Latvian Hound vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Latvian Hound vs Kars Dog - Breed ComparisonKars Dog is originated from Turkey but Latvian Hound is originated from Russia. Kars Dog may grow 42 cm / 17 inches higher than Latvian Hound. Kars Dog may weigh 60 kg / 133 pounds more than Latvian Hound. Both Kars Dog and Latvian Hound has almost same life span. Both Kars Dog and Latvian Hound has almost same litter size. Kars Dog requires Moderate Maintenance. But Latvian Hound requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
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Turkey
Russia
Height Male:
60 - 90 cm
23 - 36 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Height Female:
60 - 90 cm
23 - 36 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
60 - 80 kg
132 - 177 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
60 - 80 kg
132 - 177 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 12
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Kars Turkish Shepherd, Caucasian
Latvijas Dzinejsuns
Colors Available:
Reddish brown, grey, black - mixed colors
Black, tan, brown
Coat:
short or long-haired variety
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

kars dogThe Kars Dog is found in Turkey, hailing more specifically from the Kars province, after which it is named. He actually has a long history of at least 600 years.

Referred to as a Molosser, the dog is still used to this day for shepherding livestock. There are many varieties and sizes of the dog, with the most common Kars type being similar to the Nagazi variant of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

latvian houndThe Latvian Hound is a medium sized Russian or Latvian hunting hound. The dog was bred in Latvia, Russia.

He was developed from a number of English and Polish dogs as well as Lucernese breeds.

It is by no means a new breed and records of it go way back to the 1600s. A certain Duke Courland developed the dog so that it was also known as the Courland Hound. In 1922 the Latvian Association of Hunters' Associations was formed.

It was in 1971 that the Latvian Hound was was approved with it's name and a new standard was developed and approved. It isn't recognized by the AKC or the FCI.

Description

kars dog puppy - descriptionLarge and heavy, the Kars Dog is strong, with a large head and broad chest. The height of the dog at the withers is 60 to 90cm and he weighs in at roughly 60 - 80kg.

At one time the ears were cropped but they are left these days and then they are of medium length and floppy. The coat varies too in terms of length and color - short to longer variety coats. The coat can be a solid color or it can have patterns. You’ll find reddish brown dogs, grey and black dogs as well as dogs with a mix of colors.

Temperament:

The Kars is an aggressive, territorial dog, but with the correct training, socialization and upbringing, it can be a loving, amicable family pet.

Known also as the Kars Turkish Shepherd or Kars shepherd, he makes an ideal guarding dog as he is brave and devoted to those he is protecting. He is cautious and even unfriendly towards people he doesn’t know, and it is thought that because of his robustness, it might not be a good idea to leave him unsupervised with small children.

Nonetheless with training and socialization, the Kars is capable of being a super pet for all members of the family. Training him won’t be that easy as he is large and strong-willed, but the training will provide him with some basic good manners.

He will require a firm, confident owner and will require living in a home with a big garden or in the countryside as he requires a good amount of exercise.

latvian hound puppy - descriptionThe Latvian Hound is a medium sized dog standing at between 40 to 48cm in height and weighing about 15 to 20kg.

He has a deep chest, fairly long, floppy ears, a long tail with strong legs. The coat is double and is short, shiny and dense. He is an average shedder. He is essentially black with tan markings, with tan spots above the eyes. The eyes are dark brown and the nose is black.

Temperament:

The Latvian Hound may well be an exceptional hunter but he also makes a great family pet. He is looked upon as being a friendly, amicable, sweet dog.

Because he has been a working dog, he likes to be busy and will happily join in with all your hikes and swimming. He will also run with you while you cycle.

It’s a dog that doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time, being inclined to suffer with separation anxiety. He doesn’t take kindly to strangers either, but a dog which has been socialized and trained becomes more amicable.

Your Latvian is intelligent so you won’t have any trouble teaching him some simply commands. He is a friendly, lively dog and just having him in your home brings in a joyous atmosphere. He is an easy-going dog, but even so, if you don’t have a fair sized garden and you don’t have the time to exercise him, he is better off living on a farm or where there is a fair sized garden.

Characteristics

kars dog dog - characteristicsThe Kars is a large dog and because of his past where he used to guard livestock, he is a dog used to wide open spaces. He will require a home with a good sized garden and a family who exercises him frequently.

With the right kind of care, the Kars is able to strongly bond with his human family, taking his role as guardian and protector very well. He is alert and smart and that is why he will need training and socialization and a firm, fair human owner. He will then become a loving, devoted companion.

latvian hound dog - characteristicsThe Latvian Hound is an outgoing, fun dog to have around and a great dog for first-time dog owners too. He has always been a working dog, so he has developed skills such as being focused and tenacious.

As a companion and family dog, you will have a true friend as he is sweet, loving and loyal and thrives on the attention of his human family. He is a playful dog, feisty and energetic, and will be protective too. Bring him into your home and you'll see what a bright place it becomes just having him there as pet and friend.

Health Problems

kars dog puppies - health problemsThe Kars is generally healthy and long-lived, being able to reach 12 years of age with ease if cared for properly. Every dog, even the most healthiest ones, will have some health issues, and with a large dog like this, it is hip dysplasia, obesity, cancer and heart problems.

Heart Problems:

Coughing is a symptom of different illnesses, with one of them being heart disease. If your dog is still coughing after several days, its time to see the vet.

When your dog hasn’t exercised, you’ll see him battling to breathe or the breathing will be rapid. He’ll be reluctant to walk and play too and may be disinterested in his food. Edema, the swelling of body tissues is also a sign of heart disease.

latvian hound puppies - health problemsThe life span of the Latvian Hound is 12 to 14 years, and while there are no reported major health issues, all dogs face some kind of medical issues during their lives. The Latvian Hound can face things like hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat and ear infections.

Vaccinations:

Vaccines can protect your dog from contracting some illnesses which can be fatal.

There is controversy over pet vaccines but the problem is more about HOW the dog is vaccinated.

There was a time when puppies were vaccinated many times, but newer guidelines were updated in 2017, stating that core vaccines be given to adult dogs in intervals of 3 years or more, rather than every year.

Puppy vaccines still need to be done about every 3 weeks between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks against the likes of parvovirus and distemper. Get yourself a good vet who is skilled and safe with vaccines.

Caring The Pet

kars dog dogs - caringYour Kars dog can be a wonderful addition to your home, but you need to know how to care for a big dog before you get carried away and add a large puppy breed to your family.

Too many people buy a cute bundle of fur and get rid of it when he is no longer a cute puppy. Before you bring a giant breed dog into your home, take note of some useful tips to keep him in tip top condition -

Diet:

If you bring a puppy home, he’ll need to be fed 4 times a day with special puppy food. There are excellent commercially manufactured puppy foods on the market and you will need to get the one that caters for ‘large- or giant puppy breeds’, as the Kars is a very big dog.

As your dog reaches adulthood you’ll feed him less. If in any doubt as to the kind of food to give your dog to maintain good health, speak to your vet.

Exercise:

Every dog will need exercise to keep him trim and fit but to also stimulate their minds. Providing your Kars dog with exercise such as walks and ball games will also ensure he doesn’t become bored.

General Care:

Your pet will need a nice quiet, warm, dry place to sleep and rest. If he is an outdoor dog during the day, make sure that he has a place to rest in the shade. Make sure he has a non-stop supply of fresh, cool water too that is placed in a cool, reachable spot.

Grooming:

Your large pet is an average shedder and to keep his thick coat in tip top condition, you want to be sure to brush him at least twice a week.

Grooming:

latvian hound dogs - caringThe Latvian Hound has a short coat that is easy to groom. He is a moderate shedder and brushing him twice a week will take care of all that loose hair. He’ll thrive on the attention this grooming session gives him and its the time to check him over for ticks and fleas too.

Check the inside of his ears. Without even realizing it, dirt and wax can build up and result in an ear infection. His ear may be red and you’ll notice him shaking his head and scratching at his ears. Be very careful about cleaning his ears as going to deep can damage the ear.

Any grooming of your dog that you can’t manage can be attended to by professional dog groomers.

Comparison with other breeds

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