Shetland Sheepdog vs Kunming Dog - Breed Comparison

Shetland Sheepdog vs Kunming Dog - Breed ComparisonKunming Dog is originated from China but Shetland Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom. Kunming Dog may grow 27 cm / 11 inches higher than Shetland Sheepdog. Kunming Dog may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than Shetland Sheepdog. Both Kunming Dog and Shetland Sheepdog has same life span. Both Kunming Dog and Shetland Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Both Kunming Dog and Shetland Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
undefined
China
United Kingdom
Height Male:
60 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
Height Female:
60 - 68 cm
23 - 27 inches
33 - 41 cm
12 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 38 kg
66 - 84 pounds
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
30 - 38 kg
66 - 84 pounds
6 - 12 kg
13 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Kunming Wolfdog
Sheltie
Colors Available:
Light tan, whitish, black and tan
Mix of colors - golden, black or a steel grey color with white
Coat:
Seasonally short or medium length
Long and thick
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

kunming dogKnown also as the Kunming Wolfdog, the Kunming Dog is similar in looks to the German Shepherd Dog, but the coat is recognizably shorter.

It’s an attractive looking wolf-like dog which comes from China. It isn’t quite clear which dog breeds were used in the gene pool for these Kunming wolfdogs. You can see though that the German Shepherd as well as other wolfdog-crosses have played a part in the breed's origin.

The dog was created in the early 1950s for military- and guard dog purposes. In 1988, the Chinese Public Security Bureau officially recognized the Kunming Dog as a breed. Today, the dog is still used in military and police services.

shetland sheepdogThe Shetland Sheepdog was crossed with working collies and brought to the islands. They were bred on the Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.

These little dogs have always been particularly valuable to farmers who used them to herd their sheep.

During the early 20th century other crosses occurred an in 1909 and the little dog received recognition by the English Kennel Club. The first Sheltie to be registered by the American Kennel Club was in 1911.

Description

kunming dog puppy - descriptionThe Kunming is a large dog, athletic and muscular, standing at 60 – 68cm and weighing 30 – 38kg. They are dogs which fall under the Spitz type category.

The dog has a coat which is considered seasonal - double layered in the cooler months and shedding to a shorter coat in the hotter months. The thick coat can be a light tan color to white and he has a black saddle pattern, giving the dog an overall black and tan combination.

The bushy tail is long and its carried down and low except when the dog is excited and alert, then it lifts its tail. The ears are erect like that of the German Shepherd or Wolf.

Temperament:

He isn’t the best breed for a first time owner as he is very strong willed and can tend to become aggressive. It is why he has been used to perform tasks in the military.

These dogs are known for their alertness, and to keep him mentally balanced and amicable, he will need a strong, firm owner who is also fair, patient and consistent. Bored and frustrated, a Kunming can become unpredictable and a first time dog owner might not be able to cope with such an independent, strong-willed, determined, confident dog.

He is also energetic and intelligent, making a great family dog as he is loyal, loving and devoted. His intelligence allows him to learn easily too. Training and socialization will be required if you want him to be obedient.

He is adaptable and can adjust to life in the city or the countryside, but essentially he is better suited to a home with large grounds as he is a dog which is full of energy.

shetland sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe small Shetland Sheepdog stands at between 33 to 41cm and weighs roughly between 6 and 12kg for both males and females. The long double coat of this dog sheds consistently, he will need to be brushed regularly.

The coat is golden, black or a steel grey color with white. The ears are erect and the tail long and feathery and the expression on this dogs face is sensitive, alert and gentle.

Temperament:

Shelties make wonderful pets for their human families and are great with children too. They’re protective, making good watchdogs. They are somewhat wary around strangers.

Smart and alert, you can train this little dog plenty of tricks because he is quick to learn. They’re such agile little dogs and are great athletes. It’s always a good idea to keep such a smart little dog busy so he doesn’t become bored.

He is able to adjust to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he is kept busy, otherwise he takes to a piercing kind of bark.

Characteristics

kunming dog dog - characteristicsYour attractive Kunming dog is an energetic, lively dog who is going to require a good deal of exercise as he was developed to be a working dog.

They are loving towards their human families and even well behaved with other dogs in the family. He will however need socialization and training from a firm, fair, consistent owner.

Provide him with a loving environment, lots of exercise, wholesome food, a warm, dry place to sleep and lots of mental and physical stimulation, and you’ll have a wonderful, contended pet and companion.

shetland sheepdog dog - characteristicsYou’re certainly not going to have one dull moment with the Shetland sheepdog – its such a lively, intelligent, entertaining, playful and also eager to please - that's your Sheltie.

They also have a gentle, quiet side. They love the company of their human family and are able to adapt to life in the city or countryside, so long as he gets lots of attention and exercise.

They’re highly strung dogs, and an excitable child can get them barking in a high pitched way which wont be good if you live close to your neighbors.

Shelties are essentially peaceful dogs who prefer a home where its quiet and orderly. If you give this dog what it needs, just like you would for any family member of yours, you’ll be blessed with an awesome pet and companion.

Health Problems

kunming dog puppies - health problemsYour Kunming can reach 12 to 14 years of age if he is loved, fed correctly and adequately exercised. Just as with any dog, he can be susceptible to some of the common dog illnesses. These include the likes of hip dysplasia, bloat, epilepsy, eye problems, ear infections, intestinal parasites, heart disease and skin problems.

Intestinal worms:

Worms are a chronic problem in dogs and the thing is, they can infect humans too. If you don’t treat worms in your dog, it can lead to your pet becoming seriously ill. You may notice loss of appetite, a dull, thinning coat, anemia and diarrhea.

The vet will be able to offer a treatment that can help with eradicating hook-, round- and tapeworms.

Skin infections:

This may sound like a mild dog disease but it can cause a lot of misery for your pet. You’ll notice your pet licking, scratching and biting at raw, red spots on his skin. With bacterial- or yeast infections, your pet can battle with itchiness, pain and discomfort. Luckily your vet can recommend treatments to effectively alleviate symptoms.

shetland sheepdog puppies - health problemsEvery dog, no matter how healthy, can succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are.Some of the dog illnesses to look out for include cancer, bloat, ear infections, dental problems, hypothyroidism, skin allergies and obesity among others.

Hypothyroidism:

This illness occurs when the dog’s body doesn’t maintain sufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Your pet will be sensitive to the cold, the thick hair will be thinning and there will be weight gain. It will be wise to have your dog checked out by your vet as this is an ailment which can be managed with medication.

Collie Eye Anomaly:

This is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness in some dogs. It can occur in both eyes. It can be diagnosed by your vet but regrettably there is no treatment. Not spaying or neutering your dog will mean that if the have puppies the gene can be carried down to the puppies.

Dermatomyositis:

This is an inherited disorder that can cause skin lesions but also affect the muscles. Skin lesions can appear on the head and the front legs and there can be hair loss.

Caring The Pet

kunming dog dogs - caringGrooming for the thick coat should be done regularly. The dog sheds quite a bit and seasonally and you'll want to brush him twice a week to rid the coat of those loose hairs.

Exercising:

The Kunming Dog is high energy and will therefore suit a family who is active and sporty. He is the kind of dog that you can include in all your activities – walks, hikes, running next to you when you go cycling and swimming.

Diet:

This is an active dog and you want the best food for him, packed with vitamins and minerals to keep him lively and energetic. Instead of giving him one large meal a day that he gulps down quickly, split his food into 2 smaller meals.

Your dog’s age, his breed and his energy levels will direct you as to how to feed him.

Remember, that although commercially manufactured dog foods need to comply with certain standards, it doesn't guarantee their goodness. It may not be digestible for your pet. If you want to use one of these foods, choose the best there is and try to mix in some wholesome home-made food from time to time.

Cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and some raw or cooked vegetables can be excellent for him as well as adding in some raw meat occasionally.

Exercise:

shetland sheepdog dogs - caringThese little dogs have always been farm dogs and they will need a lot of exercise. Even so, with their small size, they can adapt to life in the city or the countryside, but will always need exercise.They love going for walks and playing games with the kids.

Grooming:

Your Sheltie will need brushing every day because the hair can so easily pick up leaves, twigs and burrs. In the warmer months some people prefer to trim the coat themselves or take the dog along to a professional groomer.

Diet:

It is best to feed adult dogs two meals a day instead of one. One can make your dog want to gobble up his food too quickly and this can result in a life threatening condition known as bloat.

How much any adult dog eats will depend on his size, his age and his activity levels.The quality of dog food you buy also makes a huge difference – the better quality the food, the more satisfied your Sheltie will be.

Some of the best commercially manufactured dog foods are convenient and they can be good if you go with the best brands that have high levels of vitamins and minerals in them. Dry kibble can be made more enticing when you add some homemade food into it.

Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will do him the world of good. Chop it up and add small portions to the kibble about twice a week. His wagging tail and prancing antics will be all the thanks you need.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also contribute to your pet’s heath. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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