Tibetan Terrier vs Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - Breed Comparison

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-size breed of dog that originated in Tibet. He has always been kept as a pet and companion for Tibetan monks.

He is still a popular companion dog, more so because he is thought to be hypoallergenic, so that even allergy sufferers can enjoy a canine friend.

This isn't a new dog breed, and if you have to go according to records, they have been around for more than 2000 years as herding dogs.

The first Tibetan Terrier was brought to Europe in 1922. The first Tibetan Terriers in the US were imported in 1956 and in 1973 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. They're classified as a non-sporting breed.

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer is a gundog from Slovakia. The dog came about by crossing the Cesky Fousek, German Wirehaired Pointers and Weimaraners. Other names for this dog include Slovensky Hrubosrsky Stavac.

Developers were looking for a dog with good stamina – a dog capable of tracking hares and birds. The dog was first introduced into the United Kingdom in 1997.

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog weighing about 8 – 14kg and standing at about 35 – 41cm in height.

People liken him to the Bearded Collie in looks. The long, shaggy, double coat of the dog is available in a number of colors such as white, grey, golden, black or tri-colored.

The dog is powerful and squarely built with floppy ears and a tail that is well feathered, long and carried curled over the back.

Temperament:

He has always been a dog kept by Tibetan monks. There is nothing aggressive about this dog at all and he is sweet, reserved, gentle and sensitive while also being playful and social with his human family.

These dogs thrive on human companionship and are often used as therapy dogs. He is energetic and active and will require regular exercise. He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, but wherever he is, his exercise needs can never be neglected.

The Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer has got some looks from each of the dogs he was derived from. He is a fairly large dog and the coat is short to medium length and harsh and wiry and he has some additional hair around the face area.

Most times the coat is a grey-brown shade. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is mostly docked at 50% of natural length, although these days it is often left long. It is carried downwards when at rest but raised when in action.

He stands between 62 – 68 cm in height and he weighs 25 – 35kg.

Temperament:

This is an energetic dog that is going to need a lot of exercise, so he won’t suit living with people who aren't active. He just loves to be outside and will thrive on a farm.

He is good with children and other dogs, but training and socialization should be provided for this dog. He is intelligent and will learn easily.

They’re affectionate dogs and their social nature makes them ideal for lively families. Because he is so active he is best suited for living in the suburbs or the countryside as opposed to living on a small property in the city.

Tibetan Terriers are loyal ad devoted to their human family. They’re social dogs and won’t do well stuck in the back yard.

They want to be part of the family and what they’re doing.

They are sensitive dogs, being able to sense the mood of those whom they love. They also make good watchdogs. They’re ideally suited to people who can give them the attention they crave, making splendid pets and companions.

People who have owned these dogs rave about their loyalty and affection. They’re also intelligent and become very well behaved as they are dogs that also want to please their owners.

They’re gentle dogs too, just wanting to be loved by their human family and craving attention.

They’re also regarded as low maintenance pets and all these positive aspects of this dog make him a splendid choice if you're looking for a wonderful pet and companion

Your Tibetan Terrier can live to be between 10 and 14 years of age but even so it is susceptible to a host of health problems. Some of the problems you may have to contend with are hip dysplasia, eye problems and heart murmurs.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a serious condition where the femur doesn't fit snugly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. It can be painful and cause lameness even. Dogs that have hip dysplasia most certainly shouldn't be bred.

Heart Murmurs:

Heart murmurs are extra heart vibrations. This is because of a disturbance in the blood flow so as to produce an audible noise.

Sometimes the sound is barely audible but it can also be louder and your pet can show signs of congestive heart failure such as coughing, not being able to tolerate exercise, and being lethargic and weak.

Your Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer can reach 14 or 15 years of age if he is looked after well but hip dysplasia is a threat for any dog.

Hip Dysplasia:

Any aged dog can be affected and this mobility disease is caused when the hip joint develops abnormally. Although hip dysplasia is genetic, environmental factors can also play a part. The idea is to get treatment from the vet so that your canine friend isn’t in pain.

Dental Problems:

This can cause so many problems in the body and not just the teeth. Have your dog’s teeth checked regularly and have them cleaned.

Discospondylitis:

Your dog can have neck or back pain from this ailment, occurring when the discs and vertebrae of the spine become infected. Provide your dog with healthy food to ensure a strong immune system to fight off diseases like this.

Diet:

The Tibetan will require good food and exercise to stay healthy. The commercially manufactured dog foods are always a convenient choice, but make sure to give your pet one of the better brand foods, otherwise you feed him a lot of useless ingredients such as fillers, preservatives and colorants from the cheap, inferior brands.

Feed him some home-made food too just to add a little bit of variety to his diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet.

Avoid people foods such as chocolates, onions, spices, chips etc as these can just upset his stomach and push your vet fees up. Always ensure he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

Brush your Tibetan Terrier. He has a long shaggy coat so will require brushing at least twice a week.

Brushing your dog regularly will help to reduce shedding. Many people opt to take the dog to professional groomers and have the coat professionally clipped. The groomers will also trim your dog’s nails and clean the inside of your dog’s ears.

Vaccines:

Before you get a dog, make sure you have a reliable veterinarian. It’s no good if your pet becomes ill, maybe even some kind of an emergency, such as bloat, and you don’t know where to take your pet.

You need to be aware of a vet that is open 24/7. Your Tibetan will need to have your vet vaccinate him against some of the deadly diseases there are.