Sabueso Espanol vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Known also as Hrvatski Ovkars, the black Croatian Sheepdog has been in Croatia since the 7th century already. He was brought to the region by Croats who wanted a strong working dog.

Over the centuries, the dog hasn’t changed much in looks, and in 1935 a breeding program for the dog was developed. A certain Dr. Romic started the program with 3 dogs, and the work he did with the dogs saw that the Croatian Sheepdog got official recognition a few decades later.

In March 1968, the Yugoslav Kennel Club adopted the breed standard, and since then, several kennels recognize the Croatian Sheepdog. The dog is still not known particularly well outside their own county, but in Croatia it is essentially known as a companion dog.

The Sabueso Español is a Spanish Scenthound, hailing from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain. Beyond Spanish borders, this dog is virtually unknown.

There isn’t much on its origins but it is believed that it may have developed from the bloodhound. The dog has been used for hundreds of years to hunt down wild boar, deer and all kinds of game. To this day it is essentially a hunting dog and not particularly used as a pet.

When he is on the hunt, he uses his baying bark to communicate with the pack. The dog is recognised by the UKC under the category ‘Scent Hound’.

The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium sized, muscular dog which stands roughly 40 – 53cm at the withers and weighs 13 to 20kg. The head is wedge shaped and lean and he has brown to black colored eyes.

The triangular-shaped ears are medium sized and semi-erect or erect. The tail of the dog is often docked, but if not it is set high and is inclined to curl over the back.

The dog is nearly always black although you’ll find a few white hairs on the throat or chest or on the legs and toes. The double coat is of medium length, being wavy or even slightly curly.

Temperament:

The Croatian Sheepdog is an athletic, alert dog and he has high energy levels, loving to be put to work or to be busy with one or other activity. He fits in well as a family pet and gets on well with children and pets in the home, but he is going to need plenty of exercise and games.

This particular dog won’t do well with a family of couch potatoes as he craves lots of activities. He will certainly benefit from training and socialization, and because he is intelligent he learns easily and then he is obedient and ready to please.

He is a dominant, confident dog who thrives on attention from his human family. He isn’t a dog you can just stick in the backyard as he is social and craves activity and attention. He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog.

Known also as the Spanish Hound, this medium-sized dog stands at between 47 and 58cm in height ad weighs 23 to 25kg.

The dog has very long ears, the eyes are amber colored and the long tail is thin ad whip-like. The coat is short and smooth and is mostly white with orangey, lemon or reddish brown patches.

Temperament:

People think that because these dogs are such excellent hunting dogs, they can't be a good pet, but they are calm and loving, making an excellent companion dog.

He is also good with children in the home. He will just need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be well mannered and obedient as he is independent and can be stubborn.

The Croatian Sheepdog isn’t a demanding dog, although he will be relying on you to give him plenty of exercise. He wants to please and will fit into life in the city or life in the country, so long as he gets regular exercise.

It doesn’t take much to keep the Croatian Sheepdog happy and content, and when he thrusts his wet nose into your hand and you see his wagging tail, you’ll know its all been worth it to give this pet the best as he gives you his undivided love and loyalty.

The attractive Sabueso Español is a calm, amicable, sweet dog that is loving towards his human owners. He is good with children but would prefer older children who know how to be kind and gentle towards him.

He isn’t aggressive and will get on well with other dogs in the house too. He is essentially an outdoor dog and will love nothing more than to have his family involved with him with activities outside.

If you’re looking for a great pet and companion for home and outdoor life, this dog is a superb choice.

The Croatian Sheepdog is a healthy dog breed. He is the kind of pet that won’t cost you a lot of money because he is low maintenance. In fact he is a dog which has developed resistance to many diseases.

With good food, exercise and love and care he won’t cost you much in terms of vet’s fees. He can live to be 12 to 15 years of age.

Even though he is a healthy kind of dog, there are some dog illnesses that you will want to be aware of such as bloat and eye problems. Also if you aren’t going to let him become a parent, then spaying or neutering your Croatian Shepherd will have numerous health benefits for him.

The Sabueso can live to be 12 years of age, but it is still good to be aware of typical dog illnesses that he can succumb to.

Ear Infections:

Hound dogs with floppy ears are known for getting ear infections. This is because floppy eared dogs don’t get the right amount of air circulation, and excess wax, dirt and moisture cause problems within the ear.

Obesity in Dogs:

Excess body fat with a dog can create problems for your dog. Obesity is common in all dogs and dogs of all ages. Dogs that are obese don’t want to exercise. Obesity can cause a host of problems with your dog and even reduce his lifespan.

The Croatian Sheepdog has always been a working dog and is regarded as a hardy, low maintenance dog. He will require minimal grooming so a good brush twice a week will suffice.

Diet:

There are excellent and convenient dog foods on the market which have been specifically manufactured to ensure your dog gets all the vitamins and minerals he needs for health and energy. Stick to the feeding instructions on the label so that he maintains his lean, muscular body.

Raw meat can be expensive, but it will be to his benefit if you can include some raw meat into his kibble every now and then. If you are unsure in any way as to how to feed your dog, your vet can give you good advice on a food that caters for his age and his activity levels. Always make sure that he has a fresh bowl of water available.

The short coat of the Sabueso Español makes him a low maintenance dog. and a brush twice a week is enough to keep his coat in tip top condition. As you brush him, make sure to check for any odd, new lumps you come across.

Check inside his ears, take a look at his eyes and make sure they’re bright and clear.

Look inside his mouth. He has no way of telling you if he has a rotten tooth causing him pain, and he relies on you to check on this for him.

Provide him with a dry, warm, comfortable bed.

These dogs are known for their stamina and energy and will ideally suit a home on a large property and not a small property in the city. They need lots of open spaces and plenty of exercise. They love long walks, preferably vigorous hikes, swimming and ball and rope games.

Ensure he is neutered or spayed if you want to avoid puppies.

Make sure his vaccinations are up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Your Sabueso Espanol needs a nutritious diet if he is to remain healthy and happy. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice if you go for the high quality ones packed with vitamins and minerals. They can be convenient and well balanced. To provide your dog with some variety, provide him with some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time. No need to make home-made food all complicated and involved. Simply boil chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach together, chopping it all up, and adding little bits of this to your dog's dry kibble twice a week. This will keep him happy and healthy. Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.