Irish Mastiff Hound vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Irish Mastiff Hound vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIrish Mastiff Hound is originated from United States but Croatian Sheepdog is originated from Croatia. Irish Mastiff Hound may grow 38 cm / 15 inches higher than Croatian Sheepdog. Irish Mastiff Hound may weigh 54 kg / 120 pounds more than Croatian Sheepdog. Irish Mastiff Hound may live 3 years less than Croatian Sheepdog. Irish Mastiff Hound may have more litter size than Croatian Sheepdog. Both Irish Mastiff Hound and Croatian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

irish mastiff hound - historyThe Irish Mastiff Hound is a huge dog – a mix of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.

Both of these dogs have been around for a long time and actually have ancient histories. The Mastiff for instance has origins that date back to ancient times in China, while the Irish Wolfhound has origins that date far back to 391 AD.

Today this dog is regarded as an excellent companion for any home.

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

irish mastiff hound puppy - descriptionThis is a large crossbreed which can stand at 85 to 91 cm in height and weigh in the region of 47kg to 74kg.

He essentially has the short, smooth coat of the Mastiff but other dogs may well inherit the longer, more wiry coat of the Wolfhound. Coloring of the coat can be quite varied and can be brown, grey, white, tan or black. Some dogs take more after the Mastiff while others have more Wolfhound characteristics. They have a large head, some have a somewhat wrinkly face because of the Mastiff side, the ears are fairly small and floppy and the tail is long.

Temperament:

Even though they're so huge, these are easy going dogs that are able to fit in well with most human families. Described as gentle giants, they are loving, loyal, easy-going, even-tempered and eager to please.

The Irish Mastiff does well in the city or in the country because he isn't particularly active and will be happy to have a comfortable spot to lie close to you, however with such a large dog, you will certainly need a 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

irish mastiff hound dog - characteristicsYour big Irish Mastiff Hound is cool, confident and calm. He isn't particularly energetic and as long as he gets a nice walk as well as some mental stimulation, he'll be happy, wanting to spend a good part of the day lying close to where you are.

Socialization and training will be good for him and he learns easily. He is just a big gentle giant who promises to make you a wonderful canine friend.

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

irish mastiff hound puppies - health problemsMany people find giant dogs irresistible because they're usually gentle, patient and loving. However, it is their very size which makes them more prone to certain health concerns and gives them a shorter lifespan.

It is why it is so important to ensure you feed your pet a healthy diet to ward off illness. A large dog like the Irish Mastiff doesn't have a particularly long lifespan, and with good care he can get to 9, 10, 11, 12 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is more common in large dogs and it can lead to joint degeneration, arthritis and pain. Your pet may even be reluctant to get up and greet you when you come home which can be very sad. Vet intervention will certainly be required.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This heart disease is commonly seen in large dog breeds where the heart becomes weak so that it can't pump blood throughout the body. Coughing, difficulty with breathing, weakness and lethargy are just some of the symptoms of this disease and will also require veterinary intervention.

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

Grooming:

irish mastiff hound dogs - caringHe has a short coat, and grooming of this laid-back dog will include brushing him twice a week, trimming his nails and making sure that you check inside his ears for ear infection.

Diet:

Large dogs have special nutritional needs, particularly because they are more prone to illnesses such as hip dysplasia. You want to make sure that the foods he eats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and antioxidants because these will ensure proper joint health.

You've got to be careful what you feed a large breed dog because of the weight management issue too. Excess weight puts stress on the joints and promotes the development of osteoarthritis. Speak to your vet about portion control and meat protein for your pet and how to ensure excellent nutrition to avoid common dog illnesses.

Fresh, cool water needs to be available to your pet every minute of the night and day.

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:
Companion dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
United States
Croatia
Height Male:
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Height Female:
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
13 - 20 kg
28 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
4 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Irish Mastiff
Hrvatski Ovkars
Colors Available:
grey, Brown, tan or black, white
Black
Coat:
Short and smooth or long and wiry
Medium length, wavy or curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shiloh Shepherd vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  3. Newfoundland Dog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  5. Leonberger vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Wolfhound vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  7. Mountain Burmese vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  9. Moscow Watchdog vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. Nebolish Mastiff vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Mastiff Hound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Mastiff Hound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  17. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  18. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  21. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  22. Irish Mastiff Hound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  23. Irish Mastiff Hound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  24. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  25. Dutch Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. German Coolie vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  33. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  35. Croatian Sheepdog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  37. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  38. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  39. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  40. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  41. Croatian Sheepdog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  42. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  43. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  44. Croatian Sheepdog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  47. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds