Vikhan Sheepdog vs Sarplaninac - Breed Comparison

Sarplaninac is originated from Macedonia but Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan. Sarplaninac may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Vikhan Sheepdog. Both Sarplaninac and Vikhan Sheepdog are having almost same weight. Sarplaninac may live 6 years more than Vikhan Sheepdog. Both Sarplaninac and Vikhan Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Sarplaninac requires Moderate Maintenance. But Vikhan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
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Macedonia
Pakistan
Height Male:
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
6 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
6 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Illyrian Sheepdog, Illyrian dogs, Macedonian Sheepdogs
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Colors Available:
white, Different shades of grey, tan and black
fawn, black , brown
Coat:
Different shades of grey, white, tan and black
long and shaggy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

sarplaninacHailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

Description

sarplaninac puppy - descriptionThe Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

Characteristics

sarplaninac dog - characteristicsThese dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

Health Problems

sarplaninac puppies - health problemsThe Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

Caring The Pet

sarplaninac dogs - caringEvery dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

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

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Comparison with other breeds

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