Mudhol Hound vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Mudhol Hound vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Mudhol Hound is originated from India. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Mudhol Hound. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Mudhol Hound. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Mudhol Hound has almost same life span. Istrian Sheepdog may have less litter size than Mudhol Hound. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Mudhol Hound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
undefined
Slovenia
India
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
66 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
60 - 66 cm
23 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
16 - 23 kg
35 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
6 - 9
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Karwaani, Karvani dog Pashmi, Caravan Hound, Pisuri Hound
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
red, black, and grey or with white patches, cream, fallow, fawn
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
2 types - silky and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Energetic, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

mudhol houndThis seems to be the breed of many names. The Mudhol Hound comes from India and has been called the Caravan Hound, the Pashmi, the Karvanit, the Karwaani and the Pisuri Hound. Like so many other Indian breeds, the Mudhol Hound bears a strong look of the Greyhound. He is a sight hound and as such is lean and fast. He is ancient, healthy and loves his people.

The ancestors of the Mudhol include the hounds bred by the tribes of Bedar near Mudhol and Halagali. In Maharashtra the Maratha warriors were also breeding hounds which are included in the Mudhol Hound lineage. It is believed that there is Tazi and Saluki heritage in the Mudhol as well.

All of these Indian hounds were good at guarding, hunting and as companions. Then the King of Mudhol began to breed them specially for hunting and succeeded in developing a sleek, slender dog. The King of England at the time, George V, was so impressed he dubbed them the Hounds of Mudhol.

The Mudhol Hound hunts rabbits and other small animals with their incredible sight. No matter if the breed was on a postage stamp in 2005 and is a great family companion, it is first and foremost a working dog. He was specifically bred for the tough working conditions in the mountains of India. They are courageous, loyal and graceful. They are committed to their people but a little standoffish with anyone else and make good guard dogs.

They were used by the Indian Army as border protection and surveillance dogs. They use them for testing of their veterinary corps. They have been deployed by the Army in Kashmir and Jammu in 2017, just as they were centuries ago. They were effective at taking down soldiers and horses alike.

They were also chosen for breeding at the Canine Research and Information Centre, part of the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar. With a very high prey drive they can get along with other dogs their size but cannot be trusted with smaller pets.

The Indian National Kennel Club lists them as the Mudhol Hound while the Kennel Club of India recognizes them as the Caravan Hound.

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.

mudhol hound puppy - descriptionThe Mudhol Hound is a good looking sight hound. Slender, sleek, muscular. They have narrow, long heads with a muzzle that tapers. They have long and powerful jaws with a large black nose. Their eyes are oval, large and brown with a look that pierces, and they have long, muscular, and clean shoulders. The legs are straight, long and strong with a broad, muscular, long back. Like most sight hounds when you seen them coming at you straight on, they have the appearance of being one dimensional.

There are two types of coat and many acceptable colors. The coat can be silky on the tail, legs and ears or it can be completely smooth from head to toe. The coat can be grey, black, cream, red, fallow, and fawn. It can also be one of these colors and a small amount of shite blended it.

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.

Children friendliness

mudhol hound dog - characteristicsYes but they are much better with older children.

Special talents

Speed and stamina

Adaptability

They can adapt but they are better off in the country than an apartment.

Learning ability

They are very smart and learn easily.

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.

mudhol hound puppies - health problemsLike so many of the old breeds raised in a lot of isolation, the Mudhol is a very healthy breed. There are no genetic illnesses and they have a long line of dogs able to deal with the weather in India and avoid any sickness. However, they do have a few conditions they are prone to.

  • Skin susceptible to burns and cold as the Mudhol does not have any fat layers.
  • Marasmus – a liver condition in which the food eaten is not absorbed. The dog can eat a lot and not gain weight.
  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – can cause arthritis or lameness.
  • Eye Issues such as cataracts and luxation of the lens.
  • Prone to ear infections.

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.

Feeding the puppy

mudhol hound dogs - caringThe Mudhol puppy needs a high quality dry food. They should eat three to four times a day in smaller portions. A total of 3 to 3.5 cups per day.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mudhol should eat about two and a half cups of high quality dry food twice a day. Do not overfeed the Mudhol and don’t let him run right after eating.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding speed and stamina

Games and Exercises

This is a high energy, active dog that needs a lot of space and exercise. She needs to be able to run freely as long as she wants at least a couple times a day. He has incredible endurance and a very high prey drive. They must be in a fenced area unless on a leash. They are great at lure coursing, fly ball and agility.

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. Mudhol Hound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Mudhol Hound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Mudhol Hound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Mudhol Hound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Mudhol Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Mudhol Hound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Mudhol Hound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Mudhol Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Mudhol Hound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Mudhol Hound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Mudhol Hound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Mudhol Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Mudhol Hound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Mudhol Hound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Mudhol Hound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Mudhol Hound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Mudhol Hound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Mudhol Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Mudhol Hound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Mudhol Hound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Mudhol Hound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Mudhol Hound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Mudhol Hound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Mudhol Hound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Mudhol Hound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison