Sakhalin Husky vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Karafuto-Ken, the Sakhalin Husky is a dog that has been used as a sled dog, but which is now almost extinct.

Hailing from Japan, it is believed that in 2011, there were only two surviving members of the breed in Japan. There isn’t much history on these dogs, but we do know that it is an old breed. They've been used by explorers to the South Pole. One such explorer was Robert Falcon Scott.

They’re extremely tough dogs, known for enduring in the snow under extreme conditions. The dog breed isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

As a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

This is a medium sized dog standing at between 56 and 66cm in height and weighing between 30 and 40kg. His coat is thick and can be in a number of colours such as brown, tan, cream, grey or black. The ears are small and pointed and slightly tilted forwards. The tail is long and sometimes curls over the back while at other times it is held straight or down.

Temperament:

These dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and bravery. The dog is highly intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

It's a rare dog breed, calm and confident. A perfect example of their amazing characteristics is seen in the film ‘Eight Below’ where these wonderful dogs were left behind on a scientific expedition that went wrong.

The dogs had to struggle for survival in the frozen wilderness. The Sakhalin Husky just wants to please, and is alert and intelligent, doing well in a family where there are children.

Statues have been erected to honor these Sakhalin Huskies who died on some of these ill-fated expeditions.

These dogs are totally devoted to their owners and they’re full of confidence, they’ve got immense strength and they need a lot of physical stimulation every day.

The Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

When you bring these dogs into your home, you’re bringing in lots of excellent characteristics.

He is loyal, affectionate and smart. With his above average intelligence, you can easily train him. He is also a playful breed and the kids will enjoy him as a good playmate.

They’re gentle dogs too and will do well in a home where people are fair, patient, kind and consistent with their handling of him. Known to be an excellent therapy dog, having this dog in your home will enhance your quality of life.

A Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

The brave Sakhalin Husky can live to be between 12 and 14 years of age but these dogs can succumb to quite a few of the common dog diseases there are -

Corneal Dystrophy:

This is a hereditary disease of the cornea. You’ll see small white dots in his cornea and the dog can experience hazy vision.

Hip Dysplasia:

This problem with the hips can be debilitating for your sled dog, and both hips can be affected. It can be painful for your dog as arthritis sets in. It is important to see that your dogs don’t put on weight as this puts pressure on the joints. Your dog will need to see the vet, and surgery might be a treatment option.

Follicular Dysplasia:

This is a condition that affects Huskies between 3 and 4 months of age and can result in hair loss or problems with the skin. It is actually fairly rare in dogs and diagnosed by microscopic examination of the hair shaft. You will need to get your pet to the vet because it can lead to alopecia.

Border Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

Diet:

Feed your Sakhalin Husky a commercially manufactured dog formula that caters to his energy and digestive needs.

Choose high-quality dog food with natural ingredients. Try and include some home-made food into your dogs diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will do him wonders and you can chop it up and add some into the dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Some raw meat occasionally is also important to prevent skin problems. Be sure that cool, fresh water is available for your pet at all times.

Exercise:

This will require regular exercise. Walks are always good, but he will require something more hectic such as long hikes and frisbee or ball throwing games.

Grooming:

A Husky’s dense double-coat must be brushed at least twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder.

His nails grow quickly and these will need to be trimmed. Even though he has erect ears, you will need to check inside for cleanliness to avoid canine ear infections.

Check inside his mouth as well for bad teeth as these can have a detrimental affect on his health

Grooming

Because the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.