Pug vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Pug vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Pug is originated from China. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 27 cm / 11 inches higher than Pug. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Pug. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Pug has almost same life span. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Pug has same litter size. Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Pug requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
undefined
Slovenia
China
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
25 - 36 cm
9 - 15 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
25 - 36 cm
9 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Chinese Pug
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Fawn, black
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

istrian sheepdogKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

pugIt is believed that Pugs originated in China, but not much is known about the early history of these dogs. There are some dog experts who believe that the dogs were brought to Holland by Portuguese traders in the 16th century.

These dogs then went from Holland to England in 1689. The American Kennel Club registered the Pugs in 1885.

In 1931, the Pug Dog Club of America was established.

Description

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

pug puppy - descriptionPugs are small dogs standing at roughly 25cm and 36cm in height and weighing between 6 and 8.5kg. They are categorized as a toy breed.

The head is large in size compared to the body. It’s the eyes which are quite distinct – being particularly large and prominent, almost bulging. The face is fairly wrinkled too with the muzzle being short or blunt and black in color.

The coat of the dog is smooth and short with colors mainly being fawn, but black is also seen. The ears are medium sized and floppy while the tail curls up tightly over the back.

Temperament:

The Pug is unusual to look at and also has an unusual personality. He is an entertaining dog with his clownish antics but he happens to be intelligent too, and will respond well to training and socialization.

With their short coats they are regarded as low-maintenance dogs, although the short, double coat does shed quite a bit. They’re also not your typical live-wire and can quite easily be found lounging around.

Of course they can’t be left to do this too often as obesity can easily set it. Pugs will certainly need some physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re playful dogs and get on well with children and other pets, especially if there are games to be enjoyed.

They are loyal, affectionate pets with their human owners and make a good pet for those living in the city or in the countryside.

Characteristics

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

pug dog - characteristicsThe Pug just loves spending time with his human family. They’re good with other dogs too and with children.

They’re even tempered and will make anyone a splendid family pet, so long as they’re not heavy into things like jogging and cycling.

He is alert and can make you a good watchdog. With all the love he comes with, the comical Pug can make you a most wonderful pet and friend.

Health Problems

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

pug puppies - health problemsEvery dog, regardless of breed, can develop health problems. Good nutrition, exercise and love and care go a long way to ward off diseases and ensure your pet has a healthy, happy life.

The Pug can also develop certain health problems and we look at one or two -

Pug Dog Encephalitis:

This is inflammation of the brain and it causes seizures. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure. This neurological disease is luckily rare. Usually it attacks young Pugs of 2 or 3 years of age. Seizures, neck stiffness, loss of co-ordination, lethargy are all signs of this disease.

Sad though it may be, the best way forward would be to put your dog to sleep, but in any case your vet will discuss all options with you.

Brachycephalic Syndrome:

With this disease, your Pug can have breathing problems, which can be aggravated if the Pug is overweight or the weather particularly hot. Don’t exercise your Pug too vigorously on a hot day.

Stenoic nares is a medical term for narrow nostrils in a dog, and this is precisely what the Pug battles with. If the Pug battles too much with breathing problems, corrective surgery is possible.

Dental Disease:

Pugs often have to contend with some serious dental problems, and this is because their teeth are crowded. He may require more dental attention than other dogs.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Grooming:

pug dogs - caringGrooming your Pug’s coat will simply require a brush twice a week. They’re fairly heavy shedders these Pugs so you can’t neglect the brushing.

It’s your chance to check the inside of his ears for signs of redness and to also check that his eyes are alright. You’ll also need a damp cloth to wipe his face and get rid of debris caught in the wrinkles. Run your hands over his body and make sure there aren’t any unusual new lumps. Keep his nails trimmed too.

Diet:

Your Pug will need the best food there is to give his health the best chance. Remember that if you buy commercially manufactured dog food, to buy the very best one there is. Some of the poorer quality ones don’t come with the right balance of vitamins and minerals, and they also have lots of bad colorants and preservatives.

Also, be careful to read the packaging. Your Pug is a toy breed so you can’t be buying him food for large breed dogs such as Mastiffs or German Shepherds.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pug wants from you. Home-made food is always an excellent choice for your pet’s diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots can be very healthy for him. For your Pug, chop it all up and maybe twice a week add it into the dry kibble.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also ensure his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Istrian Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Istrian Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Istrian Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Istrian Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Istrian Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Istrian Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Istrian Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Istrian Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Istrian Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Istrian Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Istrian Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Istrian Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Istrian Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Istrian Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Istrian Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Istrian Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Istrian Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Istrian Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Istrian Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Istrian Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Istrian Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Pug vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Pug vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Pug vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Pug vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Pug vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Pug vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Pug vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Pug vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Pug vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Pug vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Pug vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Pug vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Pug vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Pug vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Pug vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Pug vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Pug vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Pug vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Pug vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Pug vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Pug vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Pug vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Pug vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Pug vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison