Chippiparai vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Chippiparai vs Basque Shepherd - Breed ComparisonChippiparai is originated from India but Basque Shepherd is originated from Spain. Both Chippiparai and Basque Shepherd are having almost same height. Chippiparai may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Basque Shepherd. Both Chippiparai and Basque Shepherd has same life span. Chippiparai may have less litter size than Basque Shepherd. Chippiparai requires Low maintenance. But Basque Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

chippiparai - historyThe Chippiparai is a working dog found in India and until recently there has been little interest in the purity of any breed, but rather only an emphasis on the abilities of the dog. They are only beginning to research the origin and history of their native dogs such as the Chippiparai. Not much is known about the origin of the breed except that it is found almost exclusively in Tamil Nadu and Keraia in the southern part of the subcontinent of India. Other than this there is much speculation about the breed’s origin but very little-known facts. It is indeed an ancient breed; however, its origin could be thousands of years ago or simply hundreds of years ago.

The speculation on the beginnings of the Chippiparai include:

• Perhaps it is a descendant of the Saluki as it resembles this breed quite a bit. It has been believed for some time that the Saluki is the original sighthound and the source of all sighthound breeds. The Saluki was very popular in the Middle East, especially in Persia and Arabia from which it could easily have spread to India. It would then have been shared from Northern India to Southern India where the Chippiparai is found.

• Perhaps the Chippiparai is a descendent of sighthounds from Central Asia and Afghanistan – the Tazi, Taigan, Hortaya Borsaya or the Afghan Hound. This part of Central Asia had more trade, influence and contact with the Indian subcontinent early in their history than with any other region. The Chippiparai is considered by some to be more like these sighthounds than like the Saluki and the interaction between these regions has a much longer history than the Middle East and India.

• It is also speculated that the Chippiparai might have been developed completely and uniquely from the local street and working dogs. With the civilization of India being one of the oldest in the world, it is considered a possibility that the Chippiparai is the descendent of the Harappan hunting dogs that probably were developed by the Indus Valley or Harappa roiling class.

Wherever the Chippiparai came from, they were the exclusive property of the wealthy and ruling castes. These upper castes were the only ones that could legally hunt with dogs or afford to feed one. The royal classes of Tiruneivell, Thanjavur, and Madurai all fed the popularity of the breed among the upper castes. They were coursing dogs used to chase down the prey once it was sighted. The Chippiparai are incredibly fast runners and would catch almost any prey and either hold it or kill it for their hunter. The Chippiparai, when not hunting, had to be chained so they would not chase any small animal that they saw. This confinement also added to the purity of the breed as random breeding was prevented.

The southern part of the Indian subcontinent is extremely hot with routine temperatures over 100’. The Chippiparai was developed to withstand these extreme temperatures and is more heat tolerant than most any other breed. They also need very little food and are resistant to the many parasites and diseases found in southern India.

Harboring the belief that Indian dogs were not as good as European ones, the occupying countries of Portugal, France, and Britain, had no interest in the Chippiparai, again leaving the breed to develop naturally on their own with little or no interbreeding. They also received no formal recognition because Indian culture only valued the dog for its working abilities. There was no Indian Kennel Club until 1956.

The Chippiparai is now very rarely and only found in the area of its birth. Many believe the breed is in danger of becoming extinct and even though it is now registered with Indian Kennel Clubs it is not often shown in their dog shows. Lovers of the breed are now attempting to get Indians to recognize that the Chippiparai is a great companion animal and attempting to save the breed.

basque shepherd - historyThe Basque Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds. With this Spanish dog, you’ll find paintings dating back 12,000 years ago. The Basque Shepherd is known as a landrace breed, which means the dog hasn’t gone through the same selective breeding programs as what other breeds have. Landrace breeds have more variations in appearance and temperament than regular breeds.

The Basque Shepherd has 2 distinct varieties, the Gorbeiakoa and the Iletsua. The smooth-haired Gorbeiakoa has a softer coat that is fairly short while the rougher-haired Iletsua has a lighter coloured coat, and unlike the Gorbeiakoa, the ears are not typically erect.

Even though this is an ancient breed of dog, only the Royal Canine Society of Spain recognizes the breed with the two varieties, and in January 1996, the two breeds - Iletsua and Gorbeikoa – were recognized.

Description

chippiparai puppy - descriptionThe Chippiparai is a typical sighthound although their size and appearance will vary more than that of registered purebred sighthounds. Typically, they will have a long, domed head with small erect ears and dark eyes. Their muzzle will be as deep and wide as the skull but longer. Their legs are straight and long, their chest is roached back and deep, giving them, an appearance very similar to a greyhound or other sighthound.

They have a long curly tail, and their coat can vary greatly in color. They are medium sized, and their coat is short, shiny and close. He is very slender and sleek, which along with his long legs gives him that incredible speed. They are thin with visible ribs.

Two Varieties

basque shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Basque Shepherd is a strong, well proportioned dog with brown eyes and medium sized ears, which sometimes have folds. This medium-to-large dog has a beautiful fawn coat of medium-length hair that can be straight or slightly wavy. He has a long feathery tail that will wag readily when he sees his owner. You’ll find other colors for the Basque Shepherd shared between the two varieties - a yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black. His hair is shorter on the head and he doesn’t battle with hair over the eyes.

An Intelligent Breed

The Basque Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog and also very energetic. Of the two different kinds of Basque Shepherd, it is the Gorbeiakoa which is the more outgoing. The dogs will require a firm owner and they thrive on the discipline when it is combined with lots of with lots of exercise and activities.

The Basque Shepherd is generally friendly with people, if not a little reserved with strangers. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home, although socialization and training will be necessary to bring out their best.

Characteristics

chippiparai dog - characteristicsThe Chippiparai is a loving, gentle family dog if well socialized, well trained and well exercised. They are very intelligent and need human companionship. Once they are living with a human family, they are very protective of that family. They are for the most part peaceful and quiet dogs. They are loyal and loving but they are not overly affectionate. Cuddlers they are not, and they do not like to play rough with children.

Accepting and loving within the family, the Chippiparai are equally hesitant and shy around strangers. They can be suspicious, but they are not aggressive. They are just very aloof with strangers, yet they hardly ever bark.

basque shepherd dog - characteristicsThe dog is well suited to being a family pet, loving to spend time with family, being a people-oriented breed. He gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home, but can be reserved with strangers.

He doesn’t have an aggressive nature, and yet he does what it takes to protect his beloved human family.

He is full of energy, hardy and tough. He loves his human family and wants to be included in all their activities. He is energetic though and as a responsible dog owner, you want to make sure that your Basque Shepherd has enough space to run.

Health Problems

chippiparai puppies - health problemsThere are no clinical studies regarding the health and health history of the Chippiparai, so little is known about their long-term health. However, most who know the breed, believe it is an incredibly healthy one. They seem to have a lot less genetically transmitted health issues than other purebreds. Because of their isolation for centuries in India, they have developed immunities and resistance to most parasites and diseases other dog suffer from.

Because of this you should look for the types of issues that occur in dogs of this size and build. Have them tested by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

basque shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause this is an ancient breed, the Basque Shepherd doesn’t have to contend with genetic health problems such as more modern breeds. Just like other dogs though, he could be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, ear infections and cancer. As a larger breed, he may also be prone to bloat.

Chronic Ear Infections

Breeds with floppy ears, such as the Basque Shepherd will be more prone to developing ear infections. To prevent infection, keep his ears clean and dry. If you’re unsure, the vet can guide you how- and what to do.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a disease which is common to other dog breeds too and not just the Basque Shepherd. This condition affects the hip joints and can result in chronic pain for the dog and also lameness. Checking your dog’s weight is important and the pain can be managed with medication.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chippiparai dogs - caringDo not overfeed your Chippiparai. Feed twice a day and no more than a total of 2.5 cups of high quality dry food.

Health issues

As mentioned previously the Chippiparai seems to have no genetic diseases or issues and very few acquired ones. However, he is sensitive to anesthesia and some foods. He is intolerant to cold weather and has a hard time with his pads on hard surfaces. Some Chippiparai might experience some of the ailments other breeds like them experience.

Dysplasia

Both Elbow and hip are possible. This can cause arthritis and lameness. This occurs when the bone does not fit well into the joint.

Luxating Patella

This can cause lameness as well. The kneecaps slide over the knee instead of staying in place.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy/PRA

Problems with the retina can lead to blindness.

Exercise and games

This is a hunting dog and he will want to hunt. They are incredibly fast and need the opportunity to run. Brisk walks will not be enough for this dog. He is very energetic. They will chase any small animals. It is not recommended that you have small pets even small dogs or cats with a Chippiparai. Having been bred for centuries to hunt, they are not likely to respond to any commands if they are off lease and chasing prey. Do not allow them to be off leash unless in a fenced area, and that fence needs to be 8 feet tall as they can easily jump a seven-foot fence. Try they at coursing, agility, fly ball and frisbee competitions.

basque shepherd dogs - caringThis is a medium to large breed dog and he should therefore be fed a high quality food which has been formulated for medium to large breeds. Because he is a herding dog, you might want to also look at an active-dog or working-breed formula to supply him with that much needed energy.

Grooming

The Basque Shepherd’s coat is lush and long with either straight or wavy hair. Regular brush at least twice a week will maintain the coat, get rid of loose hair and prevent fleas.

Training

The Basque Shepherd is an intelligent breed that will respond well to socialization and training. He is a breed that loves sports too because of this very high energy levels. You need to be careful with the Basquae Shepherd around small children, not because he is aggressive in any way, but because he is highly active, and his exuberance and boisterous antics could see him unintentionally knocking over small children.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
India
Spain
Height Male:
60 - 63 cm
23 - 25 inches
47 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Height Female:
58 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
46 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
17 - 29 kg
37 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
17 - 36 kg
37 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 9
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
none
Basque Herder, Basque Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Brindle & White Fawn & White Red Silver-grey
fawn, yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black
Coat:
short, smooth
smooth and soft to rough and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Sakhalin Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Alaskan Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  5. German Pinscher vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Puli vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Borador vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. German Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Porcelaine vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Finnish Lapphund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Griffon Nivernais vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Pumi vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Basque Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  23. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  31. Coonhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  32. Santal Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  33. English Coonhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Canario vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  35. Dunker vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  36. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  37. Chippiparai vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  38. Chippiparai vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  39. Chippiparai vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  40. Chippiparai vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Chippiparai vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Chippiparai vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  43. Chippiparai vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Chippiparai vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  45. Chippiparai vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  46. Chippiparai vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  47. Chippiparai vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  48. Chippiparai vs Chinese Chongqing Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Chippiparai vs Bosnian Coarse-Haired Hound - Breed Comparison
  50. Chippiparai vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds