South Russian Ovcharka vs Africanis - Breed Comparison

South Russian Ovcharka vs Africanis - Breed ComparisonAfricanis is originated from South Africa but South Russian Ovcharka is originated from Russia. Africanis may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than South Russian Ovcharka. Africanis may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than South Russian Ovcharka. Both Africanis and South Russian Ovcharka has almost same life span. Africanis may have more litter size than South Russian Ovcharka. Africanis requires Low Maintenance. But South Russian Ovcharka requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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South Africa
Russia
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 45 kg
55 - 100 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Bantu Dog, African Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Khoikhoi Dog, Hottentot Hunting Dog, Zulu Dog
or South Russian Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
Tan, White, Black, Brown and Black & Tan
cream, greyish, yellowish, White
Coat:
Short, Hard and Thick
Long, thick, coarse, wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Friendly, Independent, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

africanisAfricanis is one of the original African breeds. This breed was not shaped by humans, but they went through the process of natural selection. Humans did not affect this breed by standard breeding practices. Through the history, this breed became stronger and stronger because only the strongest of the breed survived. Africanis descent is the early dog that is originally from ancient Egypt. Approximately 4500 BC was the period of first data about this breed.

As time passes through, Africanis became more and more popular through the whole continent. This breed migrated with people for thousands of years, and now, a modern Africanis is similar to Greyhound dog. The original Africanis can be found in tribes and more traditional people. One of the oldest breeds in the world is one of the lasts that has been recognized by Kennel Union of Southern Africa.

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

africanis puppy - descriptionAfricanis origins from South Africa. The average Africanis weights 25-45 kg, with a height of 50-60cm, while females are slightly smaller. They are medium sized dogs who are friendly, but also independent and territorial. They can are good pets for training, but it requires persistent work.

The lifespan of Africans is 10-12 years, but lifespan always depends on health, genetics, and care of the dog. Therefore, if they are healthy and well cared they can live longer than average.

Litter Size variates a lot, so female can have 2-8 puppies.

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

africanis dog - characteristicsAfricanis is a very good and healthy breed. They are very intelligent and friendly breed. They are not an aggressive breed, but they tend to protect the master. Africanis is a natural guard dog. This breed is used to being alone because for the centuries they migrated close to humans, but they also have been independent.

Training Africanis is not very hard. They tend to learn very quickly. Positive training with awards is the best way to train your Africanis. The old-fashioned way of training dogs with punishment is not recommendable for Africanis. They are intelligent breed who requires patience and constancy.

They are very good with other animals too, but they need proper socialization. Africanis requires daily exercise so if you keep your dog in the apartment it should have few daily walks. Africanis can live in the apartments though.

Overall, they are very healthy breed, so with regular vet checks and proper care, they are perfect pets for the whole family since they are great and gentle with small children and kids.

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

africanis puppies - health problemsThe great thing about Africanis is that this breed is very healthy. Thousands of years of evolution made this breed one of the toughest breeds in the world. They can survive very tough conditions. Africanis has a very healthy immune system too. It evolves so strong that there are no internal or external parasites that can harm the dog.

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

Feeding the Africanis

africanis dogs - caringAfricanis has used to eat everything, so this breed does not require any special treatments. 2-2.5 cups of dry high-quality food would be more than enough to have healthy and well feed the dog. But have in mind that feeding the dog depends on daily activity and size. If the dog is more active, an extra cup wouldn’t be a problem for a dog to eat.

Feeding Africanis puppy

Africanis puppy should eat more times per day than an adult dog. 3-5 meals per day of quality dry food are good measure to feed your puppy Africanis.

Grooming Africanis

Since Africanis has short hair they are very easy to groom and care. Few brushes on a weekly basis with occasional bathing would be more than enough to have a clean and healthy dog.

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

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  26. Africanis vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  28. Africanis vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Africanis vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Africanis vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Africanis vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Africanis vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Africanis vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Africanis vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Africanis vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Africanis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Africanis vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Africanis vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Africanis vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Africanis vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Africanis vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Africanis vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Africanis vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Africanis vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Africanis vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
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