Ryukyu Inu vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Ryukyu Inu vs Mucuchies - Breed ComparisonRyukyu Inu is originated from Japan but Mucuchies is originated from Venezuela. Ryukyu Inu may grow 21 cm / 8 inches shorter than Mucuchies. Ryukyu Inu may weigh 36 kg / 79 pounds lesser than Mucuchies. Both Ryukyu Inu and Mucuchies has same life span. Both Ryukyu Inu and Mucuchies has same litter size. Both Ryukyu Inu and Mucuchies requires Low maintenance.

History

ryukyu inu - historyThe Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Venezuela
Height Male:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Okinawa Native Dog, Ryukyu Dog
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Colors Available:
liver or black - stripes like a Tiger, Brindle, red, white
all white or white with spots of other colors
Coat:
Shortish - single- and double-coated varieties
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

ryukyu inu puppy - descriptionJapanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

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.

Characteristics

ryukyu inu dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

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.

Health Problems

ryukyu inu puppies - health problemsThese Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

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.

Caring The Pet

ryukyu inu dogs - caringThe coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison
  2. Ryukyu Inu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Ryukyu Inu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  4. Ryukyu Inu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Ryukyu Inu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  6. Ryukyu Inu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  7. Ryukyu Inu vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Ryukyu Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  9. Ryukyu Inu vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  10. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  11. Ryukyu Inu vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  12. Ryukyu Inu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Ryukyu Inu vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  14. Ryukyu Inu vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  15. Ryukyu Inu vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  16. Ryukyu Inu vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Ryukyu Inu vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Ryukyu Inu vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Ryukyu Inu vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  21. Ryukyu Inu vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  22. Ryukyu Inu vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Ryukyu Inu vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  29. Sarplaninac vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  30. Native American Indian Dog vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  31. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  32. Mucuchies vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Mucuchies vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  34. Mucuchies vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  35. Mucuchies vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  36. Mucuchies vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  37. Mucuchies vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  38. Mucuchies vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Mucuchies vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  40. Mucuchies vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  41. Mucuchies vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Mucuchies vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  43. Mucuchies vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  44. Mucuchies vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  45. Mucuchies vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  46. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Mucuchies vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  48. Mucuchies vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  49. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  50. Mucuchies vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds