Spanish Water Dog vs Russian Harlequin Hound - Breed Comparison

Russian Harlequin Hound is originated from Russia but Spanish Water Dog is originated from Spain. Russian Harlequin Hound may grow 18 cm / 8 inches higher than Spanish Water Dog. Russian Harlequin Hound may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Spanish Water Dog. Both Russian Harlequin Hound and Spanish Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Russian Harlequin Hound and Spanish Water Dog has same litter size. Russian Harlequin Hound requires Low Maintenance. But Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Russia
Spain
Height Male:
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Anglo-Russkaya Gontjaja, Russian Spotted Hound
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Colors Available:
White with tan and black markings
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
Coat:
Short and smooth
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The origins of the Russian Harlequin Hound are somewhat vague as there are many Russian hunting hounds and many of them have a similar ancestry.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is an indigenous hound whose origins go back to the 18th century. The first breed standard was published in 1925.

The breed was then developed during the early 1900s – being a mix of Russian Hound and English Foxhound. The Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed and you will find it almost exclusively in Russia.

spanish water dogBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

Description

The Russian Harlequin Hound is a medium to large sized dog that stands between 55 – 68cm in height and weighs between 18 – 31kg.

He has a solid build with long, straight legs with a long tail that can be slightly curved. The head is broad and square with medium sized ears which are floppy. The short coat is essentially white with tri-colored markings of white, tan and black.

Temperament:

The Russian Harlequin Hound has an amicable expression to his face and is a friendly social dog breed. He is lively and energetic, and with his hunting background will required a good deal of exercise.

They make great family pets, getting on well with children in the home and making friends with any other pets in the family. He is a gentle dog and with training and socialization is well mannered and obedient.

He loves his human family and wants to spend time with them in their company. He isn't suited to life in the city and a small property, but will require a home with bigger grounds.

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

Characteristics

The Russian Harlequin Hound has always been a hunting dog, known for his excellent hunting skills. He isn’t only a good hunting dog, but he makes a good family pet too.

If you’re looking for an unusual dog breed that is also intelligent, loyal and loving, then you might want to consider this Russian Harlequin Hound.

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

Health Problems

Your Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed that can reach 12 years of age if well cared for. There are some dog ailments that must be watched for. Cancer, ear infections and skin allergies can be problems to look out for. Other troublesome ailments can be -

Bloat:

This is a more common disease with deep-chested dogs, and the deep chested Russian Harlequin Hound is prone to bloat. Gas is trapped in the stomach and the stomach can actually twist. It can be life threatening. Your pet will have a hard, swollen belly and will be restless and salivating. Get him to the vet immediately. He may well require immediate surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is all about problems with the hip joints. It is sad for any dog with this disease as it can be painful for your pet to walk. Inflammation and arthritis can mean your pet being in pain. He can become lame too.

There are anti-inflammatory medications and your vet will suggest other treatments to make sure your pet is as comfortable as can be.

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Russian Harlequin Hound needs both mental and physical stimulation. He is a curious dog and wants to be out and about sniffing around and exploring. He will need to have a walk every day as well as lots of ball- and rope games. He will suit being the pet of a busy, outdoorsy family as opposed to a family of couch potatoes.

Grooming:

The Russian Harlequin Hound is looked upon as a low maintenance dog breed, and with his short, dense coat you can get by with just brushing him twice a week. Because he is such a lover of the outdoors check him over for ticks and fleas when you brush him.

Check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Open his mouth and look for bad, rotting teeth.

Check him over for any unusual lumps.

Make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge.

Trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog should be fed excellent food as this encourages good health. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be wonderfully convenient and nutritious if you get the better quality ones.

Try and include some simple, tasty home-made food to his diet . High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more tasty for him by giving him some chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. This can be added into the dry kibble twice a week.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock.

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

Comparison with other breeds

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