Istrian Sheepdog vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Istrian Sheepdog vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed ComparisonClumber Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Clumber Spaniel may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Clumber Spaniel and Istrian Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Both Clumber Spaniel and Istrian Sheepdog has same life span. Both Clumber Spaniel and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Clumber Spaniel requires High Maintenance. But Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Slovenia
Height Male:
41 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 39 kg
55 - 86 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 37 kg
50 - 82 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
none
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
orange and red markings, White with brown
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
soft, straight, dense
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

clumber spanielEver since winning in Confirmation at Westminster Kennel Club’s annual show, the popularity of the Clumber Spaniel has increased markedly. The breed of Clumber Spaniel comes from the United Kingdom and it is the largest of all the spaniels. The breed is named for the Clumber Park where it was developed in Nottinghamshire. The Clumber Spaniel a=was designed to be a gundog or hunter in heavy weeds or cover. They have been popular with the Royal Family and were kept by King George V, King Edward VII, and Prince Albert.

The ancestry of the Clumber is not really known, only theorized:

It is possible that during the French Revolution, the Duc de Noailles gave his spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle in Nottinghamshire, These spaniels, Alpine Spaniel, are extinct. At the time they were bred with Basset Hounds and Great Pyrenees.

Another line of thought has the Clumber Spaniel descending form an ancient Bleinheim Spaniel, which was used to later develop the King Charles Spaniel.

Whichever theory is true, we know that they were first bred and improved by William Mansell. They were shown in 1859 in England. They were bred almost exclusively by nobility until the mid-19th century. Then World War 1 caused all breeding to be discontinued and the number of Clumbers declined drastically, only to be redeveloped after the was by King George V.

The Cumber won Best in Show at the prestige’s Crufts 1991 Centenary Show. When the American Kennel Club recognized the Clumber Spaniel, there were only 9 other breeds officially recognized. They came to Canada in the same year of 1884. They are also recognized by the UK Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed. A Clumber bred by Doug Johnson won Best in Show at the 1996 Westminster Dog Show.

The Clumber Spaniel is a loyal, gentle soul who is not very friendly with strangers. They shed all the time and snore loudly.

istrian sheepdogKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

Description

clumber spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Clumber Spaniel is heavy-boned, with a very large head and a square muzzle. Of all spaniels, he is the biggest. His expressive face wears a dopey, sad look and his eyes are large, shaped like leaves. The muzzle is as large as the head and his nose is square. He has freckles on his muzzle and a deep chest. His legs are straight, and his feet are solid.

The Clumber Spaniel gives off a dignified air and despite his expressions, he is ready to play or to work at any time.

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

Characteristics

clumber spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, loving dog though he is wary of strangers. He is loyal, dignified and affectionate with his own family. If there ever was a canine couch potato this breed is it. They love to curl up and sleep or eat on your living room couch. He has a great sense of smell and he has good stamina

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

Health Problems

clumber spaniel puppies - health problemsThe Clumber Spaniel can suffer from a variety of conditions due to its very design and genetics. Lameness early in life can be attributed to the large and fast-growing bones in the Clumber. This lameness will dissipate when the pup is fully grown. Other issues include:

  • Impacted anal gland sacs
  • A vet may need to empty them regularly.
  • Heat Stroke or Sensitivity

Can become dehydrated and all the problems that arise from a dog being overheated and dehydrated.

Difficulty giving birth

Must have a caesarian section. They may also have a sensitivity to the anesthesia used in the procedure.

Hypothyroidism with ear and skin complications.

They cannot take sulfa drugs.

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

clumber spaniel dogs - caringThe Clumber has a tendency to gain weight and become obese. Feed them wisely. Feed about ¼ to ½ of a cup of high quality dry dog food twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues faced by the Clumber Spaniel include:

  • Dysplasia of the hip and/or elbow
  • Can cause lameness
  • Spinal Disc Herniation

This can be cervical or spinal. The discs can be bulging or ruptured. Can lead to paralysis if not treated properly.

Eye issues

Entropion with inward rolling of eyelid or Ectropion with outward rolling of eyelid.

Exercise and games

The Clumber Spaniel is not the most energetic of canines. He still needs moderate exercise daily but don’t overdo it. Walks, fetch, swimming, chase or confirmation are good activities for a Clumber.

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Comparison with other breeds

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