-tested.

You’ll notice that the Weimaraner is a deep-chested dog and he is prone to bloating, which can turn out to be life threatening for your dog if not treated immediately.

The stomach twists and is swollen with no bowel movements. The dog is restless and in distress and needs immediate attention. To help, instead of giving one large meal which is gobbled up quickly, give him 2 smaller meals.

Skin allergies are also quite common in these dogs and you don’t want your silver dogs coat going off as it is his crowning glory.

If he is scratching, his skin is dry, red and itchy, get him to the vet as it can even be parasites at work, causing an allergic reaction.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Grooming:

longhaired weimaraner dogs - caringWhen you bring a Long Haired Weimaraner home, you will need to invest in brush and comb for his long hair. They’re active dogs and love nothing more than running in a field, rolling in mud and being very active.

His coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it looking silvery and shimmering. Check the ears, eyes and teeth whenever you brush him and get used to cleaning his teeth regularly too.

If in doubt about how to keep your pet well groomed in terms of looks and health, speak to a dog expert, your vet or professional groomer.

Diet:

Your ‘Gray Ghost’ dog has been a very successful hunting dog, and they are high-energy gun dogs. As a large dog he will have particular nutritional needs to fuel his energetic lifestyle.The dog’s high activity levels need to be taken into account when looking at his diet.

Buy the best commercially manufactured food. Add to his kibble some cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and cooked or raw vegetables from time to time as well as bits of raw meat. Your dog will thank you for keeping his meals simple but nutritious.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  4. Sarplaninac vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  5. Native American Indian Dog vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  6. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  7. Mucuchies vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Mucuchies vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Mucuchies vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Mucuchies vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Mucuchies vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Mucuchies vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Mucuchies vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Mucuchies vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  15. Mucuchies vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  16. Mucuchies vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  17. Mucuchies vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  18. Mucuchies vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  19. Mucuchies vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  20. Mucuchies vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  21. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Mucuchies vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  23. Mucuchies vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  24. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  25. Mucuchies vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  27. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  28. Pachon Navarro vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  29. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  30. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  31. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  32. Spanish Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  33. Spinone Italiano vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  34. Talbot vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  35. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  36. Weimaraner vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  37. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Longhaired Weimaraner vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  40. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  41. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  42. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  43. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  44. Samoyed vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  46. Old English Sheepdog vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  47. Presa Canario vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  48. Perro de Presa Canario vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  49. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  50. Saluki vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds