Ryukyu Inu vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Ryukyu Inu vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonRyukyu Inu is originated from Japan but Polish Lowland Sheepdog is originated from Poland. Both Ryukyu Inu and Polish Lowland Sheepdog are of same height. Both Ryukyu Inu and Polish Lowland Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Ryukyu Inu may live 3 years less than Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Both Ryukyu Inu and Polish Lowland Sheepdog has same litter size. Ryukyu Inu requires Low maintenance. But Polish Lowland Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

ryukyu inu - historyThe Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

polish lowland sheepdog - historyHailing from Poland, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is believed to have descended from herding dogs as well as the Puli and Tibetan Terrier.

Later these dogs were bred with local Scottish dogs to bring about Scottish herding dogs, the Bearded Collie. The dog was accepted by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1959. In 2001, the American Kennel Club recognized the Polish Lowland Sheepdog as a breed in the Herding Group.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Japan
Poland
Height Male:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
42 - 50 cm
16 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
14 - 23 kg
30 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Okinawa Native Dog, Ryukyu Dog
Polski Owczarek Nizinny, PON
Colors Available:
liver or black - stripes like a Tiger, Brindle, red, white
White, cream, gray, brown and black
Coat:
Shortish - single- and double-coated varieties
Straight or wavy, medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

ryukyu inu puppy - descriptionJapanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

polish lowland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog. Both males and females stand between 42cm to 50 cm in height and they weigh roughly between 14 and 23kg.

The dog has a double coat which can mostly be white, cream, gray, brown and black. The underdoat is soft and dense with the top coat being straight or wavy and being medium length.

There is quite a bit of hair around the facial area. The eyes are alert and brown and the ears medium size, high set and then drooping down. The tail has always been attractively docked, giving the dog an attractive, compact look but these days it is often just left long.

Temperament:

Lively, bright as a button, clever, social and feisty, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is easy to train, becoming obedient and well balanced. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is such a self confident dog and he will fit happily into life in the city or the countryside, loving spending time with his human family.

Characteristics

ryukyu inu dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

polish lowland sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe PON is an independent, self-willed dog but he can also be entertaining and amusing. He is a social, friendly dog but for many people, his long hair and grooming requirement might prove to be a bit of a handful.

Your dog is energetic, cheerful and playful and when he isn’t around, it will be like some sunshine has gone out of your life. He is faithful and loving towards his human family but is aloof towards strangers. Bring one of these dogs into your home and you’re guaranteed to have a remarkable friend and pet for many years.

Health Problems

ryukyu inu puppies - health problemsThese Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

polish lowland sheepdog puppies - health problemsThese dogs are generally healthy and the dog’s life expectancy is about 12 years. Nonetheless there are some problems to be aware of. For instance, with this dog, hip dysplasia is a real problem.

The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of hundreds of these dogs and found a large percentage were dysplastic.

Hereditary eye disease can also occur with this dog. Macular degeneration is a common eye disorder that can cause central vision loss. Many genetic abnormalities can cause degeneration of the image forming part of the eye. Unfortunately these conditions can result in total blindness. Parts of the retina can also degenerate with age.

Skin allergies are also an ever present threat with your dog. Itchiness and pain can be a nightmare for your pet and scratching and licking brings no relief – just aggravates the condition. You will certainly need to get your pet to the vet as skin allergies and skin diseases can make your beloved canine miserable.

Caring The Pet

ryukyu inu dogs - caringThe coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

polish lowland sheepdog dogs - caringYour Polish Lowland Sheepdog is like a big Bear and his long, shaggy coat will require regular brushing, otherwise it could become full of burrs and grass.

Many people prefer to take their dogs to a grooming parlor where the hair is cut, the nails trimmed, the teeth cleaned and the ears checked.

Provide your Sheepdog with a nice warm, dry cozy spot that is his and where he can quietly retreat.

If your Polish Lowland Sheepdog spends time outdoors, make sure he has access to both shade, sun and shelter in case it rains. There must always be a bowl of fresh water outdoors too.

Diet:

It is better to give your adult Polish Lowland Sheepdog 2 smaller helpings of food as opposed to one big bowl. Puppies will need 4 bowls of food a day. Two bowls will ensure your dog doesn’t gobble up his food and create digestive problems and bloat.

High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more delicious for him occasionally by mixing in chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Just a tad of raw meat occasionally can also be of huge benefit.

Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock. Be sure to keep his food and water dishes clean.

Have your dogs spayed or neutered if you don’t want them to have puppies.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Queensland Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. Red Heeler vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  7. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  9. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  10. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  13. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  16. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  18. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  19. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  22. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  24. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison
  27. Ryukyu Inu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Ryukyu Inu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Ryukyu Inu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Ryukyu Inu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Ryukyu Inu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Ryukyu Inu vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Ryukyu Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  34. Ryukyu Inu vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  35. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Ryukyu Inu vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Ryukyu Inu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Ryukyu Inu vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Ryukyu Inu vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Ryukyu Inu vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  41. Ryukyu Inu vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Ryukyu Inu vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Ryukyu Inu vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Ryukyu Inu vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Ryukyu Inu vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  47. Ryukyu Inu vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Ryukyu Inu vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds