Irish Water Spaniel vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison

Irish Water Spaniel vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed ComparisonCiobanesc de Bucovina is originated from Romania but Irish Water Spaniel is originated from Ireland. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Irish Water Spaniel. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may weigh 60 kg / 133 pounds more than Irish Water Spaniel. Both Ciobanesc de Bucovina and Irish Water Spaniel has same life span. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may have less litter size than Irish Water Spaniel. Ciobanesc de Bucovina requires High Maintenance. But Irish Water Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
undefined
Romania
Ireland
Height Male:
68 - 78 cm
26 - 31 inches
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Height Female:
64 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
51 - 59 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
50 - 90 kg
110 - 199 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
50 - 80 kg
110 - 177 pounds
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 12
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Bucovina Wolf Dog, Bukovinak, Capau, Dulau, Bucovina Sheepdog, Bucovina Mountain Dog, Bucovina Shepherd, Bukovina Bucovina Sheepdog Bucovina Shepherd Southeastern European Shepherd, Ciobanesc de Bucovina
Rat Tail, Southern Irish Water Spaniel
Colors Available:
black or black with red-fawn reflections. , Clear white or white-beige with distinct patches of grey
Dark Brown, Liver
Coat:
double coated, long and full top coat
Longish hair - thick and very curly
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

ciobanesc de bucovinaThe Ciobanesc de Bucovina is a breed that developed naturally in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania and Serbia) and some regions of Bulgaria. The breed was especially useful in the Romanian northeast regions, the county Bucovina and in the northeastern region of Serbia. These dogs are bred for guarding and herding of flocks as well as guard dogs for the family home.

When the area was split between Russian and Romania, the dog continued to thrive in the mountains because of the need that the shepherds had for this type of dog with the build, working ability and temperament of the Bucovina.

Finally, in the 20th century, Romania began to urbanize and industrialize. People moved to the cities from the hills and many brought their dogs with them. This allowed many non-mountain Romanians to come into contact with the Bucovina Shepherd for the first time. He became a great family dog and offered guard dog protection as well.

The Romanian Kennel Club accepted the Ciobanesc du Bucovina in 1982 and wrote the first standard then. It has since been updated in 2001 and 2002 with today’s standard. They are not accepted by the international clubs nor the big clubs in the US and Europe. This is one factor in keeping the breed rare because it is little known outside of Romania.

irish water spanielThe Irish Water Spaniel is one of the larger spaniel types and also one of the oldest.

He is sometimes referred to as the Southern Irish Water Spaniel. Hailing from Ireland, the precise origins of the dog aren't altogether sure. It is believed that the dog came from other dogs from Persia and there are references to these water dogs from as early as 1600.

The modern breed was developed in Ireland in the 1830s. The breed's purpose is that of a hunter of waterfowl and he swims strongly.

The Irish Water Spaniel was recognized by the AKC in 1884. In 1890 the Irish Water Spaniel Club was formed.

Description

ciobanesc de bucovina puppy - descriptionMost large mountain dogs resemble the Bucovina Shepherd, but this breed is more slightly built and has a lighter coat than most of the mountain dogs. They are still a very large dog weighing in between 70 and 120 pounds. They are powerfully built even if more slender than other mountain dogs. They have a long thick coat that makes it difficult to see how their bodies are formed, but they are a very muscular dog.

Their large head does indicate how powerful a dog he is, and he has a wide muzzle that tapers off at the end. The breed has small eyes that are either hazel or brown and his v-shaped ears hang downward on the side of his head. He has a wide, black nose and thick, dark lips. His tail is bushy and long.

irish water spaniel puppy - descriptionA peculiar feature of this dog is its hairless tail which is partly covered in curls which the rest is all but hairless, giving him the nickname of Rat Tail or Whip Tail.

Looking much like a Poodle with his tight oily curls, the Irish Water Spaniel is a medium to large sized purebred dog, a robust, compact built dog with a skull which is shaped like a dome.

The muzzle is longish, the eyes dark brown and intelligent looking and the ears are long and floppy.

His hair is thick and curly and it sheds very little so that the dog is regarded as being hypoallergenic. The medium length coat is a dark brown, liver color with fairly tight curls that may even tend to cover the eyes.

It is interesting to note that he has webbed feet, which is useful for when the dog swims.He stands at roughly 51cm to 61cm and weighs between 25 to 30kg.

Temperament:

Temperament in any dog is affected by socialization and the way the human owner raises the dog. The Irish Water Spaniel is a water loving dog, being active and energetic.

He is an intelligent dog and easy to train and socialize. When trained he becomes such an obedient dog. He has also got a light-hearted side to him and is actually known to be quite amusing and clownish, providing plenty of laughs for you.

They make good family dogs, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. They're also able to make good guard dogs, taking the protective roles seriously. He isn't an aggressive dog but he has a warning bark that can be a good warning to intruders.

Characteristics

ciobanesc de bucovina dog - characteristicsBred to herd and guard cattle against the wolves and bears, it is a very dominant, self-assured, breed. They are intelligent yet laid back when no threat is suspected. They love children but can be hard to train. A dominant adult is needed to train and control the Ciobanesc de Bucovina. They are quite protective of their families and will patrol the property if left outside at night.

The breed has a strong mistrust of strangers but loves his adopted family. Unless threatened the Ciobanesc de Bucovina is calm and chilled. He is loyal, affectionate and dedicated. They attempt to frighten strangers with barks and growls but will attack if necessary. They are also very driven to chase prey so make sure they are in a locked fence. They can be difficult to train and seem to need a strong, alpha adult presence.

irish water spaniel dog - characteristicsYour active Irish Water Spaniel just loves water so you can count him in whenever you go swimming. That is one characteristic of the Irish Water Spaniel – he just loves to be involved in all the action you're busy with.

He makes an ideal family pet for an active family, and he will be a loyal and devoted pet who will provide a lot of fun to your family with his mischievous side.

He is confident, independent and strong willed so first time dog owners should bear this in mind. He is essentially just a fun loving, busy dog and if you make sure to exercise him well and make sure he is a participating member of your family, he'll be your most loving and devoted friend.

Health Problems

ciobanesc de bucovina puppies - health problemsNot much has been done to study the health of this breed so not much is known for certain. It is known that they have good health as they have survived the harsh winters in the mountains while tending to the flocks.

Given their size and the history of mountain dogs, they could be susceptible to visual and skeletal amount of food and at the right times can prevent this. They could be susceptible to arthritis, knee and elbow dysplasia, and cataracts.

irish water spaniel puppies - health problemsA generally healthy breed, the Irish Water Spaniel, just like with most other dogs, can fall prey to some of the more common dog ailments of which hip dysplasia is one.

Bone and joint problems like this can lead to lameness even in young dogs.

Eye diseases are also a problem, and cataracts can form in the eye, particularly when the dog is older and create a cloudy look to the eye. It's not painful for the dog.

Hypothyroidism, a treatable hormonal disorder is another disease worth being aware of.

Caring The Pet

Caring for Pet

Feeding

ciobanesc de bucovina dogs - caringIt is important not to over feed or to feed to much at one time. Even though they are large and powerful dogs, massive meals can cause bloat, so you are better off with 2-4 smaller meals per day. Also, don’t feed right before or right after strenuous exercise.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed does not appear to have many health issues. As they developed naturally in the mountains they have not been exposed to many things there.

Bloat

This was already mentioned but it is a very serious condition and requires veterinary assistance immediately under threat of death.

Dysplasia

They can have either hip or elbow dysplasia. Can lead to arthritis of lameness.

Exercise and games

This is a calm, even tempered dog not needing a lot of exercise. However, he is a big dog and can get obese without daily exercise. A large fenced in yard would be appreciated and a nice brisk walk every day. They would probably enjoy flyball and leurcatch. Any herding or hunting would be enjoyed.

Grooming:

irish water spaniel dogs - caringYour Irish Water Spaniel requires quite a bit of grooming that will involve his coat, his nails, his teeth and his ears. The double coat doesn't shed much so it can be easily maintained by brushing the coat twice a week.

It can help your water spaniel to look good by sending him in to a doggy grooming parlor to have his curls neatened. This is a dog that loves water and swimming, and you will need to check the inside of his ears for dampness, wax build-up and debris. This can all combine to cause nasty ear infections.

Exercise:

The dog is energetic and will need to be exercised. Take him for walks, play ball games with him and allow him to go on hikes with you or to go swimming. He loves being involved in all your activities as he is a social, active dog.

Diet:

Highly energetic, it will be important to feed your Irish Water Spaniel with food that enhances his energy levels. There are some good quality commercially manufactured dog foods on the market. Choose one that caters for active, athletic dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel.

Dry kibble is more recommended to prevent canine tooth decay. Mix in some home cooked foods from time to time such as cooked chicken, rice, pasta and vegetables and try to include some raw meat every now and then as well. Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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