Dogo Sardesco vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Dogo Sardesco vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonDogo Sardesco is originated from Italy but Croatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia. Dogo Sardesco may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Croatian Sheepdog. Dogo Sardesco may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Croatian Sheepdog. Dogo Sardesco may live 3 years less than Croatian Sheepdog. Both Dogo Sardesco and Croatian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Dogo Sardesco requires Low maintenance. But Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

dogo sardesco - historyThis is an ancient working dog breed which hails from the Italian island of Sardinia. When you do research, you find that no one is sure as to this dogs exact origin, and there are a number of theories as to how the dog developed.

Regardless of how the Dogo Sardesco came about, it is a valued companion of farmers in Sardinia, being appreciated for its protective nature.

The dog is a kind of Molosser or Mastiff dog. In the past the dog has been used as a working and hunting dog, and today he is a popular dog in mainland Italy. He is also known as Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser and Dogo Sardo.

The Dogo Sardesco isn’t recognized today by international kennel clubs, and breeders on the island of Sardinia have done nothing to form a breed club for the dog.

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

dogo sardesco puppy - descriptionThe dog Sardesco is a medium to large sized dog generally measuring 56 to 68 cm at the withers and weighing roughly 30 to 45 kg.

Because the dog isn’t bred to specific standards, it varies in appearance, but it is a powerful looking dog, being lean and athletic. The dog’s tail is traditionally docked, but with tail docking being frowned upon, the tail is left long and the dog loses its distinctive look.

The head of the dog is large and the ears are also traditionally cropped to be very short. Left naturally, the ears fold down closely to the sides of the head.The eyes are small and amber colored. The coat is short and smooth, but thick, and while it comes in many colors, the more regular color is red, brown, black, grey or brindle.

Temperament:

The Dogo Sardesco becomes a loyal family pet, more so when he has been trained and socialized. Although he is a devoted and affectionate dog, forming particularly strong bonds with his human family, he isn’t recommended for homes where there are young children.

He also doesn’t take too kindly to other pets in the home. This is because they are a strong-willed, dominant breed and might therefore not be a good choice for first-time dog owners.

Because Sardinian breeders have focused on developing an aggressive dog, he has become a dog suspicious of- and aloof with strangers. He is stubborn and self-willed, and to make him more obedient and amicable, he will require training and socialization. He is an alert, intelligent dog and this makes him an excellent watch dog.

The Sardinian Mastiff is an active dog too and won’t do well in a home where the people aren’t interested in exercise. He is the kind of dog that will need to be taken with you on walks, and he will love to spend time running alongside you when you go running or cycling.

He won’t adapt too well to life in the city, particularly when there is just a tiny garden.

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

dogo sardesco dog - characteristicsThe Dogo Sardesco has always performed his role as a working dog well, and this is a reliable watch dog as well as the dog takes his job of guarding his human family seriously.

With his aggressive temperament, he has appeared on the list of banned breeds, and this is why he isn’t an ideal choice for homes where there are small children, as some small children haven’t been taught how to treat a dog with respect.

However, when properly trained and socialized he becomes an excellent companion dog. He has an intimidating look about him, but when he is with his human family, another side comes out and he is affectionate, loving and protective.

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

dogo sardesco puppies - health problemsThe Dogo Sardesco is a relatively healthy breed who is unlikely to suffer with ailments common to dogs, but nonetheless there are some diseases or conditions that you might want to be aware of with your dog.

Skeletal and visual problems can occur in this breed. Both hip- and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic disorders in dogs and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and even cause lifelong disability.

Genes and environmental factors play a part in your dog developing this disease.If he has been diagnosed as having hip or elbow dysplasia, get your dog to the vet as there are treatments which can at least make your pet a lot more comfortable.

Remember that feeding your puppy Dogo Sardesco too much food which is particularly high in calories can mean him growing too fast, and this can contribute to this hip dysplasia problem.

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

dogo sardesco dogs - caringDog owners who don’t like the idea of spending too much money on grooming will appreciate that the Dogo Sardesco is a very low maintenance breed, and that a good brushing twice a week will keep the dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

As with all other dogs, he will need to have his teeth brushed to remove plaque build up. Not only does plaque lead to dental disease, but bad teeth can lead to other health issues too.

Nail clipping will also be necessary if your pet doesn’t wear the nails down naturally from getting to run on a hard surface from time to time.

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:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Italy
Croatia
Height Male:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Height Female:
56 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Dogo Sardo, Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser
Hrvatski Ovkars
Colors Available:
black, brown, grey or brindle , Red
Black
Coat:
Short, smooth, dense
Medium length, wavy or curly
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  7. Dogo Sardesco vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Dogo Sardesco vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  9. Dogo Sardesco vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  10. Dogo Sardesco vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  11. Dogo Sardesco vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  12. Dogo Sardesco vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  13. Dogo Sardesco vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  15. Dogo Sardesco vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  16. Dogo Sardesco vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Dogo Sardesco vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  18. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. Dogo Sardesco vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Dogo Sardesco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Dogo Sardesco vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. Dogo Sardesco vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Sardesco vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  25. Dogo Sardesco vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  35. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Croatian Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  38. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  40. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  41. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  42. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  43. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  44. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  49. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds