South Russian Ovcharka vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison

South Russian Ovcharka vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed ComparisonAmerican Eskimo Dog is originated from United States but South Russian Ovcharka is originated from Russia. American Eskimo Dog may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than South Russian Ovcharka. American Eskimo Dog may weigh 36 kg / 79 pounds lesser than South Russian Ovcharka. American Eskimo Dog may live 4 years more than South Russian Ovcharka. Both American Eskimo Dog and South Russian Ovcharka has same litter size. American Eskimo Dog requires High Maintenance. But South Russian Ovcharka requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
undefined
United States
Russia
Height Male:
23 - 48 cm
9 - 19 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
23 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 16 kg
8 - 36 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
3 - 5
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
, Spitz
or South Russian Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
White with cream or biscuit markings
cream, greyish, yellowish, White
Coat:
Heavy, thick, double
Long, thick, coarse, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american eskimo dogThe American Eskimo is derived from the Nordic Spitz breed and most closely related to the German Spitz in particular. There were many German Spitzes in the United States at the time of the second World War and anti-German sentiment caused its name to change to the American Eskimo Dog. However, as the breed developed over time in the States, the American Eskimo became its own separate breed. In addition to the German Spitz, the American Eskimo is also related to the white Keeshond, the Samoyed, the white Italian Spitz and the white Pomeranian. The history is beginning to show that the Spitzes that were brought to the US in the early 1900’s was white. This color was not popular in Europe but was quickly the favorite in the United States. They were originally working dogs on farms and ranches. They have excellent herding instincts, make goo watch and guard dogs, and good law enforcement sniff dogs. However, their first introduction to the American public was through the Cooper Brothers’ Railroad Circus and Stout’s Pal Pierre at the Barnum and Baily Circus. Eskimo puppies were sold after the circus show.

It was then that the breed became one of America’s favorite breeds and they quickly became house pets. Following World War II, Japan exported the Japanese Spitz into America and it was crossed with the Eskimo also. The American Eskimo Dog breed was not recognized by AKC until 1985. Still in 1958 there was no official breed club in the States but there were growing numbers of the dogs. It was not until 1970 did the National American Eskimo Dog Association (NAEDA) come into being. They collected the pedigrees of the first 1750 dogs to be AKC registered.

Since the American Eskimo Dog is not recognized internationally, those wishing to participate in international competition such as England’s prestigious Cruft’s Dog Show must register their dogs a German Spitz. Despite this the American Eskimo and German Spitz remain two very different breeds.

south russian ovcharkaKnown also as the South Russian Sheepdog or the Ukranian Shepherd Dog, the South Russian Ovcharka’s history isn’t well established, and there are different stories to its history.

Whatever their history, this large dog is closely related to the wolf and has also been crossed with sight hound dogs. Their numbers have been under threat when their role as herding dog was no longer needed for rural life.

It was in the 1920s however that the breed’s numbers were restored and the UKC officially recognised the South Russian Ovcharka in 1996.

These dogs are classified within the Herding Dog Group.

Description

american eskimo dog puppy - descriptionThis small to medium dog is beautiful and resembles a miniature Samoyed. There are three sizes of American Eskimothe standard, miniature, and the toy. The Eskimo’s head is wedge shaped with tall, triangular, erect ears. It has a heavily plumed tail with a sharp curl over the back. The Eskimo can burst into bold action due to their good legs and feet.

The coat is a double one with a harsh outer coat and plush inner one. The coat is always white or white with cream or biscuit markings, and visible skin in gray or pink. The American Eskimo’s ruff or mane is very heavy, and the nose, eyelids, pads and gums are black. They have dark eyes and blue are not allowed.

south russian ovcharka puppy - descriptionA large, big boned, well muscled herding dog, the South Russian Ovcharka stands at between 62 and 66cm in height and weighs between 46 and 52kg.

The dog has a thick, fairly coarse, weather-proof coat that can become long and this coat has always protected them from the harsh Russian winters.

He has small, floppy ears and the tail is medium length and also covered in thick fur.

