South Russian Ovcharka vs Sarplaninac - Breed Comparison

South Russian Ovcharka vs Sarplaninac - Breed ComparisonSarplaninac is originated from Macedonia but South Russian Ovcharka is originated from Russia. Both Sarplaninac and South Russian Ovcharka are having almost same height. Sarplaninac may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than South Russian Ovcharka. Sarplaninac may live 3 years more than South Russian Ovcharka. Sarplaninac may have more litter size than South Russian Ovcharka. Both Sarplaninac and South Russian Ovcharka requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Macedonia
Russia
Height Male:
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Illyrian Sheepdog, Illyrian dogs, Macedonian Sheepdogs
or South Russian Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
white, Different shades of grey, tan and black
cream, greyish, yellowish, White
Coat:
Different shades of grey, white, tan and black
Long, thick, coarse, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

sarplaninacHailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

south russian ovcharkaKnown also as the South Russian Sheepdog or the Ukranian Shepherd Dog, the South Russian Ovcharka’s history isn’t well established, and there are different stories to its history.

Whatever their history, this large dog is closely related to the wolf and has also been crossed with sight hound dogs. Their numbers have been under threat when their role as herding dog was no longer needed for rural life.

It was in the 1920s however that the breed’s numbers were restored and the UKC officially recognised the South Russian Ovcharka in 1996.

These dogs are classified within the Herding Dog Group.

Description

sarplaninac puppy - descriptionThe Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

south russian ovcharka puppy - descriptionA large, big boned, well muscled herding dog, the South Russian Ovcharka stands at between 62 and 66cm in height and weighs between 46 and 52kg.

The dog has a thick, fairly coarse, weather-proof coat that can become long and this coat has always protected them from the harsh Russian winters.

He has small, floppy ears and the tail is medium length and also covered in thick fur.

Temperament:

These dogs need a lot of exercise and if you keep one as a pet he will need a lot of space to run and play. He guards his property too and makes a good watchdog.

He isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city. He is a dominant, independent and strong willed dog so training and socialization will be important if you don’t want him to be unruly.

With the right kind of training, the South Russian Ovcharka can get along with pets and children in the home. He isn’t aggressive but he has strong guardian characteristics.

The first time dog owner would need to be firm, strong, confident, consistent and kind to handle this strong willed dog.

Characteristics

sarplaninac dog - characteristicsThese dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

south russian ovcharka dog - characteristicsThe South Russian Ovcharka may well be independent and strong headed but there is nothing that a little bit of training and socialization can’t do.

He is intelligent and will pick up some obedience commands easily. He is is dog that will like a strong, firm, consistent owner - someone who likes to include him in all the family activities.

He can get on with children but is better suited to life on a larger property as opposed to living in a small city place. Treat him with firmness and fairness and you’ll get yourself an excellent pet and companion.

Health Problems

sarplaninac puppies - health problemsThe Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

south russian ovcharka puppies - health problemsThis large breed has a lifespan of 9 to 11 years. Some of the health conditions to which this big dog can succumb are -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is something that affects many dogs, but particularly large dogs. When the hips haven’t formed properly, it can lead to pain, disability and arthritis.Lifestyle changes can help, like making sure your dog doesn’t pick up too much weight. For pain management you will need to get your pet to the vet.

Bloat:

Also known as Gastric Dilatation. The dog’s stomach fills with gas and can twist, and this in itself can be fatal. As soon as you see your pet pacing restlessly and he has a swollen stomach, he will need to get to the vet just as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

sarplaninac dogs - caringEvery dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

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

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

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

south russian ovcharka dogs - caringThe long coat is certainly going to need a good brush at least twice a week as it can so easily become matted.

Because he has floppy ears, you will need to check inside the ears that they aren’t showing signs of redness, indicating the possibility of a ear infection. Check at the same time for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

This dog is going to need a good deal of exercise to keep him content. He will love a long walk out and about. Robust games will also need to be provided. It’s why he isn’t looked upon as a dog suited to the city. He needs a lot of space and can become frustrated and destructive if his exercise needs aren’t met.

Diet:

A dog is part of the family and he therefore deserves a good meal too. Good food is beneficial as it means your dog is less likely to get sick.

Like many dog owners, you’ll no doubt appreciate the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods. You’ll need to choose the best one though because the inferior ones are made up of bad ingredients – fillers that have no goodness whatsoever.

To provide your South Russian Ovcharka with a tasty treat, try and give him some home-made food. Boiled chicken, rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple and tasty and won’t trouble your dog’s stomach.

Chop some of it up and add a small portion of this into his dry kibble twice a week. Your dog’s wagging tail will tell you how much he loves it.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet too when you can. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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