Nenets Herding Laika vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba but Nenets Herding Laika is originated from Russia. Both Dogo Cubano and Nenets Herding Laika are having almost same height. Dogo Cubano may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Nenets Herding Laika. Dogo Cubano may live 3 years less than Nenets Herding Laika. Both Dogo Cubano and Nenets Herding Laika has almost same litter size. Dogo Cubano requires Low Maintenance. But Nenets Herding Laika requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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Cuba
Russia
Height Male:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
48 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
16 - 29 kg
35 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
3 - 7
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
Nenets Laika or Reindeer Herding Laika, Samoyed Laika
Colors Available:
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
grey, black or white , tan
Coat:
Short and smooth
The harsh outer coat is straight, and the abundant woolly undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

nenets herding laikaThere is a large variety of Laika dogs as the word is almost a generic term for a type of Russian hunting dog. They are found in Northern Russia and Siberia and there are several recognized by the Federation Cynologique International including the East Siberian Laika, the Russian European Laika, and the West Siberian Laika. These Siberia Laika are crosses between the aboriginal dogs of Siberia and northern Russia. The word Laika means a barking dog and comes from the word meaning to bark. These laikas are working dogs, hunting pointers that were bred specifically for their barks.

All the dogs in this category are loyal and affectionate. They are hard workers and hunters/herders and sled dogs. Of the official Laika groups including the Nenets Herding Laika, there is the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Northeasterly Siberian Laika, the West Siberian Laika, The Russian European Laika, Eastern Siberian Laika. The Laika are wary of strangers, noisy and rowdy.

Nenets Herding Laika

The Laika breed known as the Nenets Herding Laika is also called the Reindeer Herding Laika. The breed is pretty ancient, developed by the Nentry tribe at about the same time that the nomads were developing the Samoyed. Like the Samoyed breed, the Nenets Herding Laika herded Reindeer. The artic breed originates from Russia and can be used for transportation and hauling as well.

While their temperament and history are very much the same as the Samoyed, they are recognized as separate breeds. However there are many aficionados of both breeds believe that the Samoyed and the Nenets Herding Laika are the same breed. For many the Samoyed are simply a white version of the Nenets Herding Laika.

The Nenets Herding Laika is also know as the Samoyed Laika, so you can see how close if not the same, these two breeds are. The Nenets Herding Laika was bred by the Nenet peoples. The Samoyed is all white while the Nenets is any variation of black, gray, piebald, red, white, sable and brown.

The dogs herd and guard reindeer, keeping the herd together and moving them from one pasture to another. They will also stay with a stray reindeer until they are found. They will do this whether they have food or water. They will bark to try to bring the people’s attention to the lost reindeer. They are also an excellent hunting and retrieving, swimming dog.

The Nenets are also known as Yurak Samoyeds and they are the largest group of Samoyedic peoples today. They live on both sides of Russian Ural Mountains in northern Russia and the Yamal Peninsula. They move large herds of reindeer to the winter lands south of the Artic Circle from the north – about 600-900 miles. It is believed that the Herding Laika originated with this group of people but spread beyond them. They were shipped to far northeast Siberia to be bred and shared with reindeer herding tribes there.

There is a longhaired or rough coated variety and a shorthaired variety. The Nenets consider the work routine of both varieties the same, but they believed that the shorthaired version was a more ancient than the longhaired version.

Description

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

nenets herding laika puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog , muscular and strong. Slightly smaller than the Samoyed, the Nenets Laika weighs about 40-55 pounds and is 18 inches tall. The ears are typical Spitz ears and the tail is carried up over the back. The Nenets Herding Laika can have gray, piebald, black or tan coats and some can be solid white and look just like a Samoyed. The coat is a thick, double coat with the undercoat very wooly.

Characteristics

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

Children friendliness

nenets herding laika dog - characteristicsyes

Special talents

mushing

Adaptability

Adaptability not good in apartments or smaller spaces. Needs a fenced in yard.

Learning ability

High but stubborn and independent

Health Problems

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

nenets herding laika puppies - health problemsFor the most part the Nenets Herding Laika is a healthy breed and very hardy. They do however have some propensities for some illnesses and conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus – can be treated with medication and is usual seen in middle age -after 7 years of age.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Slow loss of vision and this is a genetic disease – leads to blindness.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.
  • Skin diseases are possible – autoimmune disease the is idiopathic.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

Feeding the puppy

nenets herding laika dogs - caringBe careful that your pup doesn’t grow too fast. They are open to injuries if they grow too fast. Low calorie with protein and not a lot of fat. half a cup of high quality medium breed dog food 3X a day.

Feeding the adult

1 1/2 cups high quality medium breed dog food.

Points for Good Health

athletic and agile

Games and Exercises

At leaset a walk or two every day. Don’t get overheated as they are used to cold weather. Would be good at agility and herding exercise.

Comparison with other breeds

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  6. Nenets Herding Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  8. Nenets Herding Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Nenets Herding Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Nenets Herding Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Nenets Herding Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  13. Nenets Herding Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Nenets Herding Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Nenets Herding Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
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  19. Nenets Herding Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Nenets Herding Laika vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  24. Nenets Herding Laika vs Askal - Breed Comparison
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  26. Dogo Cubano vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Dogo Cubano vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Dogo Cubano vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Dogo Cubano vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Dogo Cubano vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Dogo Cubano vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Dogo Cubano vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Dogo Cubano vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Dogo Cubano vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Dogo Cubano vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Dogo Cubano vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Dogo Cubano vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Dogo Cubano vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Dogo Cubano vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Dogo Cubano vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Dogo Cubano vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Dogo Cubano vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Dogo Cubano vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Dogo Cubano vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Dogo Cubano vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dogo Cubano vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Dogo Cubano vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Dogo Cubano vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Dogo Cubano vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Dogo Cubano vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison