Russo-European Laika vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Russo-European Laika vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Russo-European Laika is originated from Russia. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Russo-European Laika are having almost same height. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Russo-European Laika. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Russo-European Laika has same life span. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Russo-European Laika has same litter size. Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Russo-European Laika requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
Slovenia
Russia
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
20 - 23 kg
44 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
20 - 23 kg
44 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Russko-Evropeĭskaya Laĭka
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Dark grey color or black with some white markings. Can have white coat.
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
Shortish and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

russo european laikaThe Russo-European Laika is a hunting dog that comes from Russia.

It is a dog that has been developed from Spitz type dogs. A breeding program was started for the dog in 1944.

The Russo-European Laika dog is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in the Spitz and Primitive type group.

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.

russo european laika puppy - descriptionThe Russo-European Laika is a medium sized dog Spitz dog that stands at between 54 to 60cm in height and weighs in the region of 20 – 23kg.

The dog has quite a strong resemblance to the Karelia Bear Dog. They are sometimes mistaken for each other.

The Russo-European Laika has the typical triangular shaped head with small dark eyes, a black nose and erect, pointed ears. These are deep chested dogs.

As with other Spitz breeds, this dog has a thick fur with a densely furred tail which is curved over the back. The double coat is fairly long and usually a dark grey color or black with some white markings. Sometimes the dog has a white coat.

Temperament:

This is a lively, energetic dog breed that loves to spend time outdoors. It has always been used to alert hunters to prey, using its bark to alert the hunter.Training and socialization will be necessary for the dog if you don’t want it to be barking in the house too.

He makes an excellent guard dog, protecting his human family. It is very tolerant of children too, getting on well with them as well as other pets.

The dog is known for being totally devoted to its family, being an affectionate and loyal breed that doubles as a family pet and guard dog.

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.

russo european laika dog - characteristicsThis is an intelligent dog breed, loving the time he spends with his human family but reluctant to be patted by strangers.

They also get along with pets that they have grown up with. They get on well with kids and make great watchdogs too. Small wonder they make such sought after pets and companions.

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.

russo european laika puppies - health problemsThese Spitz type dogs are always known to enjoy good health, and owners don’t have to worry too much about their health as only a small number of health issues are reported with this healthy dog breed.

Umbilical Hernia:

This is a congenital defect in the abdominal muscles and can result in fat or tissues being evident under the skin. A bulge is often seen in the area of the abdomen. Larger hernias will require surgery.

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.

Exercise:

russo european laika dogs - caringThis is an energetic dog and will require a good amount of excerise. This dog isn’t suited to living in the city as they are highly active. Apart from wanting large grounds to run around in, he will need walks as well as ball- and rope games to keep him busy.

He is intelligent and needs some form of mental stimulation. There are good quality toys which one can buy for these dogs than can make them think.

Diet:

Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick.

If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find that they are both convenient and well balanced.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.

No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and add small portions of it into the dry kibble.

Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water

Comparison with other breeds

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