Circassian Orloff Wolfhound vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Circassian Orloff Wolfhound is originated from Russia but Croatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Croatian Sheepdog. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Croatian Sheepdog. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may live 3 years less than Croatian Sheepdog. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound may have more litter size than Croatian Sheepdog. Both Circassian Orloff Wolfhound and Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

Very little is known of the history and development of the Circassian Orloff Wolfhound. It is suspected that it is related to the Hare Hound, Deerhound and the Greyhound. They were taken from Siberia to the Circassian southern mountains to hunt hare and small prey. The breed is also like the Borzoi but more intelligent and it is much faster than the other sighthounds.

The color and some other minor characteristics have evolved over the centuries to be different from the Siberian that was originally brought to the mountains. All the historical data suggests that the original parents of all these sighthounds was the Celtic Greyhound

croatian sheepdog - historyKnown also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

Description

The Circassian Orloff Wolfhound had many of the characteristics of any sighthound. He has strong straight legs and they are longer than most sighthounds which allows the Circassian to run amazingly fast. The head is long, the muzzle is wide, and the eyes are large and dark. They have a deep chest and medium tail. They also have a graceful and aristocratic demeanor.

croatian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

Characteristics

Fun and games are right in this breeds wheelhouse. They love to run. They need to run. Their activity level is very high, and they need lots of space and regular exercise. They are very intelligent and need mental stimulation as well. They are great at lure coursing and they love racing of course

croatian sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

Health Problems

Again, little is known about the health of this ancient breed, except to propose that it faces many of the same challenges as the Greyhound. This would include skin irritation, bloat, osteosarcoma and esophageal achalasia.

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer.

Esophageal achalasia is rare and affects the esophagus’ muscles. The upper muscles can’t relax and that causes the lower muscle or sphincter not to open and no food can get to the stomach.

croatian sheepdog puppies - health problemsThe Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

Caring The Pet

This dog is a lean running machine. Do not overfeed. It is also better to feed him two to three times a day in smaller portions rather than one large meal.

Health issues

They tend to be allergic to insecticide and anesthesia. It’s best not to treat your yard for insects if your Circassian Orloff Wolfhound will be out in it.

Exercise and games

Fun and games are right in this breeds wheelhouse. They love to run. They need to run. Their activity level is very high, and they need lots of space and regular exercise. They are very intelligent and need mental stimulation as well. They are great at lure coursing and they love racing of course.

croatian sheepdog dogs - caringThe Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Russia
Croatia
Height Male:
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Height Female:
68 - 73 cm
26 - 29 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 40 kg
59 - 89 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Hare hound
Hrvatski Ovkars
Colors Available:
is dark fawn or black
Black
Coat:
thick and long
Medium length, wavy or curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  2. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  3. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  4. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  5. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  7. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  8. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  10. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Croatian Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  13. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  15. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  17. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  19. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  20. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  24. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Greyhound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Francais Blanc et Noir vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  29. Saluki vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Mountain Cur vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Rajapalayam vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Plott Hound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Otterhound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Mudhol Hound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Ibizan Hound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Rampur Greyhound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Galgo Espanol vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Hanover Hound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Majestic Tree Hound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Polish Hunting Dog vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Grand Bleu de Gascogne vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  43. Segugio Italiano vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Sloughi vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Tasy vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Treeing Walker Coonhound vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Hortaya Borzaya vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  50. Circassian Orloff Wolfhound vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds