Sarplaninac vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Alaskan Husky is created to be a working dog who can do many different jobs like hauling logs, transport, supplies delivery, racing dogs, etc. Mushers created this breed. Alaskan Husky is created as a mix of Inuit dog, Siberian Husky, Greyhound and German pointers, and it is very difficult to find pure breed Alaskan Husky, and they are not recognized by any Kennel club.

Hailing from Macedonia, the beautiful Sarplaninac dog was developed as a guardian of livestock and is large enough to fight off large predators like bears and wolves.

Nobody is too sure of the breeds exact origins, though it is thought that its ancestors came to the Balkan Peninsula with people migrating from ancient Asia.

This huge dog is one of the oldest native breeds from ancient Molosser breeds. The dog was recognized in 1939, and in 1954 it became known as the Yugoslav Shepherd Dog. Later the name changed and the dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995.

Alaskan Husky average weight depends from dog to dog, but on average male weights 21-25kg, while their height is moderate size. Females are slightly smaller than males, and they can weight 17-19kg.

A lifespan of Alaskan Husky depends, again, from dog to dog, but it is 10-15 years. Of course, if you are taking care of your dog, they can live much longer.

Litter Size of average female is 4-10 puppies.

The Sarplaninac is a large, strong, fluffy dog standing at between 54 and 62cm in height and weighing between 30 and 45kg.

The coat of the dog is dense, coarse and of medium length. Colors are different shades of grey, white, tan and black. The head is large, the ears are fairly short but are floppy and covered with short hair. The dog is deep chested and the tail is long, often held high and covered with thick, feathery hair.

Temperament:

Protective, reliable, reserved, stubborn and gentle, this intelligent dog is fairly serious, and while he makes a devoted family pet, he is cool and wary of strangers.

Excellent training and socialization makes him well mannered, balanced and obedient around different people. He will tolerate children but won’t take easily to other pets in the house, capable of becoming aggressive with them.

Alaskan Husky is the best dog for the active people or families. They are bred to be working dogs. This breed is not created for it looks or pedigree, but this breed is bred purely to help with various tasks. They love being around the family, and they are very happy and cheerful. Alaskan Husky is not good watchdogs because they love everyone, including strangers. They are highly intelligent breed, but it can be tricky to train them sometimes. You must be a leader who makes decisions because if you are not confident, they will not see the reason for listening to you. The best way of training your dog would be with patience and firm, decisive manner. The old-fashioned way of training that includes punishment is not recommendable. They do not respond well to that. Training with awards is the best way to teach your dog. Alaskan Husky is a very active dog, so they are not very good for apartments. Although, you can have them in apartments but only if they have active walks and exercises. They love jogging, and they can be excellent buddies in any activity. They will love all the animals but it is important for them to socialize from the early age.

These dogs are protective, but they’re not vicious. When properly raised they are wonderful family pets.

True, it’s a large, strong willed dog that isn’t a good choice for the first-time dog owner. They are good with children, but only children who have been taught how to treat animals with care and patience.

This dog is a powerful guardian type of dog, imposing in size, but it’s all about upbringing, and if you bring him up well then he can make a tremendous pet and companion.

This breed has no any specific health issues. However, as any breed they can develop some issues that are related to genetics. It is very important to discuss with owners that you are getting the dog from, and if they are not ready to show medical records or proofs that dogs are healthy then you should be extra careful. If you do not have a lot of experience in getting a puppy or an adult dog, you should bring someone who has more experience. Again, this breed is very healthy and if you give them adequate caring with regular vet checks you will have a healthy and a happy dog for a long time.

The Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.

Obesity:

When your dog gazes up at you with such love in his eyes, don’t be tempted to pop some chocolate into his mouth or let him finish off your ice-cream. Treats like this can damage your pet’s health and give him heat intolerance, breathing difficulties, hypertension, liver disease and diabetes.

Feeding the Alaskan Husky

Feeding Alaskan Husky, or basically any other dog depends on how active your dog is, and how big it is. Basically, if it is big and very active you will have to give it more food. On average, Alaskan Husky can eat 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food and that should be enough to keep them well-fed and healthy. You can always add vegetables, oil or fruits in their meal, but first, consult which additional food is the best for your dog. Carrots, broccoli, apples are always a good treat for any pet.

Feeding the puppy

Puppies eat more than an adult dog, so it would be perfect if you can divide small portions of food 3-5 times per day. It will help them develop into perfectly healthy adult dogs.

Grooming the Alaskan Husky

They are not very difficult to groom. Overall, Alaskan Husky does not need any special care, except twice a year during shed season. Then you have to brush them with a metal comb every day, but overall, occasional brushing and bathing when it is necessary is more than enough to have a healthy and perfectly groomed pet.

Every dog needs care from puppyhood through to old age.

Šarplaninacs are looked upon as medium maintenance dogs. The coat is long and thick and requires a firm bristle brush to get their hair brushed.These dogs are moderate shedders so a brush twice a week will do the trick to keep the hair free of loose hair and matting.

Because these dogs have floppy ears, they will need to be checked and cleaned. Floppy eared dogs battle with moisture and wax build-up that increases the likelihood of ear infections.

Check the eyes that they are clear and free of discharge. Eyes with a lot of discharge can be indicative of health problems.

Check for any unusual lumps as cancer often starts with a new lump.

Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent deadly canine diseases.

Have him or her spayed or neutered if you don’t want puppies. These are regular procedures for a vet and offers health benefits for the dog. Neutering a male improves his character and keeps him from roaming. These dogs are capable of having 3 – 8 puppies.

The Sarplaninac requires decent food if he is to remain healthy. Dog’s stomachs can become upset if they eat all kinds of sweet and spicy human foods.

Commercially manufactured dog food is a good backup food to have because of its convenience. Try to include some home-made food. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. Give this to your pet twice a week and see how his tails wags when he smells it.

Also try to add in some raw meat to his food occasionally.

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