Spanish Water Dog vs Nenets Herding Laika - Breed Comparison

Spanish Water Dog vs Nenets Herding Laika - Breed ComparisonNenets Herding Laika is originated from Russia but Spanish Water Dog is originated from Spain. Nenets Herding Laika may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Spanish Water Dog. Nenets Herding Laika may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Spanish Water Dog. Both Nenets Herding Laika and Spanish Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Nenets Herding Laika and Spanish Water Dog has almost same litter size. Nenets Herding Laika requires High Maintenance. But Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
Russia
Spain
Height Male:
48 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 29 kg
35 - 64 pounds
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 22 kg
28 - 49 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Nenets Laika or Reindeer Herding Laika, Samoyed Laika
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Colors Available:
grey, black or white , tan
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
Coat:
The harsh outer coat is straight, and the abundant woolly undercoat
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

nenets herding laikaThere is a large variety of Laika dogs as the word is almost a generic term for a type of Russian hunting dog. They are found in Northern Russia and Siberia and there are several recognized by the Federation Cynologique International including the East Siberian Laika, the Russian European Laika, and the West Siberian Laika. These Siberia Laika are crosses between the aboriginal dogs of Siberia and northern Russia. The word Laika means a barking dog and comes from the word meaning to bark. These laikas are working dogs, hunting pointers that were bred specifically for their barks.

All the dogs in this category are loyal and affectionate. They are hard workers and hunters/herders and sled dogs. Of the official Laika groups including the Nenets Herding Laika, there is the Karelo-Finnish Laika, the Northeasterly Siberian Laika, the West Siberian Laika, The Russian European Laika, Eastern Siberian Laika. The Laika are wary of strangers, noisy and rowdy.

Nenets Herding Laika

The Laika breed known as the Nenets Herding Laika is also called the Reindeer Herding Laika. The breed is pretty ancient, developed by the Nentry tribe at about the same time that the nomads were developing the Samoyed. Like the Samoyed breed, the Nenets Herding Laika herded Reindeer. The artic breed originates from Russia and can be used for transportation and hauling as well.

While their temperament and history are very much the same as the Samoyed, they are recognized as separate breeds. However there are many aficionados of both breeds believe that the Samoyed and the Nenets Herding Laika are the same breed. For many the Samoyed are simply a white version of the Nenets Herding Laika.

The Nenets Herding Laika is also know as the Samoyed Laika, so you can see how close if not the same, these two breeds are. The Nenets Herding Laika was bred by the Nenet peoples. The Samoyed is all white while the Nenets is any variation of black, gray, piebald, red, white, sable and brown.

The dogs herd and guard reindeer, keeping the herd together and moving them from one pasture to another. They will also stay with a stray reindeer until they are found. They will do this whether they have food or water. They will bark to try to bring the people’s attention to the lost reindeer. They are also an excellent hunting and retrieving, swimming dog.

The Nenets are also known as Yurak Samoyeds and they are the largest group of Samoyedic peoples today. They live on both sides of Russian Ural Mountains in northern Russia and the Yamal Peninsula. They move large herds of reindeer to the winter lands south of the Artic Circle from the north – about 600-900 miles. It is believed that the Herding Laika originated with this group of people but spread beyond them. They were shipped to far northeast Siberia to be bred and shared with reindeer herding tribes there.

There is a longhaired or rough coated variety and a shorthaired variety. The Nenets consider the work routine of both varieties the same, but they believed that the shorthaired version was a more ancient than the longhaired version.

spanish water dogBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

Description

nenets herding laika puppy - descriptionThis is a medium sized dog , muscular and strong. Slightly smaller than the Samoyed, the Nenets Laika weighs about 40-55 pounds and is 18 inches tall. The ears are typical Spitz ears and the tail is carried up over the back. The Nenets Herding Laika can have gray, piebald, black or tan coats and some can be solid white and look just like a Samoyed. The coat is a thick, double coat with the undercoat very wooly.

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

nenets herding laika dog - characteristicsyes

Special talents

mushing

Adaptability

Adaptability not good in apartments or smaller spaces. Needs a fenced in yard.

Learning ability

High but stubborn and independent

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

Health Problems

nenets herding laika puppies - health problemsFor the most part the Nenets Herding Laika is a healthy breed and very hardy. They do however have some propensities for some illnesses and conditions.

Diabetes Mellitus – can be treated with medication and is usual seen in middle age -after 7 years of age.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Slow loss of vision and this is a genetic disease – leads to blindness.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.
  • Skin diseases are possible – autoimmune disease the is idiopathic.

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

nenets herding laika dogs - caringBe careful that your pup doesn’t grow too fast. They are open to injuries if they grow too fast. Low calorie with protein and not a lot of fat. half a cup of high quality medium breed dog food 3X a day.

Feeding the adult

1 1/2 cups high quality medium breed dog food.

Points for Good Health

athletic and agile

Games and Exercises

At leaset a walk or two every day. Don’t get overheated as they are used to cold weather. Would be good at agility and herding exercise.

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Spanish Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Nenets Herding Laika vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Nenets Herding Laika vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Nenets Herding Laika vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Nenets Herding Laika vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Nenets Herding Laika vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Nenets Herding Laika vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Nenets Herding Laika vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Nenets Herding Laika vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Nenets Herding Laika vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Nenets Herding Laika vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Nenets Herding Laika vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Nenets Herding Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Nenets Herding Laika vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Nenets Herding Laika vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Nenets Herding Laika vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Nenets Herding Laika vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Nenets Herding Laika vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Nenets Herding Laika vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Nenets Herding Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Nenets Herding Laika vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Nenets Herding Laika vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Nenets Herding Laika vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Nenets Herding Laika vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Nenets Herding Laika vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Nenets Herding Laika vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison