South Russian Ovcharka vs Basenji - Breed Comparison

South Russian Ovcharka vs Basenji - Breed ComparisonSouth Russian Ovcharka is originated from Russia but Basenji is originated from Congo. South Russian Ovcharka may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Basenji. South Russian Ovcharka may weigh 39 kg / 86 pounds more than Basenji. South Russian Ovcharka may live 3 years less than Basenji. Both South Russian Ovcharka and Basenji has almost same litter size. South Russian Ovcharka requires Moderate maintenance. But Basenji requires Low maintenance

History

south russian ovcharka - historyKnown also as the South Russian Sheepdog or the Ukranian Shepherd Dog, the South Russian Ovcharka’s history isn’t well established, and there are different stories to its history.

Whatever their history, this large dog is closely related to the wolf and has also been crossed with sight hound dogs. Their numbers have been under threat when their role as herding dog was no longer needed for rural life.

It was in the 1920s however that the breed’s numbers were restored and the UKC officially recognised the South Russian Ovcharka in 1996.

These dogs are classified within the Herding Dog Group.

basenji - historyThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

Description

south russian ovcharka puppy - descriptionA large, big boned, well muscled herding dog, the South Russian Ovcharka stands at between 62 and 66cm in height and weighs between 46 and 52kg.

The dog has a thick, fairly coarse, weather-proof coat that can become long and this coat has always protected them from the harsh Russian winters.

He has small, floppy ears and the tail is medium length and also covered in thick fur.

Temperament:

These dogs need a lot of exercise and if you keep one as a pet he will need a lot of space to run and play. He guards his property too and makes a good watchdog.

He isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city. He is a dominant, independent and strong willed dog so training and socialization will be important if you don’t want him to be unruly.

With the right kind of training, the South Russian Ovcharka can get along with pets and children in the home. He isn’t aggressive but he has strong guardian characteristics.

The first time dog owner would need to be firm, strong, confident, consistent and kind to handle this strong willed dog.

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

Characteristics

south russian ovcharka dog - characteristicsThe South Russian Ovcharka may well be independent and strong headed but there is nothing that a little bit of training and socialization can’t do.

He is intelligent and will pick up some obedience commands easily. He is is dog that will like a strong, firm, consistent owner - someone who likes to include him in all the family activities.

He can get on with children but is better suited to life on a larger property as opposed to living in a small city place. Treat him with firmness and fairness and you’ll get yourself an excellent pet and companion.

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.

Health Problems

south russian ovcharka puppies - health problemsThis large breed has a lifespan of 9 to 11 years. Some of the health conditions to which this big dog can succumb are -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is something that affects many dogs, but particularly large dogs. When the hips haven’t formed properly, it can lead to pain, disability and arthritis.Lifestyle changes can help, like making sure your dog doesn’t pick up too much weight. For pain management you will need to get your pet to the vet.

Bloat:

Also known as Gastric Dilatation. The dog’s stomach fills with gas and can twist, and this in itself can be fatal. As soon as you see your pet pacing restlessly and he has a swollen stomach, he will need to get to the vet just as soon as possible.

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.

Caring The Pet

south russian ovcharka dogs - caringThe long coat is certainly going to need a good brush at least twice a week as it can so easily become matted.

Because he has floppy ears, you will need to check inside the ears that they aren’t showing signs of redness, indicating the possibility of a ear infection. Check at the same time for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

This dog is going to need a good deal of exercise to keep him content. He will love a long walk out and about. Robust games will also need to be provided. It’s why he isn’t looked upon as a dog suited to the city. He needs a lot of space and can become frustrated and destructive if his exercise needs aren’t met.

Diet:

A dog is part of the family and he therefore deserves a good meal too. Good food is beneficial as it means your dog is less likely to get sick.

Like many dog owners, you’ll no doubt appreciate the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods. You’ll need to choose the best one though because the inferior ones are made up of bad ingredients – fillers that have no goodness whatsoever.

To provide your South Russian Ovcharka with a tasty treat, try and give him some home-made food. Boiled chicken, rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple and tasty and won’t trouble your dog’s stomach.

Chop some of it up and add a small portion of this into his dry kibble twice a week. Your dog’s wagging tail will tell you how much he loves it.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet too when you can. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
Russia
Congo
Height Male:
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
Height Female:
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
5 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
or South Russian Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
Colors Available:
cream, greyish, yellowish, White
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
Coat:
Long, thick, coarse, wavy
short
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Basset Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  2. Pharaoh Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  3. Basenji vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Basenji vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  5. Basenji vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  6. Basenji vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  7. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  8. Hungarian Vizsla vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  9. Redbone Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  10. Bluetick Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  11. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  12. Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  13. Basset Fauve de Bretagne vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  14. Santal Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  15. Beagle-Harrier vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  16. English Coonhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  17. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  18. Podenco Canario vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  19. Dunker vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  20. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  21. Chippiparai vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  22. Podenco Andaluz vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  23. Podenco Galego vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  24. English Foxhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  25. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  26. South Russian Ovcharka vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. South Russian Ovcharka vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. South Russian Ovcharka vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. South Russian Ovcharka vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  30. South Russian Ovcharka vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  31. South Russian Ovcharka vs Rough Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. South Russian Ovcharka vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  33. South Russian Ovcharka vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. South Russian Ovcharka vs Saarlooswolfhond - Breed Comparison
  35. South Russian Ovcharka vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. South Russian Ovcharka vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  37. South Russian Ovcharka vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  38. South Russian Ovcharka vs Perro de Pastor Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  39. South Russian Ovcharka vs Mioritic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. South Russian Ovcharka vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  41. South Russian Ovcharka vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  42. South Russian Ovcharka vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  43. South Russian Ovcharka vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  44. South Russian Ovcharka vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  45. South Russian Ovcharka vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  46. South Russian Ovcharka vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  47. South Russian Ovcharka vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  48. South Russian Ovcharka vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  49. South Russian Ovcharka vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds