English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonCroatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia but English Shepherd is originated from United States. Both Croatian Sheepdog and English Shepherd are having almost same height. Croatian Sheepdog may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than English Shepherd. Both Croatian Sheepdog and English Shepherd has same life span. Both Croatian Sheepdog and English Shepherd has almost same litter size. Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance. But English Shepherd requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
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Croatia
United States
Height Male:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
46 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
44 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
21 - 28 kg
46 - 62 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Hrvatski Ovkars
old fashioed collie, old fashioned shepherd, Scotch Collie, old time collie, farm collie
Colors Available:
Black
black and white, sable and white, and tri-color. , black and tan
Coat:
Medium length, wavy or curly
double, silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

croatian sheepdogKnown also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

english shepherdThe English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.

The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.

Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.

Description

croatian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

english shepherd puppy - descriptionThe American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.

The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.

With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.

Characteristics

croatian sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

english shepherd dog - characteristicsIt may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.

Health Problems

croatian sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

english shepherd puppies - health problemsLike many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.

Caring The Pet

croatian sheepdog dogs - caringThe Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

Feeding

english shepherd dogs - caringRemember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.

Health issues

In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:

Dysplasia

Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.

Comparison with other breeds

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