Kars Dog vs Havanese - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Kars Dog vs Havanese - Breed ComparisonKars Dog is originated from Turkey but Havanese is originated from Cuba. Kars Dog may grow 63 cm / 25 inches higher than Havanese. Kars Dog may weigh 74 kg / 164 pounds more than Havanese. Kars Dog may live 4 years less than Havanese. Both Kars Dog and Havanese has almost same litter size. Kars Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Havanese requires High maintenance

History

kars dog - historyThe Kars Dog is found in Turkey, hailing more specifically from the Kars province, after which it is named. He actually has a long history of at least 600 years.

Referred to as a Molosser, the dog is still used to this day for shepherding livestock. There are many varieties and sizes of the dog, with the most common Kars type being similar to the Nagazi variant of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

havanese - historyThe only breed of dog that is native to Cuba is the Havanese. These little dogs are great companion animals. Sociable and happy, they are very popular in the United States with urbanites. These happy little pups are a Bichon type of dog which was developed from the “Little White Dog of Havana” or the Blanquito de la Habana which is now extinct.

The Blanquito de la Habana was itself developed from another extinct breed the Bichon Tenerife. Then the Blanquito was bred with the other Bichons and poodles in developing the Havanese. It is believed that some of the first people to settle in Cuba were from Tenerife, an island close to Cuba. In the early part of the sixteenth century, little white dogs were brought to Cuba with these settlers. This dog of Tenerife is believed to be the ancestor of all Bichon breeds.

At that time trade with Cuba was highly restricted by the Spanish and so these dogs developed without any crossing from other breeds from outside the country. They grew to be able to stand hot temperatures and they grew a very unique coat – almost like silk. Their coat is soft and light, while insulating them from the tropical environment.

At this time Cuba was the place to be for Europeans aristocrats on vacation. Unlike the British colonies, Cuba had theatres, operas and palacious. When going back to Europe, many took this little white dog with them to France, Spain and England. The Dog of Havannah was a favorite on European soil as well. Many of these dogs taken to Europe were fawn or parti instead of white. Meanwhile back in Cuba, the bourgeoisie were replacing the aristocracy who themselves would soon be replaced by the Revolution.

During the days of the bourgeoisie, the Havanese became very popular household pets. The breed has been a family pet for the last 150 years. At the same time the breed was very trendy in Europe with Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria owning several. They were by now familiar participants in Europe’s dog shows. Finally, with the Revolution, the bourgeoisie left the country in droves with their little white dogs. A genetic pool was then formed in the US. Gene pool from 11 dogs. All the Havanese in the world are descended from those 11 dogs with the exception of the dogs isolated in Cuba and the US. Today the Havanese is one of the most popular and fastest growing breeds in the world.

Description

kars dog puppy - descriptionLarge and heavy, the Kars Dog is strong, with a large head and broad chest. The height of the dog at the withers is 60 to 90cm and he weighs in at roughly 60 - 80kg.

At one time the ears were cropped but they are left these days and then they are of medium length and floppy. The coat varies too in terms of length and color - short to longer variety coats. The coat can be a solid color or it can have patterns. You’ll find reddish brown dogs, grey and black dogs as well as dogs with a mix of colors.

Temperament:

The Kars is an aggressive, territorial dog, but with the correct training, socialization and upbringing, it can be a loving, amicable family pet.

Known also as the Kars Turkish Shepherd or Kars shepherd, he makes an ideal guarding dog as he is brave and devoted to those he is protecting. He is cautious and even unfriendly towards people he doesn’t know, and it is thought that because of his robustness, it might not be a good idea to leave him unsupervised with small children.

Nonetheless with training and socialization, the Kars is capable of being a super pet for all members of the family. Training him won’t be that easy as he is large and strong-willed, but the training will provide him with some basic good manners.

He will require a firm, confident owner and will require living in a home with a big garden or in the countryside as he requires a good amount of exercise.

havanese puppy - descriptionThe Havanese is a sturdy little dog, a member of the toy group. They weigh no more than 16 pounds (7.3kg) and his body is longer than it is tall. The breed has a unique topline that is not level, but it is straight. His front legs are longer than his hind legs producing the lively gait everyone is used to seeing with a Havanese. With a full muzzle that tapers to the nose, the Havanese does not seem to be short. The skull’s length is the same as the muzzle’s. The head of the Havanese is round in the back and flat in the front.

They have a deep chest, almond shaped eyes that are dark brown and their ears are about halfway down the nose. The long ears hang down the side od the face. They have a long plumed tail that is held high and upward. The standard for the breed and now the laws of the United Kingdom state that there can be no docking of the tail.

Characteristics

kars dog dog - characteristicsThe Kars is a large dog and because of his past where he used to guard livestock, he is a dog used to wide open spaces. He will require a home with a good sized garden and a family who exercises him frequently.

With the right kind of care, the Kars is able to strongly bond with his human family, taking his role as guardian and protector very well. He is alert and smart and that is why he will need training and socialization and a firm, fair human owner. He will then become a loving, devoted companion.

Children friendliness

havanese dog - characteristicsHavanese are highly intelligent and eager to please, and they are easily trained so long as you use only positive methods. This can be a sensitive breed, so care must be taken to not scold them harshly. Socialization from an early age is very important. Expose them calmly to a wide variety of new places and new people, always ensuring that the experiences are positive and not intimidating. Gentle, patient training will result in a wonderful companion dog. They are affectionate with people and get along with other nonaggressive pets.

Special talents

The Havanese is the consummate lap dog. Over time they have become the lovable family companion.

Adaptability

The breed is pretty adaptable being able to live as a companion animal in almost any setting. Just don’t expect your Havanese to go hiking or romp with you on 40 acres in the country.

Learning

They are intelligent, love to learn but can be a little stubborn. Train them early as they like their habits and its much harder to train an older Havanese.

Health Problems

kars dog puppies - health problemsThe Kars is generally healthy and long-lived, being able to reach 12 years of age with ease if cared for properly. Every dog, even the most healthiest ones, will have some health issues, and with a large dog like this, it is hip dysplasia, obesity, cancer and heart problems.

Heart Problems:

Coughing is a symptom of different illnesses, with one of them being heart disease. If your dog is still coughing after several days, its time to see the vet.

When your dog hasn’t exercised, you’ll see him battling to breathe or the breathing will be rapid. He’ll be reluctant to walk and play too and may be disinterested in his food. Edema, the swelling of body tissues is also a sign of heart disease.

havanese puppies - health problemsA very healthy breed, the Havanese doesn’t have a lot of health issues, but they are not immune to the problems of small breed dogs. The issues they do have are:

  1. Luxating Patella – can result in arthritis or lameness
  2. Liver Disease – could be fatal
  3. Heart Disease – could be fatal
  4. Cataracts – can be discomforting by will not cause total blindness
  5. Retinal Dysplasia – this eye disease is more serious than the cataracts but is also non-progressive and is caused by a viral infection.
  6. Hip Dysplasia – causes lameness and arthritis -most small dogs are susceptible to this

Caring The Pet

kars dog dogs - caringYour Kars dog can be a wonderful addition to your home, but you need to know how to care for a big dog before you get carried away and add a large puppy breed to your family.

Too many people buy a cute bundle of fur and get rid of it when he is no longer a cute puppy. Before you bring a giant breed dog into your home, take note of some useful tips to keep him in tip top condition -

Diet:

If you bring a puppy home, he’ll need to be fed 4 times a day with special puppy food. There are excellent commercially manufactured puppy foods on the market and you will need to get the one that caters for ‘large- or giant puppy breeds’, as the Kars is a very big dog.

As your dog reaches adulthood you’ll feed him less. If in any doubt as to the kind of food to give your dog to maintain good health, speak to your vet.

Exercise:

Every dog will need exercise to keep him trim and fit but to also stimulate their minds. Providing your Kars dog with exercise such as walks and ball games will also ensure he doesn’t become bored.

General Care:

Your pet will need a nice quiet, warm, dry place to sleep and rest. If he is an outdoor dog during the day, make sure that he has a place to rest in the shade. Make sure he has a non-stop supply of fresh, cool water too that is placed in a cool, reachable spot.

Grooming:

Your large pet is an average shedder and to keep his thick coat in tip top condition, you want to be sure to brush him at least twice a week.

Feeding the puppy

havanese dogs - caringFeed 3 to 4 times per day a high quality dry puppy food for toy or small dogs. Feed ¼ to ½ cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Remember these are small dogs and don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality dry food for small or toy dogs. Feed twice a day at about ½ cup each time.

Points for Good Health

The breed is generally very healthy.

Games and Exercises

This breed is not an overly active dog, but he does need some exercise. A nice walk once a day or a backyard to play in. They play inside as well as out. Don’t over exercise the Havanese. They do well in obedience and confirmation more so than agility or fly ball

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Turkey
Cuba
Height Male:
60 - 90 cm
23 - 36 inches
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
Height Female:
60 - 90 cm
23 - 36 inches
21 - 25 cm
8 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
60 - 80 kg
132 - 177 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
60 - 80 kg
132 - 177 pounds
2 - 5 kg
4 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 9
Size:
Giant dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Kars Turkish Shepherd, Caucasian
Havanese Cuban Bichon Bichón Havanés Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Habanero
Colors Available:
Reddish brown, grey, black - mixed colors
colors all colors
Coat:
short or long-haired variety
coat type soft and curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Morkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  2. Havanese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Havanese vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  4. Havanese vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  5. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Havanese vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  7. Havanese vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  8. Havanese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Havanese vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  10. Havanese vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  11. Havanese vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  12. Havanese vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  13. Havanese vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  14. Havanese vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  15. Havanese vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  16. Havanese vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  17. Pekingese vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  18. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Toy Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  20. Phalene vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  26. Newfoundland Dog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Leonberger vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Moscow Watchdog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Spanish Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. St. Bernard vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kars Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Kars Dog vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Kars Dog vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  35. Kars Dog vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Kars Dog vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  37. Kars Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain Burmese vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Nebolish Mastiff vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Scottish Deerhound vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Shiloh Shepherd vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Kars Dog vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds