Indian Spitz vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison

Indian Spitz vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed ComparisonCao da Serra de Aires is originated from Portugal but Indian Spitz is originated from India. Cao da Serra de Aires may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than Indian Spitz. Cao da Serra de Aires may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Indian Spitz. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Indian Spitz has same life span. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Indian Spitz has almost same litter size. Both Cao da Serra de Aires and Indian Spitz requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Portugal
India
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Height Female:
42 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 27 kg
33 - 60 pounds
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
1 - 5
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog
Greater Indian Spitz, Smaller Indian Spitz
Colors Available:
Fawn, gray, yellow and black
White, brown or black and white.
Coat:
Long, shaggy, single-layer coat,
Long and fluffy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cao da serra de airesAncestors of the Cao da Sera de Aires were used for herding livestock in the Serra de Aires and Alentejo, Portugal. This herding dog is native to Portugal and throughout the 20th Century he was kept as a working dog.

Known also as the Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog or Serra de Aires Mountain Dog, there are some questions surrounding the breed's ancestry as there are few records of dogs before 1900. The dog is thought to be related to the Pyrenean and Catalan Sheepdogs and that it has descended from Briards which were imported into Portugal and crossed with the Pyrenean Sheepdog.

The Cão da Serra de Aires breed standard was accepted by the Portuguese Kennel Club, and the breed was recognized internationally in 1996. The dog was also recognized by the United Kennel Club in the Herding Group in 2006.

indian spitzThe Indian Spitz is a working dog and has always been used for hunting and tracking small game. It is a popular dog breed in India.

There isn't too much information on the exact origin of the dog but dog experts tell us the dogs have descended from different Spitz breeds and wild wolves, and that they date back thousands of years.

People often mix them up with the Pomeranian, but they're different, being introduced in India by the British. The British began breeding them from a stock of German Spitz's and years of breeding produced the ideal dog type which could cope with the tempestuous weather conditions in India.

They aren't recognized by any major kennel clubs but the Kennel Club of India is working to establish the Indian Spitz as a separate breed.

Description

cao da serra de aires puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Cão da Serra de Aires is a medium-sized dog. He stands at 45 to 55 cm at the withers and weighs about 17 to 27 kg. He is recognizable by the long, shaggy, single-layer coat, of straight or slightly wavy hair. Don’t be deceived by the coat as below, the dog has a muscular, athletic body.

The coat comes in different shades such as fawn, gray, yellow and black. The dog has a long tail which is held straight out or down and he has medium-length, floppy ears. You’ve got to look hard, as the facial features of the dog are hidden by its shaggy coat. He has a lot of facial hair that sometimes you have to wonder if he can see out of his eyes.

Temperament:

The Cao da Serra de Aires is a wonderful canine companion and is devoted and loyal, forming strong bonds with their human family. He is a playful, amicable dog and gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He is intelligent and trainable, and when properly trained and socialized,he becomes an even nicer pet to have around and is obedient to his master’s voice. He is territorial, strong willed and dominant and makes a good watchdog too.

indian spitz puppy - descriptionThe Indian Spitz is an attractive, fluffy looking dog breed thought to have been domesticated thousands of years ago.

The dog comes in two sizes – the smaller- and larger size. The Smaller Indian Spitz stands at between 20 - 25 cm and weighs between 5 – 7kg while the Greater Indian Spitz stands at 35-45cm and weighs between 12 – 20kg.

The dog has a long-haired coat, with the hair on the head being shorter than the rest of the body. The color of the coat can be white, brown or black and white.

Temperament:

The Indian Spitz is an easy-going dog which adapts to all kinds of living conditions in India. They therefore adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside.

The Indian Spitz is a social, friendly dog who is loyal towards his human family, showing his joy at being with them with high-pitched barking. He gets on well with children in the home and because he isn't aggressive, he gets on well with pets in the home too.

He is intelligent which means that he is able to be trained and socialized, turning him into an obedient pet who takes his job as guardian and protector seriously.

Characteristics

cao da serra de aires dog - characteristicsThe Cão da Serra de Aires is such a loyal dog to his human family that he makes a splendid pet. He is active, having worked historically at herding and guarding.

Socialization and obedience training ensure that he becomes an exceptional pet and he has a host of positive attributes to his name – he is intelligent, energetic, loyal and loving. He may have been used long ago to guard livestock, but today he is selected as a pet specifically for his excellent companionship and for his protective nature.

indian spitz dog - characteristicsPlayful, feisty, intelligent, loving and loyal, the Indian Spitz is full of character and just loves being in a loving family home.

Easy to train, he becomes a wonderfully obedient canine friend who loves nothing more than to spend time with you, especially when it is outdoors going for a walk or playing ball.

He is an entertaining little dog too, and anyone wishing to buy a dog like this won't regret it as he brings in a joyful dimension to any home.

Health Problems

cao da serra de aires puppies - health problemsAs with most dogs that are looked after well, their health can be good. The Cao da Serra de Aires isn’t likely to keep you at the vet often. Just like with any good dog, there are some health disorders that can benefit you to know about.

Being forewarned , you can get your pet to the vet quickly before the illness gets out of hand.

There are some pet owners who want to have their pets tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as well as the Canine Eye Registration Foundation to rule out health defects such as hip dysplasia and cataracts before they manifest themselves in their pets. This is of particular importance to breeders so as to prevent the parent dogs passing bad genetic conditions to the puppies.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a common skeletal disease where the dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. It can be terribly painful for your pet to get around. It’s a genetic condition and while it is more prevalent in big dogs, any breeds are susceptible.

Your dog will battle along with painful joints and sometimes his hind-end will be lame. You’ll notice that once lying down, he battles to get up again. Fortunately vets are well acquainted with this ailment and they have different options to treat and manage it.

Cataracts:

Cataracts in your dog come about from a disease process which affects the lens of the eye. The eye loses its transparency and impairs vision. There are some instances where cataracts can cause blindness. You’ll see a whitish gray area in your pets eye. The most common cause of cataracts is genetics. Get your pet to the vet who will do certain tests to evaluate the eyes and make a recommendation.

indian spitz puppies - health problemsThese feisty little dogs can reach 14 years of age if looked after well.

Your Indian Spitz will need to see a vet when he is 6 weeks of age for his first vaccinations and also whenever he is sick.

He is a dog breed that doesn't get sick very easily, but still it is wise to know about some of the more common dog diseases that could plague your little pet, and these are among others, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and vision- and dental problems.

Dental Disease:

It is important to be keeping an eye on your dog's oral health. Infected teeth can have a bad impact on his health and can actually contribute to heart- and kidney disease for instance.

One of the major causes of dental disease in dogs is none other than diet. Always try to feed your pet the best quality food there is. Certainly if you feel your pet isn't getting the best food, try a probiotic supplement as this can create a healthy bacterial environment in your dog’s mouth.

Check your pet's mouth regularly so you can attend to any dental problem before it gets out of hand.

Caring The Pet

cao da serra de aires dogs - caringAs a working dog used to long hours of action, the Cao da Serra de Aires will need lots of activity. He’ll need you taking him for long walks and playing ball games with him. He can become frustrated and destructive when left without any physical stimulation.

Grooming

The Cao da Serra de Aires may have long hair but he isn’t high maintenance. He won’t require professional grooming, but will require a good brush a least twice a week. This is because the long coat can tangle.

To keep him looking his best, you’ll want to be trimming the hair around his paws. Another important grooming task is checking his ears and cleaning them. You have to be careful about cleaning your pet ears if you don’t know how, as it could damage the ears. Your vet can always advise you on how this is done.

Diet:

indian spitz dogs - caringThese dogs have been used to a diet of milk and rice, but if possible it can be beneficial to the dog to include some cooked chicken and vegetables too. Raw meat is also important, but it is expensive, so just adding it in from time to time can still be beneficial. Water which is cool and clean should be available to the dog day and night, non-stop.

Grooming:

Your Spitz dog will simply require a brush twice a week to keep it clean and vibrant and free from loose hairs. While brushing him, make a point of checking him for fleas and ticks as well.

Exercise:

This is a busy little dog that wants to involved in everything you're busy with. He will love to join you in your long walks each day or if you take him to the park, he will love the chance to run off his leash.

Comparison with other breeds

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