South Russian Ovcharka vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison

Podenco Galego is originated from Spain but South Russian Ovcharka is originated from Russia. Podenco Galego may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than South Russian Ovcharka. Podenco Galego may weigh 37 kg / 81 pounds lesser than South Russian Ovcharka. Podenco Galego may live 3 years more than South Russian Ovcharka. Podenco Galego may have more litter size than South Russian Ovcharka. Podenco Galego requires Low Maintenance. But South Russian Ovcharka requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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Spain
Russia
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 15 kg
22 - 34 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 15 kg
22 - 34 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Spanish Geyhounds
or South Russian Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
brindle, Variety of colours - bi-color with white
cream, greyish, yellowish, White
Coat:
Short and smooth, longer-haired variety
Long, thick, coarse, 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, Energetic, Friendly, 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

The Galego is an ancient sighthound breed of hunting dog from Spain.

Unfortunately, like most of the Podencos, they have been badly treated in Spain. People who own them have also used them for rabbit hunting.

It is thought that these dogs may have been bred with other sighthounds over the centuries. The dog may well be the most recognized breed in Spain, but its isn’t recognized by the World Canine Organization. There are however breeders wanting to make it an official breed.

south russian ovcharkaKnown also as the South Russian Sheepdog or the Ukranian Shepherd Dog, the South Russian Ovcharka’s history isn’t well established, and there are different stories to its history.

Whatever their history, this large dog is closely related to the wolf and has also been crossed with sight hound dogs. Their numbers have been under threat when their role as herding dog was no longer needed for rural life.

It was in the 1920s however that the breed’s numbers were restored and the UKC officially recognised the South Russian Ovcharka in 1996.

These dogs are classified within the Herding Dog Group.

Description

The Podenco Galego is a medium sized dog standing at between 42 to 52cm in height and weighing roughly from 10 to 15kg.

The Podenco Galego is similar in appearance to greyhounds, being tall ad slender with short smooth coats There are varieties with longer coats. The dog is lean and agile with bright, intelligent eyes.

The coat is thick and dense and available in a variety of colours which include brindle and white. The ears are erect and the tail long.

Temerament:

Loving and loyal to his human family, it is terrible that this dog that has been so abused by humans should still wag his tail and offer a paw of friendship.

He is a gentle dog that loves to play with children. He is intelligent too and if you train him and have him socialized he can be a pleasure to have around.

He is the kind of dog that can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is exercised regualarly. He has well developed senses and is an alert dog, active and independent, responding well to training.

south russian ovcharka puppy - descriptionA large, big boned, well muscled herding dog, the South Russian Ovcharka stands at between 62 and 66cm in height and weighs between 46 and 52kg.

The dog has a thick, fairly coarse, weather-proof coat that can become long and this coat has always protected them from the harsh Russian winters.

He has small, floppy ears and the tail is medium length and also covered in thick fur.

Temperament:

These dogs need a lot of exercise and if you keep one as a pet he will need a lot of space to run and play. He guards his property too and makes a good watchdog.

He isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city. He is a dominant, independent and strong willed dog so training and socialization will be important if you don’t want him to be unruly.

With the right kind of training, the South Russian Ovcharka can get along with pets and children in the home. He isn’t aggressive but he has strong guardian characteristics.

The first time dog owner would need to be firm, strong, confident, consistent and kind to handle this strong willed dog.

Characteristics

Your Podenco Galego is an energetic dog who will rely on you to provide him with lots of daily action.

He is a strong willed dog and will do well with a confident firm, patient and consistent owner. He becomes attached to his human owner and he plays well with gentle, kind, respectful children in the home.

He is a quiet dog too that doesn’t irritate with constant barking. He has had a raw deal from the people in Spain but he is still willing to show you what he can offer you – ongoing friendship and love, and that’s a lot more than lots of humans can offer you.

south russian ovcharka dog - characteristicsThe South Russian Ovcharka may well be independent and strong headed but there is nothing that a little bit of training and socialization can’t do.

