PetzloverCypro Kukur is originated from India but Pyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain. Cypro Kukur may grow 40 cm / 16 inches higher than Pyrenean Shepherd. Cypro Kukur may weigh 70 kg / 155 pounds more than Pyrenean Shepherd. Cypro Kukur may live 3 years less than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Cypro Kukur and Pyrenean Shepherd has almost same litter size. Cypro Kukur requires Low Maintenance. But Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance
The Cypro Kukur is an ancient dog breed which originated in the Kumaon area of India. It is interesting to note that the name Cypro Kukur translates to Cyprus Dog, but the dog doesn’t appear to have originated in Cyprus.
The dog was used to guard livestock. It has a history that goes right back to about 300 years BC. The true history of this dog is shrouded in mystery and there are researchers who believe that foreign explorers to the Cyprus region imported these Kumaon watchdogs. There are those who believe the dog descended from the Molosser dog breeds.
The dog is also known as the Indian Mastiff or Kumaon Mastiff, but it is facing extinction with just a small number of pure Cypro Kukur remaining in the area. Today, however, there appears to be quite a large number of the dogs in Europe.
The Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.
He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.
These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.
It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.
The Cypro kukur is a large dog standing at anything from 70 – 90 cm and also weighing in the region of 70 – 90kg. He has an attractively lean, muscled body. He has a large head with a strong neck and floppy ears. The tail is long. The short, thick coat is a light fawn color with brindle markings or he can be white with black marking.
The Cypro Kukur is an aggressive dog breed and that is why he was used to guard livestock to ward off wild animals. He makes an excellent guard dog. However with training and socialization he makes an excellent family pet, becoming friendly and obedient around other pets and people.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.
His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.
He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.
Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.
He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.
He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.
The large Cypro Kukur is a fairly aggressive dog who makes for an excellent guard- or watch dog. It is important to have this dog trained and socialized as he can be aggressive.
He may be large and intimidating to look at with some aggressive tendencies, but with training they can become domesticated and then he has the capability of becoming quiet, well behaved and obedient.
If you’re looking for a large, loyal friend, then choose the Cypro Kukur, as with socialization he can make a good and loyal family pet.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.
He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.
He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.
He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.
The Cypro Kukur can live to be 10 – 12, but he is a large dog and there will be some health concerns that your dog may never develop but are worth knowing about. These are Hip Dysplasia and Gastric Torsion.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most commonly occurring conditions that dogs have to contend with so it is worth knowing about.
It is an hereditary disease that progressively gets worse with age. Your dog can be uncomfortable and in pain. Canine hip dysplasia is when the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. Veterinarians tell us that most dogs are actually born with normal hip joints, but that gradual subluxation brings about the development of abnormally shaped hip joints.
Gastric dilatation volvulus is another name for gastric torsion, a medical condition also referred to as a twisted stomach.
Excess gas causes what is known as bloat and its a life-threatening condition that will require immediate attention from your vet.
You’ll notice your pet’s stomach is swollen, your dog will have difficulty with breathing and he may be vomiting. It is a disease brought on by a number of factors.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.
He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.
This is a large dog and he will require an adequate amount of exercise. He is the kind of dog that isn’t recommended for couch potatoes. He will need to join you in your walks every day, or you can allow him to join you with your jogging or cycling.
The short coat of this large dog is easy to care for. He is a moderate shedder so a good brush twice a week will be all he needs to remove loose hairs and keep his coat healthy and shiny. Brushing him gives you the chance to check him for fleas and ticks too.
Other grooming for the Cypro Kukur should include trimming his nails and brushing his teeth twice a week with canine-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Make a point of checking inside his ears as dogs with floppy ears are prone towards ear infections.
This will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.
The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.
For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.
Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.
Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.