Slovak Cuvac vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison

Slovak Cuvac vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed ComparisonCiobanesc de Bucovina is originated from Romania but Slovak Cuvac is originated from Slovakia. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Slovak Cuvac. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may weigh 46 kg / 102 pounds more than Slovak Cuvac. Both Ciobanesc de Bucovina and Slovak Cuvac has almost same life span. Both Ciobanesc de Bucovina and Slovak Cuvac has almost same litter size. Ciobanesc de Bucovina requires High Maintenance. But Slovak Cuvac requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Romania
Slovakia
Height Male:
68 - 78 cm
26 - 31 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
64 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
50 - 90 kg
110 - 199 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
50 - 80 kg
110 - 177 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Bucovina Wolf Dog, Bukovinak, Capau, Dulau, Bucovina Sheepdog, Bucovina Mountain Dog, Bucovina Shepherd, Bukovina Bucovina Sheepdog Bucovina Shepherd Southeastern European Shepherd, Ciobanesc de Bucovina
Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac
Colors Available:
black or black with red-fawn reflections. , Clear white or white-beige with distinct patches of grey
White
Coat:
double coated, long and full top coat
Thick, medium length, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

ciobanesc de bucovinaThe Ciobanesc de Bucovina is a breed that developed naturally in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania and Serbia) and some regions of Bulgaria. The breed was especially useful in the Romanian northeast regions, the county Bucovina and in the northeastern region of Serbia. These dogs are bred for guarding and herding of flocks as well as guard dogs for the family home.

When the area was split between Russian and Romania, the dog continued to thrive in the mountains because of the need that the shepherds had for this type of dog with the build, working ability and temperament of the Bucovina.

Finally, in the 20th century, Romania began to urbanize and industrialize. People moved to the cities from the hills and many brought their dogs with them. This allowed many non-mountain Romanians to come into contact with the Bucovina Shepherd for the first time. He became a great family dog and offered guard dog protection as well.

The Romanian Kennel Club accepted the Ciobanesc du Bucovina in 1982 and wrote the first standard then. It has since been updated in 2001 and 2002 with today’s standard. They are not accepted by the international clubs nor the big clubs in the US and Europe. This is one factor in keeping the breed rare because it is little known outside of Romania.

slovak cuvacLooking quite a bit like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Slovak Cuvac is a large dog that has served as a guard dog. The Slovensky Cuvac is still used on sheep farms as he isn’t afraid of wolves and bears and will take them on if needs be.

Records of this dog have been kept since the 17th century already, and when the breed started dying out, a certain Dr Antonin Hruza put in efforts to revive the dog.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia and a club for the dog was established in 1933. A written standard was established in 1964. The dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

ciobanesc de bucovina puppy - descriptionMost large mountain dogs resemble the Bucovina Shepherd, but this breed is more slightly built and has a lighter coat than most of the mountain dogs. They are still a very large dog weighing in between 70 and 120 pounds. They are powerfully built even if more slender than other mountain dogs. They have a long thick coat that makes it difficult to see how their bodies are formed, but they are a very muscular dog.

Their large head does indicate how powerful a dog he is, and he has a wide muzzle that tapers off at the end. The breed has small eyes that are either hazel or brown and his v-shaped ears hang downward on the side of his head. He has a wide, black nose and thick, dark lips. His tail is bushy and long.

slovak cuvac puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog standing at between 59 and 70cm in height and weighing between 31 and 44kg.

The neck is broad and has quite a bit of fur around it. The head is large, the eyes dark brown, the double coat is white and thick and medium length. The eyes are brown, the ears medium length and floppy and the tail long and furry.

He has well-muscled limbs and is fairly agile for such a large dog.

Temperament:

This is a robust dog, used to spending time outdoors keeping watch over livestock. When he is invited into the home, he is gentle and well behaved, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He is loving and loyal towards his human family and will get on well with children in the home. He isn’t the brightest dog but you can still have him trained.

Characteristics

ciobanesc de bucovina dog - characteristicsBred to herd and guard cattle against the wolves and bears, it is a very dominant, self-assured, breed. They are intelligent yet laid back when no threat is suspected. They love children but can be hard to train. A dominant adult is needed to train and control the Ciobanesc de Bucovina. They are quite protective of their families and will patrol the property if left outside at night.

The breed has a strong mistrust of strangers but loves his adopted family. Unless threatened the Ciobanesc de Bucovina is calm and chilled. He is loyal, affectionate and dedicated. They attempt to frighten strangers with barks and growls but will attack if necessary. They are also very driven to chase prey so make sure they are in a locked fence. They can be difficult to train and seem to need a strong, alpha adult presence.

slovak cuvac dog - characteristicsYour playful Slovak Cuvac is an affectionate dog, wanting nothing more than to be totally involved in his family’s life.

He is social and loving and also makes an excellent watchdog. He’s a big dog so think carefully before you bring him into your home. Many dog owners like the look of a big dog and forget that it costs a lot of money to feed a big dog and to pay for vet fees.

This big dog is wanting to be part of your family and not just to be discarded when you find that he is costing you too much.

Health Problems

ciobanesc de bucovina puppies - health problemsNot much has been done to study the health of this breed so not much is known for certain. It is known that they have good health as they have survived the harsh winters in the mountains while tending to the flocks.

Given their size and the history of mountain dogs, they could be susceptible to visual and skeletal amount of food and at the right times can prevent this. They could be susceptible to arthritis, knee and elbow dysplasia, and cataracts.

slovak cuvac puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy dog breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia is a threat. Hip dysplasia is always reason for concern as the condition can reduce a dog’s quality of life.

It is distressing seeing your once active pet becoming reluctant to play and move around.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition. It can strike any size dog but is more prevalent with large dogs. The ball and socket of the hip doesn’t fit properly and deterioration sets in resulting in loss of function of the joint.

You will need to get your dog to the vet who will perform a physical exam and discuss treatments to alleviate the pain your dog can experience.

Caring The Pet

Caring for Pet

Feeding

ciobanesc de bucovina dogs - caringIt is important not to over feed or to feed to much at one time. Even though they are large and powerful dogs, massive meals can cause bloat, so you are better off with 2-4 smaller meals per day. Also, don’t feed right before or right after strenuous exercise.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed does not appear to have many health issues. As they developed naturally in the mountains they have not been exposed to many things there.

Bloat

This was already mentioned but it is a very serious condition and requires veterinary assistance immediately under threat of death.

Dysplasia

They can have either hip or elbow dysplasia. Can lead to arthritis of lameness.

Exercise and games

This is a calm, even tempered dog not needing a lot of exercise. However, he is a big dog and can get obese without daily exercise. A large fenced in yard would be appreciated and a nice brisk walk every day. They would probably enjoy flyball and leurcatch. Any herding or hunting would be enjoyed.

slovak cuvac dogs - caring◆The thick white hair will require regular grooming to keep it free from burrs and dirt. He sheds so this brushing will help him to look more groomed.

◆The nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears too should be checked for redness and infection. You’ll need to look inside his mouth too as a rotting tooth can cause havoc within his body. A rotten tooth can also cause him tremendous pain and he has no way of telling you this.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want any puppies. This is better for your dog’s health in the long run too.

◆Your Slovak Cuvac is going to need a lot of exercise as they have always been used to roaming the mountains watching over livestock.

◆This is a big dog so if you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its for large, energetic dogs. There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market – just make sure you buy the best one for your pet to enhance health and longevity.

Try and give him some home made food too. Healthy food which won’t jeopardise his digestion is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. These can all be chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Your dog will thank you for not giving him exotic people foods which can do lots of harm. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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