German Spaniel is originated from Germany but Himalayan Sheepdog is originated from India. German Spaniel may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Himalayan Sheepdog. German Spaniel may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Himalayan Sheepdog. Both German Spaniel and Himalayan Sheepdog has almost same life span. German Spaniel may have less litter size than Himalayan Sheepdog. German Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance. But Himalayan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance
Looking like a smaller version of the Red Setter, the German Spaniel, known also as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog, hails from Germany.
It isn't a new dog breed and in fact it was developed around 1890 already. Used as a hunting dog, the German Spaniel isn’t well known outside of Germany, but it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996.
There are a number of breeds which feature in the development of the German Spaniel, and one of the more prominent dog breeds used for the modern day German Spaniel is the extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was crossed with water dogs and sporting spaniels to bring about the modern German Spaniel as we know it today.
It was in 1903 that the dog was recognized as a breed, and in the 1960s and 1970s the dogs were imported into the United States.
The Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.
The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.
They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.
As a medium-sized, muscular dog which stands at roughly 45cm to 54cm in height and weighs 18 – 25kg, the German Spaniel is a sporty gun dog who has a long back in relation to his height.
The ears are long and floppy with wavy or curly hair that will need to be attended to so as to avoid matting.
He has a long, wavy or curly weather-resistant coat, being short on the head but with feathering around the legs and stomach. Color of the coat includes brown, reddish brown and white. The white markings can be found on the chest of the dog, the legs, tails and muzzle. `
The German Spaniel loves to work and be busy and if he can be included in his human family’s activities, then so much the better. He is a social dog and gets on well with other dogs as well as children in the home. The German Spaniel is an intelligent dog and easily trained. In fact training and socialization are important for him, making him obedient and a pleasure to have around.
The breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.
They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.
The German Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet. He is friendly and sociable, getting along well with just about all dogs and people. He loves his human family, wanting to be involved in all their activities.
He is an active dog, used to hunting and being outdoors and he will therefore require a good deal of exercise from his owners, otherwise he becomes bored and frustrated and even destructive.
He is an adaptable dog, living in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, exercise is important. Docile and non-aggressive, he has got all the characteristics that make him a splendid family pet.
Yes with enough proper socialization
Protection and loyalty
They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.
Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.
Health problems are fairly unknown with the robust German Spaniel, and if well cared for, he can reach 12 to 15 years of age.
There are always one or two hereditary health concerns, and the health issues that affect the breed the most are hip dysplasia, skin allergies and splayed feet.
The American Kennel Club tells us that this type of foot is flat, with spreading toes. It is a fault in your pet because it doesn’t support his weight well, causing health problems later on for your pet. This is why it is so important to have your pet’s nails clipped from time to time, because long nails can turn a good paw into a splayed one, actually injuring the tendons.
This is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.
Shedding quite heavily and seasonally, the German Spaniel’s thick coat will require being brushed twice a week to keep it shiny and healthy. He loves the attention you give him at the same time.
There are some German Spaniel owners who like to take their dogs in for professional grooming, requesting that the coat be cut short all round.
The long ears of your German Spaniel, especially if your pet spends a lot of time swimming, can be permanently damp, picking up dirt easily. Check inside the ears and make sure they are dry and clean to prevent ear infections.
Make sure to brush his teeth 2 or 3x a week as well because plaque build up leads to dental disease but it also negatively affects other body organs too, shortening your pet’s life.
Every dog, just like any human being, requires good nutrition, fresh water and warm, dry sleeping facilities to remain happy and to give him a good chance at longevity.
Apart from the very best commercially manufactured dog foods, ensure he occasionally gets some raw meat in as well as some cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken. These can be added into his kibble.
Feed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.
Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.
They are very strong and athletic.
The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.