He is intelligent and will pick up some obedience commands easily. He is is dog that will like a strong, firm, consistent owner - someone who likes to include him in all the family activities.

He can get on with children but is better suited to life on a larger property as opposed to living in a small city place. Treat him with firmness and fairness and you’ll get yourself an excellent pet and companion.

Health Problems

These dogs are ancient dog breeds not particularly well known outside the Iberian Penninsula. They are strong, robust dogs,resistant to disease. However, they can succumb to some of the more common dog diseases even though they are so resistant to diseases.

With proper care, a Podenco hardly ever gets sick and can live to be 12 – 14 years of age.They also have a low probability of developing degenerative diseases such as hip dysplasia. This is a joint disease common in other breeds.

Skin Allergies

Dogs can get allergies which can be very upsetting for both you and your dog.Your dog scratches and licks and can’t find relief. The most common area affected are the ears, underarms, the eye area, groin and paws. You will need to get your pet to the vet as he can become frantic with the itching and pain.

south russian ovcharka puppies - health problemsThis large breed has a lifespan of 9 to 11 years. Some of the health conditions to which this big dog can succumb are -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is something that affects many dogs, but particularly large dogs. When the hips haven’t formed properly, it can lead to pain, disability and arthritis.Lifestyle changes can help, like making sure your dog doesn’t pick up too much weight. For pain management you will need to get your pet to the vet.

Bloat:

Also known as Gastric Dilatation. The dog’s stomach fills with gas and can twist, and this in itself can be fatal. As soon as you see your pet pacing restlessly and he has a swollen stomach, he will need to get to the vet just as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Your Galego is a lean, muscular dog, and he wants lots of exercise. He won’t be content with just a walk every day, but will want ball and frisbee games or joining in with you as you as you go running or jogging.

Diet:

To ensure your dog stays as robust and healthy as he is, make sue he gets quality food. If you do opt to feed him a commercially manufactured dog food, make sure it isn’t one of the low quality foods that are filled with bad ingredients and which can actually make your dog sick.

Apart from a high quality dry kibble, provide him with some tasty homemade food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach, all chopped up and added into the kibble once in a while will be a wonderful treat for your pet.He will be totally satisfied with this. Try and give him some raw meat occasionally as this helps to stave off irritating skin problems.. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Make sure his vaccinations are up to date.

Provide him with a dry, warm comfortable place to sleep.

Brush him twice a week. Check inside his ears for infections.Trim his nails and look inside his mouth for bad teeth which can play havoc with his health.

Take him to the vet whenever he is sick.

south russian ovcharka dogs - caringThe long coat is certainly going to need a good brush at least twice a week as it can so easily become matted.

Because he has floppy ears, you will need to check inside the ears that they aren’t showing signs of redness, indicating the possibility of a ear infection. Check at the same time for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

This dog is going to need a good deal of exercise to keep him content. He will love a long walk out and about. Robust games will also need to be provided. It’s why he isn’t looked upon as a dog suited to the city. He needs a lot of space and can become frustrated and destructive if his exercise needs aren’t met.

Diet:

A dog is part of the family and he therefore deserves a good meal too. Good food is beneficial as it means your dog is less likely to get sick.

Like many dog owners, you’ll no doubt appreciate the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods. You’ll need to choose the best one though because the inferior ones are made up of bad ingredients – fillers that have no goodness whatsoever.

To provide your South Russian Ovcharka with a tasty treat, try and give him some home-made food. Boiled chicken, rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple and tasty and won’t trouble your dog’s stomach.

Chop some of it up and add a small portion of this into his dry kibble twice a week. Your dog’s wagging tail will tell you how much he loves it.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet too when you can. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  30. Podenco Galego vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Podenco Galego vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  34. Podenco Galego vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Podenco Galego vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  39. Podenco Galego vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Podenco Galego vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Podenco Galego vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Podenco Galego vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Podenco Galego vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Podenco Galego vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Podenco Galego vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Podenco Galego vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Podenco Galego vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Podenco Galego vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Podenco Galego vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Podenco Galego vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison