Slovak Cuvac vs Rhodesian Ridgeback - Breed Comparison

Slovak Cuvac vs Rhodesian Ridgeback - Breed ComparisonRhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Slovak Cuvac is originated from Slovakia. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Slovak Cuvac are having almost same height. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Slovak Cuvac are having almost same weight. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Slovak Cuvac has same life span. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Slovak Cuvac has almost same litter size. Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low Maintenance. But Slovak Cuvac requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
undefined
Zimbabwe
Slovakia
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
African Lion Dog
Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac
Colors Available:
wheaten, tan, Fawn
White
Coat:
Short, smooth, glossy
Thick, medium length, wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, 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, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

rhodesian ridgebackKnown as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

slovak cuvacLooking quite a bit like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Slovak Cuvac is a large dog that has served as a guard dog. The Slovensky Cuvac is still used on sheep farms as he isn’t afraid of wolves and bears and will take them on if needs be.

Records of this dog have been kept since the 17th century already, and when the breed started dying out, a certain Dr Antonin Hruza put in efforts to revive the dog.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia and a club for the dog was established in 1933. A written standard was established in 1964. The dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

slovak cuvac puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog standing at between 59 and 70cm in height and weighing between 31 and 44kg.

The neck is broad and has quite a bit of fur around it. The head is large, the eyes dark brown, the double coat is white and thick and medium length. The eyes are brown, the ears medium length and floppy and the tail long and furry.

He has well-muscled limbs and is fairly agile for such a large dog.

Temperament:

This is a robust dog, used to spending time outdoors keeping watch over livestock. When he is invited into the home, he is gentle and well behaved, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He is loving and loyal towards his human family and will get on well with children in the home. He isn’t the brightest dog but you can still have him trained.

Characteristics

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

slovak cuvac dog - characteristicsYour playful Slovak Cuvac is an affectionate dog, wanting nothing more than to be totally involved in his family’s life.

He is social and loving and also makes an excellent watchdog. He’s a big dog so think carefully before you bring him into your home. Many dog owners like the look of a big dog and forget that it costs a lot of money to feed a big dog and to pay for vet fees.

This big dog is wanting to be part of your family and not just to be discarded when you find that he is costing you too much.

Health Problems

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

slovak cuvac puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy dog breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia is a threat. Hip dysplasia is always reason for concern as the condition can reduce a dog’s quality of life.

It is distressing seeing your once active pet becoming reluctant to play and move around.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition. It can strike any size dog but is more prevalent with large dogs. The ball and socket of the hip doesn’t fit properly and deterioration sets in resulting in loss of function of the joint.

You will need to get your dog to the vet who will perform a physical exam and discuss treatments to alleviate the pain your dog can experience.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

slovak cuvac dogs - caring◆The thick white hair will require regular grooming to keep it free from burrs and dirt. He sheds so this brushing will help him to look more groomed.

◆The nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears too should be checked for redness and infection. You’ll need to look inside his mouth too as a rotting tooth can cause havoc within his body. A rotten tooth can also cause him tremendous pain and he has no way of telling you this.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want any puppies. This is better for your dog’s health in the long run too.

◆Your Slovak Cuvac is going to need a lot of exercise as they have always been used to roaming the mountains watching over livestock.

◆This is a big dog so if you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its for large, energetic dogs. There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market – just make sure you buy the best one for your pet to enhance health and longevity.

Try and give him some home made food too. Healthy food which won’t jeopardise his digestion is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. These can all be chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Your dog will thank you for not giving him exotic people foods which can do lots of harm. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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