Tornjak vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tornjak vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonEstonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Tornjak is originated from Croatia. Estonian Hound may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Tornjak. Estonian Hound may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Tornjak. Estonian Hound may live 3 years more than Tornjak. Both Estonian Hound and Tornjak has almost same litter size. Both Estonian Hound and Tornjak requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
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Estonia
Croatia
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 7
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Croatian Mountain Dog, Bosnian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
White with tan, brown or black markings, grey
Coat:
short, rough coat
Long and thick
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

tornjakKnown also as the Bosnian and Herzegovinian, the Tornjak dog hails from Croatia and Bosnia and is a large mountain sheepdog.

It is thought that this protector of livestock dog has been bred from the Tibetan Mastiff. He is an ancient breed because there are records of its existence coming as far back as the 11th century.

As a working dog, his role of guarding sheep became less and the dog’s numbers diminished. It was during the 1970s that the breed was revived.

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.

tornjak puppy - descriptionThis is a large, strong dog, standing at between 58 and 72cm in height and weighing between 28 and 50kg. He has a long, thick coat which has always protected him from the harsh winters of the countries he comes from.

Common colors for the coat are mainly white with tan, brown, grey or black markings.

Temperament:

The Tornjak is a beautiful dog and also calm by nature, well balanced, intelligent and self- confident. His calm nature doesn’t stop him from being a good watchdog though as he is also alert and brave.

He is more than willing to please his owner and is able to be trained and socialized with ease.

He is a social dog and just loves spending time with hs human family. Therefore efforts should be made not to leave him alone for long periods of time. He forms strong bonds with them and is loving and devoted. Because of his size and energy he won’t suit life in the city on a small property but will be better suited to life in the countryside.

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.

These are quiet, brave dogs but they can be good watchdogs too.

Calm and balanced, he is capable of being alert too and makes a good watchdog.

tornjak dog - characteristicsWith their human family, they become attached and loyal, not wanting to be separated from anyone for too long. Give him the care this beautiful dog deserves and he'll make you a splendid pet and companion.

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

tornjak puppies - health problemsMost dogs face one or two health challenges in their lives, but most Tornjaks are healthy and won’t easily get sick.

They’re large dogs so they typically don’t live as long as small dogs. They can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age.

Patellar Luxation: 

This is a dislocation of the kneecap, caused by an injury or it can be present at birth. It can cause pain and a limp.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a joint condition that is more often seen in large dogs. The ill-fitting joint rubs and chafes, and osteoarthritis and more pain is the result.

You will have to speak to your vet about relieving the pain for your dog and making him more comfortable. Don’t think hip dysplasia is something only old dogs get – it can develop with young dogs – even puppies. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and suggest different medical and surgical options.

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.

Exercise:

tornjak dogs - caringThe Tornjak needs exercise every day to keep him fit and happy. He will love it when you take down his leash for his daily walk. He is a social dog and will want to be involved with all your activities. He gets on well with other dogs too.

●Grooming:

The Tornjak will require quite a bit of grooming because the hair is fairly long and it sheds. Some dog owners have the hair cut by a professional groomer. Regular brushing certainly helps to reduce lots of dog hair flying around.

The insides of his ears need to be checked for signs of redness as well as the eyes. The eyes should be checked for pus and redness. Occasional dog nail trimming will also be required.

● Vaccines:

Keep his vaccines up to date to avoid deadly canine diseases.

● Diet:

Provide your Tornjak with top quality food. If you feed him with one of the commercially manufactured foods, make sure it is one of the better brands. The inferior brands are filled with bad ingredients that can actually make a dog sick.

Try to include some home-made food which can be added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat. Avoid human foods such as chocolates, grapes, onions, peanuts and chips as these can give him stomach pain and more vet bills for you.

Stick to wholesome, simple foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Your Tornjak will love it and it will ensure he has bright eyes ad a wagging tail. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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