Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonRyukyu Inu is originated from Japan but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Ryukyu Inu may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Istrian Sheepdog. Ryukyu Inu may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Ryukyu Inu and Istrian Sheepdog has same life span. Both Ryukyu Inu and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Ryukyu Inu requires Low maintenance. But Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

ryukyu inu - historyThe Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

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

ryukyu inu puppy - descriptionJapanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

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

ryukyu inu dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

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

ryukyu inu puppies - health problemsThese Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

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

ryukyu inu dogs - caringThe coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

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:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Slovenia
Height Male:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Okinawa Native Dog, Ryukyu Dog
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
liver or black - stripes like a Tiger, Brindle, red, white
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
Shortish - single- and double-coated varieties
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, 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:
Easy
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. Sakhalin Husky vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison
  27. Ryukyu Inu vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  28. Ryukyu Inu vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  29. Ryukyu Inu vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Ryukyu Inu vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Ryukyu Inu vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Ryukyu Inu vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Ryukyu Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  34. Ryukyu Inu vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  35. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Ryukyu Inu vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Ryukyu Inu vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Ryukyu Inu vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Ryukyu Inu vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Ryukyu Inu vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  41. Ryukyu Inu vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Ryukyu Inu vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Ryukyu Inu vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Ryukyu Inu vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Ryukyu Inu vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  47. Ryukyu Inu vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Ryukyu Inu vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Ryukyu Inu vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Ryukyu Inu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds