Tornjak vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tornjak vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonShetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Tornjak is originated from Croatia. Shetland Sheepdog may grow 31 cm / 12 inches shorter than Tornjak. Shetland Sheepdog may weigh 38 kg / 83 pounds lesser than Tornjak. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Tornjak has almost same life span. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Tornjak has almost same litter size. Both Shetland Sheepdog and Tornjak requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Croatia
Height Male:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
Height Female:
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 7
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Sheltie
Croatian Mountain Dog, Bosnian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
White with tan, brown or black markings, grey
Coat:
Long and thick
Long and thick
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

shetland sheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

tornjakKnown also as the Bosnian and Herzegovinian, the Tornjak dog hails from Croatia and Bosnia and is a large mountain sheepdog.

It is thought that this protector of livestock dog has been bred from the Tibetan Mastiff. He is an ancient breed because there are records of its existence coming as far back as the 11th century.

As a working dog, his role of guarding sheep became less and the dog’s numbers diminished. It was during the 1970s that the breed was revived.

Description

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

tornjak puppy - descriptionThis is a large, strong dog, standing at between 58 and 72cm in height and weighing between 28 and 50kg. He has a long, thick coat which has always protected him from the harsh winters of the countries he comes from.

Common colors for the coat are mainly white with tan, brown, grey or black markings.

Temperament:

The Tornjak is a beautiful dog and also calm by nature, well balanced, intelligent and self- confident. His calm nature doesn’t stop him from being a good watchdog though as he is also alert and brave.

He is more than willing to please his owner and is able to be trained and socialized with ease.

He is a social dog and just loves spending time with hs human family. Therefore efforts should be made not to leave him alone for long periods of time. He forms strong bonds with them and is loving and devoted. Because of his size and energy he won’t suit life in the city on a small property but will be better suited to life in the countryside.

Characteristics

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

These are quiet, brave dogs but they can be good watchdogs too.

Calm and balanced, he is capable of being alert too and makes a good watchdog.

tornjak dog - characteristicsWith their human family, they become attached and loyal, not wanting to be separated from anyone for too long. Give him the care this beautiful dog deserves and he'll make you a splendid pet and companion.

Health Problems

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

tornjak puppies - health problemsMost dogs face one or two health challenges in their lives, but most Tornjaks are healthy and won’t easily get sick.

They’re large dogs so they typically don’t live as long as small dogs. They can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age.

Patellar Luxation: 

This is a dislocation of the kneecap, caused by an injury or it can be present at birth. It can cause pain and a limp.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a joint condition that is more often seen in large dogs. The ill-fitting joint rubs and chafes, and osteoarthritis and more pain is the result.

You will have to speak to your vet about relieving the pain for your dog and making him more comfortable. Don’t think hip dysplasia is something only old dogs get – it can develop with young dogs – even puppies. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and suggest different medical and surgical options.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

tornjak dogs - caringThe Tornjak needs exercise every day to keep him fit and happy. He will love it when you take down his leash for his daily walk. He is a social dog and will want to be involved with all your activities. He gets on well with other dogs too.

●Grooming:

The Tornjak will require quite a bit of grooming because the hair is fairly long and it sheds. Some dog owners have the hair cut by a professional groomer. Regular brushing certainly helps to reduce lots of dog hair flying around.

The insides of his ears need to be checked for signs of redness as well as the eyes. The eyes should be checked for pus and redness. Occasional dog nail trimming will also be required.

● Vaccines:

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

● Diet:

Provide your Tornjak with top quality food. If you feed him with one of the commercially manufactured foods, make sure it is one of the better brands. The inferior brands are filled with bad ingredients that can actually make a dog sick.

Try to include some home-made food which can be added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat. Avoid human foods such as chocolates, grapes, onions, peanuts and chips as these can give him stomach pain and more vet bills for you.

Stick to wholesome, simple foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Your Tornjak will love it and it will ensure he has bright eyes ad a wagging tail. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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