New Guinea Singing Dog vs Russian Harlequin Hound - Breed Comparison

New Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea but Russian Harlequin Hound is originated from Russia. New Guinea Singing Dog may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Russian Harlequin Hound. New Guinea Singing Dog may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Russian Harlequin Hound. New Guinea Singing Dog may live 8 years more than Russian Harlequin Hound. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Russian Harlequin Hound has almost same litter size. New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Russian Harlequin Hound requires Low maintenance

History

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

The origins of the Russian Harlequin Hound are somewhat vague as there are many Russian hunting hounds and many of them have a similar ancestry.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is an indigenous hound whose origins go back to the 18th century. The first breed standard was published in 1925.

The breed was then developed during the early 1900s – being a mix of Russian Hound and English Foxhound. The Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed and you will find it almost exclusively in Russia.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
Papua New Guinea
Russia
Height Male:
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
Height Female:
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Anglo-Russkaya Gontjaja, Russian Spotted Hound
Colors Available:
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
White with tan and black markings
Coat:
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Description

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is a medium to large sized dog that stands between 55 – 68cm in height and weighs between 18 – 31kg.

He has a solid build with long, straight legs with a long tail that can be slightly curved. The head is broad and square with medium sized ears which are floppy. The short coat is essentially white with tri-colored markings of white, tan and black.

Temperament:

The Russian Harlequin Hound has an amicable expression to his face and is a friendly social dog breed. He is lively and energetic, and with his hunting background will required a good deal of exercise.

They make great family pets, getting on well with children in the home and making friends with any other pets in the family. He is a gentle dog and with training and socialization is well mannered and obedient.

He loves his human family and wants to spend time with them in their company. He isn't suited to life in the city and a small property, but will require a home with bigger grounds.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

The Russian Harlequin Hound has always been a hunting dog, known for his excellent hunting skills. He isn’t only a good hunting dog, but he makes a good family pet too.

If you’re looking for an unusual dog breed that is also intelligent, loyal and loving, then you might want to consider this Russian Harlequin Hound.

Health Problems

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

Your Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed that can reach 12 years of age if well cared for. There are some dog ailments that must be watched for. Cancer, ear infections and skin allergies can be problems to look out for. Other troublesome ailments can be -

Bloat:

This is a more common disease with deep-chested dogs, and the deep chested Russian Harlequin Hound is prone to bloat. Gas is trapped in the stomach and the stomach can actually twist. It can be life threatening. Your pet will have a hard, swollen belly and will be restless and salivating. Get him to the vet immediately. He may well require immediate surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is all about problems with the hip joints. It is sad for any dog with this disease as it can be painful for your pet to walk. Inflammation and arthritis can mean your pet being in pain. He can become lame too.

There are anti-inflammatory medications and your vet will suggest other treatments to make sure your pet is as comfortable as can be.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

Exercise:

The Russian Harlequin Hound needs both mental and physical stimulation. He is a curious dog and wants to be out and about sniffing around and exploring. He will need to have a walk every day as well as lots of ball- and rope games. He will suit being the pet of a busy, outdoorsy family as opposed to a family of couch potatoes.

Grooming:

The Russian Harlequin Hound is looked upon as a low maintenance dog breed, and with his short, dense coat you can get by with just brushing him twice a week. Because he is such a lover of the outdoors check him over for ticks and fleas when you brush him.

Check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Open his mouth and look for bad, rotting teeth.

Check him over for any unusual lumps.

Make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge.

Trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog should be fed excellent food as this encourages good health. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be wonderfully convenient and nutritious if you get the better quality ones.

Try and include some simple, tasty home-made food to his diet . High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more tasty for him by giving him some chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. This can be added into the dry kibble twice a week.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  2. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  3. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  4. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  6. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  7. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  8. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  9. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  10. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  12. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  13. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  14. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  15. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  20. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  22. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  23. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Santal Hound vs Russian Harlequin Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Harlequin Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Harlequin Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds