Patterdale Terrier vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Known 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.

The Patterdale was developed in England,with his origins being linked to an early breeder with the name Joe Bowman.

They were sought after for their prowess at guarding sheep from foxes. The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995. It is believed the dog is descended from the Northern terrier breeds and can be traced far back.

This 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.

The Patterdale Terrier is a small sized dog that stands at between 25 and 40 cm in height and weighs 5 to 7kg.

The coat of the dog can be smooth, broken or rough, but all coats are double and weatherproof. Colors include red, liver, black, bronze, black and tan or chocolate and sometimes brindle. The ears are floppy and medium length and the tail is also medium length and held high, curving slightly. It used to be docked and then ¼ to 1/3 of the tail was removed.

Temperament:

The Patterdale Terrier is small but he is bold and confident and very energetic. He will certainly need to be in a household where the family members are active, busy people. Because he is strong-willed he will benefit from training and socialization which will make him obedient and able to behave well in different situations.

Your 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.

Intelligent, courageous and feisty, the Patterdale Terrier is a dog that will get on well with everyone in the house. Those who are active and outdoor types will be the best kind of dog owners for this active, energetic dog.

The Patterdale is confident and strong willed and will do superbly well with some training and socialization. With lots of love and care, your Patterdale Terrier can make you an excellent family pet and companion.

As 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.

The good news is that terriers have few health problems and they can live to a ripe age. Just like other dogs, they can also battle with some of the common dog ailments there are.

Allergies:

Most allergens are foods, medicines or insects and exposure to the allergen can cause an over-reaction. In a dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin. It can drive your pet mad as he licks and bites his skin. The symptoms of allergies can involve the respiratory system and he will have coughing and sneezing or even a discharge from the eyes.

Glaucoma:

Your Patterdales can also develop cataracts and glaucoma – two kinds of eye diseases. Glaucoma can unfortunately lead to blindness but something can be done if you recognize the signs. There are 2 main types of canine glaucoma, characterized by pressure inside the eye which can do damage to the retina and optic nerve – primary- and secondary glaucoma. Your vet will try to determine whether your pet has primary or secondary glaucoma to determine treatment.

Exercise:

This 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.

Exercise:

Your Patterdale Terrier has a lot of energy, so as a responsible dog owner, you will need to see that he is exercised properly. This will include a walk every day as well as spending time throwing balls or a frisbee for him. He is a working breed and has been used to being mentally and physically stimulated.

Grooming:

The Patterdale Terrier isn’t a high maintenance dog and his coat will simply require a brush twice a week. Your pet can’t tell you about any pain he is experiencing so you will need to watch his body language.

Dogs can easily pick up an ear infection and this can be very painful. When you brush your pet, check inside his ears for signs of redness and discharge and check inside his mouth to see if you can spot any rotten teeth. Bad teeth can wreak havoc on his health. Keep the nails trimmed.

Diet:

If you intend feeding your pet commercially manufactured food, good and well because it is a convenient way to feed your pet, but make sure its a quality food. This will ensure your dog is getting in the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

To vary his diet just a bit, provide him with some home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, and some wholesome vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potato. Dogs love the simplicity and nutritional value of food like this, and they don't have to worry about getting a stomach ache from strange foods. Try and include some raw meat into the kibble from time to time as well.

Never leave your Paatterdale Terrier without a constant supply of fresh cool water.