Hungarian Hound vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Hungarian Hound vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonHungarian Hound is originated from Hungary but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Both Hungarian Hound and Istrian Sheepdog are having almost same height. Hungarian Hound may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Hungarian Hound and Istrian Sheepdog has same life span. Both Hungarian Hound and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Hungarian Hound requires Low maintenance. But Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

hungarian hound - historyThe Hungarian Hound, also known as the Transylvanian Hound, originated in ancient Hungary as a hunting dog. At the time there were Asian Hounds that traveled with Hungarian Magyar tribes into Transylvania. As early as the 9th century it is believed that these Hungarian dogs were crossed with Celtic Hounds and local dogs. The result is the Hungarian Hound. These dogs were incredibly popular throughout Transylvania.

This scent hound almost became extinct but was saved by intense breeding during the latter part of the 21st century. They developed two kinds, short and tall, for different types of hunting. The tall dogs hunted boar, bison, lynx and bear. The short dogs hunted hare, fox and chamois.

Only the tall dogs exist today. Some Hungarians raided parts of Europe and took the dogs with them. There was then a crossing breeding with Polish dogs. The tall dogs exist today in Hungary and Romania. The Hungarian Kennel Club recognized the breed and the United Kennel Club (UKC) from the United States recognizes them. No major clubs such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the British Clubs. The breed was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service Program

istrian sheepdog - historyKnown also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.

The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.

It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.

Description

hungarian hound puppy - descriptionThe Hungarian Hound is a medium sized dog, a scent hound with the same characteristics of the type of hunting hounds found in Mid-Europe. The breed is a hardy one with a long head slightly domed skull. The muzzle is short, and the jaws are strong. The lips are black, and the ears are round and hang. Their eyes are shaped like almonds and dark brown. The breed has large paws with cushioned pads and strong toes.

istrian sheepdog puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.

Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.

The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.

Temperament:

This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.

If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.

He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

hungarian hound dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – This breed is very friendly with children.

Special talents

Special talents - Hunting independently and at a distance from the hunter.

Adaptability

Adaptability – Not an apartment dog. They need space and land.

Learning ability

Learning ability – They are very independent and intelligent.

istrian sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.

He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.

The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.

Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.

Health Problems

hungarian hound puppies - health problemsEven though this is an ancient breed they do face certain medical issues such as:

  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cancer – can be fatal.
  • Entropian – The eyelid folds forward and can injure the eye.
  • Bloat – Distension and twisting of digestive organ can cause immediate death.
  • Hypothyroidism – medication can control this.
  • Ectropia – The eyelids fold outward and can injure the eye.
  • Sensitivity to anesthesia – must be careful if have surgery and for teeth cleaning.

istrian sheepdog puppies - health problemsAs with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.

However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.

You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

hungarian hound dogs - caringFeeding the puppy – 1-3 cups of high quality food served in 3-5 meals per day.

Feeding the adult

Feeding the adult – 3-5 cups of high quality food served in 2-3 meals a day.

Points for Good Health

Points for Good Health – generally healthy

Games and Exercises

Games and Exercises – The Hungarian Hound is a hunting dog and therefore accustomed to and bred for a high level of exercise. Their instinct for hunting is really strong so make sure you do not let them off leash outside of a contained area. They excel at tracking, field trials, lure chasing, and fly ball.

Exercise:

istrian sheepdog dogs - caringThis is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.

General Care:

Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.

Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.

Grooming:

Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.

Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Hungary
Slovenia
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
52 - 62 cm
20 - 25 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 24 kg
46 - 53 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Transylvanian Hound Erdelyi Kopo, Copoi Ardelenesc, Ungarische Bracke, Transylvanian Bloodhound, or Transylvania Scenthound
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
black with tan markings
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
dense, coarse double coat
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Courageous, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Protective, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds