Sanshu vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Sanshu is originated from Japan but Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia. Sanshu may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Istrian Sheepdog. Sanshu may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Istrian Sheepdog. Both Sanshu and Istrian Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Sanshu and Istrian Sheepdog has same litter size. Sanshu requires Low maintenance. But Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance

History

The Sanshu was developed in Japan a century ago – in 1912 in fact.

It is a cross between the Chinese Chow Chow and the ancient Japanese Aichi. People who know these dogs say they bear a resemblance to other Inu breeds, but it has a straight tail and not the usual curved one that you'd expect.

The breed is rare and they aren’t recognized by any breed organization.

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

The Sanshu is a medium sized dog standing at between 50 to 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 20 to 25kg.

There is also a smaller variety. This dog has a wedge-shaped head with a tapering muzzle, dark almond-shaped eyes with small erect ears. The tail is long and is straight but it can bend over the dog’s back. The coat is short and coarse and can come in a number of shades such as tan, white, reddish, white and black.

Temperament:

The Sanshu is a dog that loves to please its owners. Even so, training and socialization should be given to this dog. He is an intelligent dog, and with training and socialization he becomes well balanced and able to respond to a few commands such as sit, come, stay and lie down.

These are loving, loyal dogs and bond closely with their human family. It is a true companion dog and makes an excellent guard dog too. He makes a great pet with children, if the children have been taught to be kind and gentle to animals and not climb all over them.

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

Sanshu dogs are known for the exceptional companionship they offer. They are loving, loyal dogs, wanting to fit in peacefully with their human companions and eager to please.They are amicable dogs, willing to get on well with other dogs in the family too.

In exchange for such devotion, everyone who owns one of these dogs should be eager to ensure they provide well for their 4-legged family member.

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

This dog from Japan is a fairly healthy breed, and you can encourage good health by ensuring he gets good food and adequate exercise.

Nonetheless, every dog can fall prey to some of the many dog illnesses there are, and some of these diseases can be skin allergies, hip dysplasia, bloat, digestive issues, cherry eye, cancer and obesity.

Eye Problems:

The condition of the eyes can give away some ideas of a dog’s health. Eye discharge can be a sign of an infection or an allergy. If your dog’s eyes aren’t clear and there is a constant discharge, talk to your vet and get to the root of it. Left untreated, there are some eye diseases that can lead to blindness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like humans get all kinds of skin problems, dogs also do. It can drive them crazy and you see them scratching and biting. Skin allergies are sometimes caused by insect bites or allergies to medication or food. You might see excessive itching, scratching, a nasty rash, watery eyes and chewing of the paws. Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease and you will need to get your pet to the vet.

Dental Problems:

You need to check inside your pet’s mouth and make sure that a bad tooth isn’t causing your pet tremendous pain and infection. Sometimes missing teeth can also interfere with the way your pet eats.

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

Brush the coat twice a week to rid the coat of loose hairs.

Check the ears and eyes for infection.

Feel for unusual lumps on your pet’s body.

Provide your pet with a warm, dry place to sleep.

Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date to eliminate killer canine diseases.

Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

Feed your pet well. A Sanshu dog will require the best dog food there is. If you give him commercially manufactured food make sure it is one of the better brands to avoid toxic ingredients.

To add some variety, feed him some home made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help in fighting off horrible skin diseases. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

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:
Companion dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Slovenia
Height Male:
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Karst Sheepdog
Colors Available:
white, reddish, white and black , Tan
Dark and Light shades of Grey
Coat:
Short and coarse
Long, thick and harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, 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. Schnoodle vs Sanshu - Breed Comparison
  2. Sanshu vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  3. Sanshu vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison
  4. Sanshu vs Pomsky - Breed Comparison
  5. Sanshu vs Old English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  6. Sanshu vs Puggle - Breed Comparison
  7. Sanshu vs Aussie Poo - Breed Comparison
  8. Sanshu vs Eurasier - Breed Comparison
  9. Sanshu vs Irish Doodles - Breed Comparison
  10. Sanshu vs German Spitz (Mittel) - Breed Comparison
  11. Sanshu vs Bordoodle - Breed Comparison
  12. Sanshu vs Pandikona - Breed Comparison
  13. Sanshu vs Dalmador - Breed Comparison
  14. Sanshu vs Renascence Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  15. Sanshu vs Hairless Khala - Breed Comparison
  16. Sanshu vs Jindo - Breed Comparison
  17. Sanshu vs Hermes Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  18. Sanshu vs Elo - Breed Comparison
  19. Sanshu vs Kromfohrlander - Breed Comparison
  20. Sanshu vs Dutch Smoushond - Breed Comparison
  21. Serbian Tricolour Hound vs Sanshu - Breed Comparison
  22. Valley Bulldog vs Sanshu - Breed Comparison
  23. Whoodles vs Sanshu - Breed Comparison
  24. Mini Sheepadoodles vs Sanshu - Breed Comparison
  25. Beabull vs Sanshu - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Porcelaine vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Pumi vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Istrian Sheepdog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. Istrian Sheepdog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Istrian Sheepdog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  38. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  40. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  41. Istrian Sheepdog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  42. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Istrian Sheepdog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  45. Istrian Sheepdog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  46. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  47. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds