Slovak Cuvac vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Slovak Cuvac vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonEstonian Hound is originated from Estonia but Slovak Cuvac is originated from Slovakia. Estonian Hound may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Slovak Cuvac. Estonian Hound may weigh 24 kg / 52 pounds lesser than Slovak Cuvac. Both Estonian Hound and Slovak Cuvac has almost same life span. Both Estonian Hound and Slovak Cuvac has same litter size. Both Estonian Hound and Slovak Cuvac requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
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Estonia
Slovakia
Height Male:
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
31 - 44 kg
68 - 98 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Slovak Chuvach, Tatransky Cuvac
Colors Available:
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
White
Coat:
short, rough coat
Thick, medium length, wavy
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

estonian houndIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

slovak cuvacLooking quite a bit like the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the Slovak Cuvac is a large dog that has served as a guard dog. The Slovensky Cuvac is still used on sheep farms as he isn’t afraid of wolves and bears and will take them on if needs be.

Records of this dog have been kept since the 17th century already, and when the breed started dying out, a certain Dr Antonin Hruza put in efforts to revive the dog.

The registered breeding of the Slovensky Cuvac was established in Czechoslovakia and a club for the dog was established in 1933. A written standard was established in 1964. The dog is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

slovak cuvac puppy - descriptionThis is a large dog standing at between 59 and 70cm in height and weighing between 31 and 44kg.

The neck is broad and has quite a bit of fur around it. The head is large, the eyes dark brown, the double coat is white and thick and medium length. The eyes are brown, the ears medium length and floppy and the tail long and furry.

He has well-muscled limbs and is fairly agile for such a large dog.

Temperament:

This is a robust dog, used to spending time outdoors keeping watch over livestock. When he is invited into the home, he is gentle and well behaved, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He is loving and loyal towards his human family and will get on well with children in the home. He isn’t the brightest dog but you can still have him trained.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

slovak cuvac dog - characteristicsYour playful Slovak Cuvac is an affectionate dog, wanting nothing more than to be totally involved in his family’s life.

He is social and loving and also makes an excellent watchdog. He’s a big dog so think carefully before you bring him into your home. Many dog owners like the look of a big dog and forget that it costs a lot of money to feed a big dog and to pay for vet fees.

This big dog is wanting to be part of your family and not just to be discarded when you find that he is costing you too much.

Health Problems

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

slovak cuvac puppies - health problemsThis is a healthy dog breed, but as with many large dogs, hip dysplasia is a threat. Hip dysplasia is always reason for concern as the condition can reduce a dog’s quality of life.

It is distressing seeing your once active pet becoming reluctant to play and move around.

Canine hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition. It can strike any size dog but is more prevalent with large dogs. The ball and socket of the hip doesn’t fit properly and deterioration sets in resulting in loss of function of the joint.

You will need to get your dog to the vet who will perform a physical exam and discuss treatments to alleviate the pain your dog can experience.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

slovak cuvac dogs - caring◆The thick white hair will require regular grooming to keep it free from burrs and dirt. He sheds so this brushing will help him to look more groomed.

◆The nails should be trimmed regularly and the ears too should be checked for redness and infection. You’ll need to look inside his mouth too as a rotting tooth can cause havoc within his body. A rotten tooth can also cause him tremendous pain and he has no way of telling you this.

◆Have your pet spayed or neutered if you don’t want any puppies. This is better for your dog’s health in the long run too.

◆Your Slovak Cuvac is going to need a lot of exercise as they have always been used to roaming the mountains watching over livestock.

◆This is a big dog so if you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its for large, energetic dogs. There are good commercially manufactured dog foods on the market – just make sure you buy the best one for your pet to enhance health and longevity.

Try and give him some home made food too. Healthy food which won’t jeopardise his digestion is boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. These can all be chopped up and small portions mixed into the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Your dog will thank you for not giving him exotic people foods which can do lots of harm. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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