Korean Mastiff vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Korean Mastiff vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonIstrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but Korean Mastiff is originated from South Korea. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Korean Mastiff. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 34 kg / 74 pounds lesser than Korean Mastiff. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Korean Mastiff has same life span. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Korean Mastiff has same litter size. Both Istrian Sheepdog and Korean Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
undefined
Slovenia
South Korea
Height Male:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
59 - 76 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
54 - 63 cm
21 - 25 inches
59 - 76 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
65 - 74 kg
143 - 164 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 40 kg
57 - 89 pounds
65 - 74 kg
143 - 164 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Karst Sheepdog
Mee Kyun Dosa
Colors Available:
Dark and Light shades of Grey
brown, Reddish, rusty, orange
Coat:
Long, thick and harsh
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

istrian sheepdogKnown 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.

korean mastiffThis large breed dog is also known as the Mee Kyun Dosa. In spite of his huge size, he isn’t aggressive at all and is bred to be a companion dog.

He was originally developed to be a working dog. The dog was developed in the late 1800’s from European and Asian working breeds. Those interested in dog breeds suspected that a crossing of the Japanese Tosa-Inu with the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Dogue de Bordeaux brought about the breed. They also thought that the Saint Bernard and English Mastiff were brought in later on as well.

These large molosser dogs have been developed through years of inbreeding. It is one of the biggest dogs in Korea.

Description

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.

korean mastiff puppy - descriptionYou can’t help but stare at the Korean Mastiff because of his strong, muscular neck of loose skin that forms dewlaps. His face is wrinkled and he has a cumbersome, sluggish gait.

He is a large dog standing at anything between 59 to 76cm in height, both male and female. He can weigh between 65 to 74kg. He is noticeable because of his fairly loose fitting coat, which is short and smooth and which is a rich, shiny reddish, orange or brown colour.

The nose of the dog is broad and dark, the ears soft and floppy and he has eyes which are set wide apart.

Temperament:

The Korean Mastiff is reserved with strangers but he is friendly and even tempered with his human family, making an ideal pet.

He is looked upon as a gentle giant, being an oversized playmate for children and he also tolerates other pets in the home.

He isn't an overly energetic dog, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be exercised. He will need long walks to avoid him putting on weight.

Characteristics

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.

korean mastiff dog - characteristicsYour huge Korean Mastiff is a good natured dog who isn’t aggressive. He loves being with his human family and makes a particularly good pet when he has been trained and socialized.

He likes a firm but fair owner who takes a leader-of-the-pack role. In spite of his largeness and sluggishness, he can be quite agile and makes a good watchdog too.

All round, the Korean Mastiff, known as a gentle giant, is capable of making you a splendidly friendly, loving canine companion.

Health Problems

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.

korean mastiff puppies - health problemsTreat your big Mastiff dog like the wonderful fur-child he is and make sure your attend to all his medical needs to avoid pain and discomfort for him.

Cherry Eye:

Cherry eye is a fairly common health issue with this breed. It affects the tear gland of the third eyelid, and if left untreated, can lead to ongoing eye problems.

All dogs have a third eyelid, as well as two tear producing glands to lubricate the eyes. Its an important protective component to eye health in dogs. When the connective tissue that holds the gland in place is damaged or weak, there is a red protrusion of the gland from the lower eye. This is a congenital disorder. Don’t ignore it, but get your pet to the vet so you can catch it early.

Bloat:

Canine bloat, known as gastric dilatation and volvulus can be a killer disease for your pet, more so with deep-chested, large breeds.

Gas accumulation is known as bloat, and its the accumulation of gas which can cause the stomach to rotate. A dog can go into shock from bloat. The reason for this is that the stomach expands, putting pressure on veins. Blood can’t flow as it should and the blood supply gets cut off to the stomach.

Your dog could be vomiting, restless, the stomach hard and bloated or he may be drooling. Dogs who gobble their food down and eat just one large meal a day have an increased susceptibility to GDV than other dogs.

The wrong ingredients of a dog’s diet can also contribute to bloat. High quality food and feeding your pet smaller meals can help.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

korean mastiff dogs - caringA Korean Mastiff is an easy dog to groom with his short smooth coat. He is a moderate shedder so a brush twice a week will be sufficient to maintain the shiny, smooth condition of his coat.

Because the dog has lots of skin and folds, these folds will need to be washed and kept clean as grime can collect.

While you're busy attending to his skin check his nails too and check inside and outside his ears for signs of redness and irritation.

Diet:

Puppies use up more energy than mature adults, requiring a diet of good quality protein. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered will require less calories as will senior dogs.

Korean Mastiffs require high quality nutrition, and if its dry kibble, make sure its the best brand. Mix in some home-made food such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables from time to time as well as some raw meat occasionally.

Protein and fat from good sources are top ingredients for your Korean Mastiff. Avoid food with allergens such as corn and wheat, sweeteners, preservatives and colorants.

Make sure your large pet has constant access to fresh water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Korean Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Korean Mastiff vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Korean Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Korean Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Korean Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Korean Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Korean Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Korean Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Korean Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Korean Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Korean Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Korean Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Korean Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Korean Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Korean Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Korean Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Korean Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Korean Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Korean Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Korean Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Korean Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Korean Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Korean Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Korean Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Korean Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Istrian Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Istrian Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Istrian Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Istrian Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Istrian Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Istrian Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Istrian Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Istrian Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Istrian Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Istrian Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Istrian Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Istrian Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Istrian Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Istrian Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Istrian Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Istrian Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Istrian Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Istrian Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Istrian Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Istrian Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Istrian Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Istrian Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Istrian Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Istrian Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison