Sulimov vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

Another name for the Sulimov dog is Shalaika.

This Russian jackal-dog-hybrid is thought to have developed from golden jackals and Lapponian Herders. In fact the dog was developed by a certain Klim Sulimov to be a robust security- and sniffer dog at Aeroflot, a Russian airline.

Jackals were used because it is believed that they have a better sense of smell than any domesticated dog there is. The Jackal can also perceive things at a distance. Later on, other dogs were also bred into the line, making it an intelligent dog with an excellent sense of smell.

There aren't many of these dogs available.

Japanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

Th Sulimov looks like, and also has characteristics of jackals and huskies. The body is large, the ears are triangular and erect, the eyes bright, alert and enquiring and the muzzle is long.

The legs of the dog are slim but strong, like the Jackal and the tail is long and bushy. The coat is fairly long, smooth and thick and can be in a range of colors such as tan, fawn, grey, white and black.

The Sulimov is a medium sized dog and stands at between 40 and 50cm in height and weighs between 12 to 15kg.

Temperament:

This hybrid dog is brave, confident, wily, robust, loving, affectionate and loyal. They are intelligent too and you won’t have any trouble training him.

The truth is, there isn’t much information on the personality of this breed, but they are eager to please, are full of energy and can be cheerful and feisty, even in extreme temperatures.

They’ve been bred for work and aren’t a typical family pet. Because of their wild side, they aren’t recommended for the first time dog owner or for a family pet where there are children.

If you were to keep one, it would be far better suited to life on a farm where it could have a role to play. Life in the city for this active hybrid is out of the question.

This dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

The Sulimov makes an excellent working dog and in fact he loves to be busy. They've got an unusual feature - their tails, which are normally curled up and over the back like a husky, hang down limply when tired. Their handler know when these dogs are ready to call it a day.

They are essentially working dogs, being loyal and devoted to their handlers, but wouldn't be considered as an ideal family pet.

These Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

There is ongoing debate about the health of hybrid dogs against that of purebred dogs. Hybrids inherit genetic dispositions that their parents would have, including certain heath issues.

Parasites:

Parasites are a huge cause of disease in dogs. Apart from ticks and fleas, internal parasites live inside the gastrointestinal tract and can be things like hookworms, tapewarms and roundwarms among others.

Parasites are usually transmitted when the dog ingests parasite eggs in contaminated water, food, feces or soil.

It’s important to get your dog treated as these parasites can cause weight loss, swollen abdomen, malnutrition, diarrhea, vomiting and anemia. Apart from this, they can affect people too. Fortunately these parasites are treatable and easy to prevent.

Other common dog ailments to look out for include bloat, obesity, cancer and hip dysplasia.

The coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

▪ Diet:

This is a medium sized dog so you can buy a high quality dry kibble for him manufactured for medium sized energetic dogs.

Try and avoid the low quality dog foods which come with lots of ingredients that are plain ordinary bad for your dog, and can jeopardize his health.

Try and feed him some home-made food too – boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some nutritious vegetables such as spinach,sweet potatoes and carrots. Chop it all up and add some of it to the dry kibble twice a week.

You can also provide him with some raw fish and raw red meat occasionally as this keeps the skin and coat healthy. Make sure he always has fresh, cool water available.

▪ General

Provide your Sulimov with a nice, warm, dry place to sleep.

Brush him twice a week to keep the fair shiny and free of loose hair.

Keep his vaccines up to date. Get him to the vet if he is sick.

Have him trained and socialized. As it is, for the job he does as a security dog, he is trained and socialized.

Provide him with lots of exercise – walks, ball games, exercises that stimulate mind and body.