Mucuchies vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed Comparison

Mucuchies vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed ComparisonNorthern Inuit Dog is originated from United Kingdom but Mucuchies is originated from Venezuela. Northern Inuit Dog may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Mucuchies. Northern Inuit Dog may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Mucuchies. Both Northern Inuit Dog and Mucuchies has almost same life span. Northern Inuit Dog may have more litter size than Mucuchies. Northern Inuit Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Mucuchies requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Venezuela
Height Male:
58 - 81 cm
22 - 32 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
58 - 81 cm
22 - 32 inches
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 48 kg
55 - 106 pounds
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 48 kg
55 - 106 pounds
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
3 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
NI Dog
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Colors Available:
white, black and cream., Grey
all white or white with spots of other colors
Coat:
Thick double coat, medium length
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

northern inuit dogLooking at the beautiful Northern Inuit Dog, you’ll think that this crossbred dog is a wolf.

As with many other dogs, there are sometimes different stories regarding their history. It was in the 1980's that founder of the breed, Eddie Harrison, bred a number of mixed-breed rescue dogs with Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes to produce the early Northern Inuit dogs. This is a dog that closely resembled a wolf in looks but which has the more companionable characteristics of the domesticated dog.

The dog is only recognized by its own independent breed club, but by none of the other major kennel clubs.

mucuchiesThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

Description

northern inuit dog puppy - descriptionFriendly, calm and gentle, the Northern Inuit Dog is a crossbreed, described as a medium to large sized dog that stands at roughly 58– 81cm in height, male and female, and weighs in the region of 25–48kg.

He has a double coat in typical wolf shades of grey, white, black and cream. He is regarded as a moderate shedder. The ears are erect, the face bright, intelligent and alert and the tail long, bushy and straight.

Temperament:

The Northern Inuit dog is independent, strong-willed and stubborn, and if you want to own one of these dogs, your dog will respond well if you are firm, fair, strong, kind and consistent. This is because the dog is stubborn, sharp, independent and intelligent.

The owner of such a dog must be a firm leader. Training and socialization should start when the dog is still young. He is good with kids, being playful and affectionate with them.

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

Characteristics

northern inuit dog dog - characteristicsIt’s not surprising that people who love wolves would want a similar looking pet. However, they also want this wolf-like dog to be a friend and companion. This is precisely what they get with the beautiful Northern Inuit dog.

With his bright, alert face, the Inuit is actually a calm, gentle dog, bonding closely with his human family and not showing any aggression.

Intelligent and social, and somewhat stubborn, when you provide him with the home he deserves, you’ll see that this beautiful creature can be relied on to be a wonderful family pet.

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

Health Problems

northern inuit dog puppies - health problemsThere are some genetic problems with this dog breed, although with good care, you are highly unlikely to see your dog with them.

Some of these are hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hips are always a worrisome aspect with dogs as it can bring on lameness. There are some things that can be done to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia.

Joint laxity in dogs occurs when the head of the femur doesn’t fit into the acetabulum properly. This could be the result of several things such as the dog being overweight, injury or something else.

Epilepsy:

Epilepsy in dogs is a chronic condition that results in seizures. This neurological disorder is actually a life-long disease, occurring when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain and which changes a dog’s behavior.

Some breeds are more predisposed to epilepsy than others but you will need to get your dog to the vet when you see your pet jerking uncontrollably. Most of these epileptic fits happen without warning, they last a few seconds to a minute or so and stop on their own.

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

Caring The Pet

northern inuit dog dogs - caringIt’s no longer cheap caring for a dog – just like with a child, by bringing a dog into your home, you have a responsibility to care for it.

If you bring a puppy into your home, you will need to feed him 4x a day. If you feed him commercially manufactured food it will need to be specially formulated for puppies. You will have to read on the packaging to make sure you get the right food.

Later on your pet can start having one or two meals a day. Two smaller meals is best as then he doesn’t gobble up his food too fast which can lead to a life-threatening condition known as bloat. Home-made food is always a welcome treat for your pet, but keep it simple and consistent. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach chopped up and added to his dry kibble can offer him some variety from time to time as well as also adding in some raw meat when you get the chance. He must always have access to fresh, cool water.

Your puppy will be due at the vet for his first vaccinations. Your puppy's first vaccination will usually be at about 8 weeks of age.

Your new pet will require a warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep and to retreat to.

You will need to provide him with chewy toys to stimulate him both mentally and physically.

You will need to exercise your pet – nice long walks, ball- and rope games etc.

Nearly every dog sheds, and the Northern Inuit will require you brushing him twice a week to remove all those loose hairs. During the brushing session, check him over for fleas and ticks and run your hands over him and make sure there are no unusual lumps on his body.

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Comparison with other breeds

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