Sakhalin Husky vs Ryukyu Inu - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

Known also as the Karafuto-Ken, the Sakhalin Husky is a dog that has been used as a sled dog, but which is now almost extinct.

Hailing from Japan, it is believed that in 2011, there were only two surviving members of the breed in Japan. There isn’t much history on these dogs, but we do know that it is an old breed. They've been used by explorers to the South Pole. One such explorer was Robert Falcon Scott.

They’re extremely tough dogs, known for enduring in the snow under extreme conditions. The dog breed isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

Japanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

This is a medium sized dog standing at between 56 and 66cm in height and weighing between 30 and 40kg. His coat is thick and can be in a number of colours such as brown, tan, cream, grey or black. The ears are small and pointed and slightly tilted forwards. The tail is long and sometimes curls over the back while at other times it is held straight or down.

Temperament:

These dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and bravery. The dog is highly intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

It's a rare dog breed, calm and confident. A perfect example of their amazing characteristics is seen in the film ‘Eight Below’ where these wonderful dogs were left behind on a scientific expedition that went wrong.

The dogs had to struggle for survival in the frozen wilderness. The Sakhalin Husky just wants to please, and is alert and intelligent, doing well in a family where there are children.

Statues have been erected to honor these Sakhalin Huskies who died on some of these ill-fated expeditions.

These dogs are totally devoted to their owners and they’re full of confidence, they’ve got immense strength and they need a lot of physical stimulation every day.

This dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

When you bring these dogs into your home, you’re bringing in lots of excellent characteristics.

He is loyal, affectionate and smart. With his above average intelligence, you can easily train him. He is also a playful breed and the kids will enjoy him as a good playmate.

They’re gentle dogs too and will do well in a home where people are fair, patient, kind and consistent with their handling of him. Known to be an excellent therapy dog, having this dog in your home will enhance your quality of life.

These Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

The brave Sakhalin Husky can live to be between 12 and 14 years of age but these dogs can succumb to quite a few of the common dog diseases there are -

Corneal Dystrophy:

This is a hereditary disease of the cornea. You’ll see small white dots in his cornea and the dog can experience hazy vision.

Hip Dysplasia:

This problem with the hips can be debilitating for your sled dog, and both hips can be affected. It can be painful for your dog as arthritis sets in. It is important to see that your dogs don’t put on weight as this puts pressure on the joints. Your dog will need to see the vet, and surgery might be a treatment option.

Follicular Dysplasia:

This is a condition that affects Huskies between 3 and 4 months of age and can result in hair loss or problems with the skin. It is actually fairly rare in dogs and diagnosed by microscopic examination of the hair shaft. You will need to get your pet to the vet because it can lead to alopecia.

The coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

Diet:

Feed your Sakhalin Husky a commercially manufactured dog formula that caters to his energy and digestive needs.

Choose high-quality dog food with natural ingredients. Try and include some home-made food into your dogs diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will do him wonders and you can chop it up and add some into the dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Some raw meat occasionally is also important to prevent skin problems. Be sure that cool, fresh water is available for your pet at all times.

Exercise:

This will require regular exercise. Walks are always good, but he will require something more hectic such as long hikes and frisbee or ball throwing games.

Grooming:

A Husky’s dense double-coat must be brushed at least twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder.

His nails grow quickly and these will need to be trimmed. Even though he has erect ears, you will need to check inside for cleanliness to avoid canine ear infections.

Check inside his mouth as well for bad teeth as these can have a detrimental affect on his health