Vikhan Sheepdog vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan. Estonian Hound may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Vikhan Sheepdog. Estonian Hound may weigh 27 kg / 59 pounds lesser than Vikhan Sheepdog. Estonian Hound may live 7 years more than Vikhan Sheepdog. Both Estonian Hound and Vikhan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Estonian Hound requires Moderate Maintenance. But Vikhan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
undefined
Estonia
Pakistan
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
6 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Colors Available:
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
fawn, black , brown
Coat:
short, rough coat
long and shaggy
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

Description

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

Characteristics

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

Health Problems

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Comparison with other breeds

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