Nenets Herding Laika vs Lowchen - Breed Comparison

Nenets Herding Laika vs Lowchen - Breed ComparisonLowchen is originated from Germany but Nenets Herding Laika is originated from Russia. Lowchen may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Nenets Herding Laika. Lowchen may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than Nenets Herding Laika. Both Lowchen and Nenets Herding Laika has almost same life span. Both Lowchen and Nenets Herding Laika has almost same litter size. Lowchen requires Moderate Maintenance. But Nenets Herding Laika requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Herding dogs
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Germany
Russia
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
48 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
16 - 29 kg
35 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 8 kg
8 - 18 pounds
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 7
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Little Lion Dog
Nenets Laika or Reindeer Herding Laika, Samoyed Laika
Colors Available:
cream, grey, black, silver - bi-colored, All colors - white
grey, black or white , tan
Coat:
Long and wavy
The harsh outer coat is straight, and the abundant woolly undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

lowchenKnown as the Little Lion Dog, the Lowchen is considered by some registries as a toy dog and by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting dog.

Nobody seems too certain about the true origin of the dog but most records seem to suggest it originates from Germany, France or Holland.

He was bred to catch rats and mice and his history goes way back to 1442, with images of him being found in engravings and paintings. People think he may be related to the Bichon Frise.

His history shows that apart from being used to catch vermin he was also a companion dog to the wealthy. A breeding program for the dog was started in 1944 and they were later imported to Britain in the late 1960s. The dog was given Kennel Club recognition in the UK in 1971, also appearing in America in 1971 with The Lowchen Club of America being formed.

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

lowchen puppy - descriptionThe Lowchen is a small dog but robustly built and stands at between 25 – 33 cm in height and weighs anything from 4 – 8 kg.

He has a long coat which is available in a number of colors - cream, white, grey, black, silver and bi-colored. The single coat isn’t like that of the Bichon Frise, thin and fluffy, but is much thicker, silky and wavy and sheds minimally. People love snipping the long coat cut so that the dog looks like a small lion, short over the body and with a mane, with some hair left around the ‘ankle’ parts of the legs.

The tail is also sheared and left with a pom-pom look. People look at him as an ideal pet as he doesn’t shed much and is looked upon as being a hypoallergenic dog.

He has a wide muzzle and broad, flat skull. The ears are floppy with fringing, the eyes dark, round and intelligent looking. The litter size of this dog is is usually between 3 and 6 puppies.

Temperament:

Intelligent, bright, outgoing and affectionate, you won’t find any aggression in this cute little dog unless the owners have treated him so badly that he wants to be aggressive.

He is such an amicable little pet that he won’t cause you any trouble – he just wants to be your friend. He is a social dog, but can be quite timid when introduced to new people.Socialization and training will do wonders for him and give him some confidence.

He just loves receiving attention and is also prepared to give a lot of attention too. Although he can adapt easily to life in the city or the countryside, he wouldn’t like his owners being at work all day and leaving him alone hour after hour. He is gentle with his human family and sees to it that he gets on well with children as well as pets in the home.

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

lowchen dog - characteristicsThe Lowchen is sure to make anyone a splendid pet as he is friendly, playful, loving and loyal. He is such a good natured pet and will make a wonderful companion, being able to get on well with children and pets in the home.

He is energetic too and will love to be outside playing games or joining you on a walk. Those who have had the Lowchen as a pet haven’t been disappointed as they all agree that he makes the most amazing family companion.

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

lowchen puppies - health problemsThe Lowchen is a healthy dog breed so you aren’t going to be spending too much money with him at the vet. Some health concerns with this particular dog breed are cataracts and patellar luxation.

Cataracts:

It can be so sad witnessing your dog’s bright, alert eyes clouding over. Dogs have clear lens, but cataracts, while not painful, can impair vision and actually lead to complete vision loss. As the eye disease progresses, the lens can become completely opaque.

Patellar Luxation:

This occurs when the kneecap of the dog is dislocated from its normal position. You’ll see your dog holding up his hind leg every now and then. It can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles of the dog relax.

This is a common knee joint problem in dogs and it can lead to arthritis. He will need to get to the vet.

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

lowchen dogs - caringBecause your Lowchen is a bright, happy companion dog you want to ensure that you look after him well to ensure his ongoing wellbeing.

The single coat is long and you will need to brush him regularly to keep it looking good. If brushing becomes too hectic, you can have him sheared at a professional dog groomer.

Check him over for fleas and ticks while brushing him.

Feel all over his body for the emergence of new lumps.

Clip his nails to ensure they don’t grow long so that they hook on things and tear his flesh.

Check the inside of his ears to make sure there is no sign of redness and ear infection. This can drive your pet mad with the itching. The ears need to be kept clean, as do the teeth and both these can be done for you at professional dog groomers.

Every dog requires exercise and your Lowchen will need games and walks to keep him fit, to ward off obesity and to provide him with something to look forward to.

Make sure to feed your pet wholesome food as good quality food promotes good health and longevity. Give your Lowchen the best quality kibble there is and try and mix in some homemade cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and cooked or raw vegetables every now and then just to add some tasty variety to your pets diet. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Make sure your Lowchen has a warm, dry comfy spot to sleep, and ensue that when he’s outside he has shade to lie down in.

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

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