Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison

Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Mucuchies - Breed ComparisonMucuchies is originated from Venezuela but Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac is originated from Slovakia. Both Mucuchies and Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac are having almost same height. Mucuchies may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac. Both Mucuchies and Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac has almost same life span. Both Mucuchies and Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac has almost same litter size. Both Mucuchies and Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
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Venezuela
Slovakia
Height Male:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
62 - 68 cm
24 - 27 inches
Height Female:
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
62 - 68 cm
24 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
3 - 6
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
SHS
Colors Available:
all white or white with spots of other colors
Gray and brownish
Coat:
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Short to medium, coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

mucuchiesThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

slovensky hrubosrsty stavacBreeding of the Slovak Hruborsty Stavac, fondly referred to as the SHS began around the 1940s.

There were some dog lovers who were interested in crossing the coarse haired dogs of Slovakia with the German Wirehaired, the Czech blower and the Weimaraner. The outcome was a rough-haired kind of Weimaraner-looking dog.

While hunters and hunting were quite common in Slovakia, the breed became rather rare with the wars when hunting became less, but the dog was reconstructed by breeders, but is still rare outside Slovakia.

Description

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

slovensky hrubosrsty stavac puppy - descriptionThe dog is fairly large, standing at between 62 and 68cm in height and weighs 25 - 35kg. The coat is fairly coarse and dense and is a grey/silver shade with a touch of brown.

There is quite a bit of hair around the face. The ears are medium length and floppy and the tail is mostly docked to half its length but can be left long as well. The tail is set high and carried vertically and can be well feathered. The eyes are almond-shaped, and the dog has an intelligent appearance to him.

Temperament:

The Slovensky Hruborsty Stavac is a sharp dog, making it easy to have him trained and socialized. He is such a friendly, social dog, getting on well with all family members and loving to get involved with the games of the children.

There is no aggression in this dog and when you provide him with the exercise that he craves, he is loyal, gentle and loving, getting on well with other dogs as well.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

slovensky hrubosrsty stavac dog - characteristicsThe Slovensky Hruborsty Stavac is such a bouncy, amicable pet, full of energy. He may appear to be confident and full of the joys but he secretly can’t stand it when his human family don’t include him in everything. He can actually suffer with separation anxiety.

He is an athletic dog and will require lots of exercise – walks, hikes, ball games and running off his leash.

He is quiet but strong-willed and will respond well to a strong, firm, consistent, kind owner.

These dogs make the most awesome pets and you can either find one from a rescue group or find a puppy from a reputable breeder. Whatever you decide on, the Slovensky Hruborsty Stavac makes an extraordinary pet.

Health Problems

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

slovensky hrubosrsty stavac puppies - health problemsThere are always some illnesses that your dog might get but which isn’t likely with your pet as these are healthy dogs.

Bloat:

Dogs can die within a few hours if not treated with this ailment. Bloat is a condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas. The stomach is swollen and the gas can cause breathing problems because it puts pressure on the diaphragm. If you suspect that your dog has bloat, he should be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Prepare for your Pet:

slovensky hrubosrsty stavac dogs - caringBefore you bring your pet home, dog-proof your house. It won’t be fair to leave tempting, chewy things lying around and expect your pet to not be interested in them. Also, keep dangerous chemicals out of reach of your pet.

Prepare for your pet beforehand and have feeding- and water bowls ready as well as a nice basket or some other sleeping equipment available for him.

Feeding:

If you’re bringing an adult rescue dog home, try to feed him the same kind of food he was already eating, as too many changes can upset him. When he settles down, you can move over to other food. Keeping his food consistent can avoid digestive problems.

If you opt to feed him one of the commercially manufactured dog foods, make sure its the best quality as some of them are bad, filled with things such as colorants, preservatives and fillers. Try and give him some homemade food which you can add into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all boiled slowly together will delight your pet. Chop it all up and your pet will look so forward to this. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals like this. Provide water at all times.

Exercise:

The amount of exercise any dog needs is dependent on age, size and energy levels. Because the Slovensky Hruborsty Stavac is an energetic breed, he will need a good dose of exercise. If you have a puppy, avoid strenuous exercise as this can damage the soft, developing bones and joints. As well as walks and ball games, mental stimulation is also important for this dog. Consider buying some puzzle toys or feeders for your pet.

Fleas:

Check for fleas and ticks while you brush him.

Immunization:

Keep up to date with all your dog’s immunizations and get your pet to the vet as soon as he is sick. There are some illnesses such as bloat which can claim your pet’s life in just a few hours if not attended to.

Comparison with other breeds

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