Temperament:

These dogs need a lot of exercise and if you keep one as a pet he will need a lot of space to run and play. He guards his property too and makes a good watchdog.

He isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city. He is a dominant, independent and strong willed dog so training and socialization will be important if you don’t want him to be unruly.

With the right kind of training, the South Russian Ovcharka can get along with pets and children in the home. He isn’t aggressive but he has strong guardian characteristics.

The first time dog owner would need to be firm, strong, confident, consistent and kind to handle this strong willed dog.

Characteristics

american eskimo dog dog - characteristicsThe Eskimo is affectionate, playful and love children of all ages. They are intelligent and want to please you. They can be trained easily and are champions of the obedience trial. They are fun and confident. At the same time, they need a confident pack leader. He is prone to Little Dog Syndrome where the dog thinks they oversee the home and display all sorts of behaviors. Under these circumstances the American Eskimo can become obsessive, aggressive, and engaging in obsessive resource guarding and barking.

south russian ovcharka dog - characteristicsThe South Russian Ovcharka may well be independent and strong headed but there is nothing that a little bit of training and socialization can’t do.

He is intelligent and will pick up some obedience commands easily. He is is dog that will like a strong, firm, consistent owner - someone who likes to include him in all the family activities.

He can get on with children but is better suited to life on a larger property as opposed to living in a small city place. Treat him with firmness and fairness and you’ll get yourself an excellent pet and companion.

Health Problems

american eskimo dog puppies - health problemsThe American Eskimo Dog is prone to hip dysplasia. Their eyes and tear ducts are potential issues with progressive retinal atrophy. They are allergic to fleas and have a tendency to be overweight.

We deal with PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) in greater detain in a following section but it is not as destructive as it used to be. It is much more treatable now.

There are potentially some dental issues that some American Eskimo Dogs are prone to.

south russian ovcharka puppies - health problemsThis large breed has a lifespan of 9 to 11 years. Some of the health conditions to which this big dog can succumb are -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is something that affects many dogs, but particularly large dogs. When the hips haven’t formed properly, it can lead to pain, disability and arthritis.Lifestyle changes can help, like making sure your dog doesn’t pick up too much weight. For pain management you will need to get your pet to the vet.

Bloat:

Also known as Gastric Dilatation. The dog’s stomach fills with gas and can twist, and this in itself can be fatal. As soon as you see your pet pacing restlessly and he has a swollen stomach, he will need to get to the vet just as soon as possible.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american eskimo dog dogs - caringYour American Eskimo Dog needs a high quality food so they will not get overweight. Make sure you know how much is appropriate for your particular dog and her specific age. The puppies should be fed twice a day but adults only once.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Eskimo Dog is prone to eye issue such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or (PRA) – this disease is inherited and used to cause blindness as the rods in the retina died. New medical discoveries mean this is no longer a hopeless disease. Their eyes are also susceptible to other issues so make sure you check them and the tear ducts regularly.

Like so many other breeds the American Eskimo is also susceptible to hip dysplasia and a moving patella in the knee. For this reason watch their weight. They can also be very allergic.

Exercise and games

This small dog has more energy than his size can handle. He needs a lot of exercise and a place to run. If he will become hyperactive and destructive. They are prone to disturbing behaviors such as spinning (spinning in circles) when they don’t get enough exercise. The American Eskimo Dog is smart and agile, Play games like catch or agility. They are also great at herding, competitive obedience or detection.

south russian ovcharka dogs - caringThe long coat is certainly going to need a good brush at least twice a week as it can so easily become matted.

Because he has floppy ears, you will need to check inside the ears that they aren’t showing signs of redness, indicating the possibility of a ear infection. Check at the same time for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

This dog is going to need a good deal of exercise to keep him content. He will love a long walk out and about. Robust games will also need to be provided. It’s why he isn’t looked upon as a dog suited to the city. He needs a lot of space and can become frustrated and destructive if his exercise needs aren’t met.

Diet:

A dog is part of the family and he therefore deserves a good meal too. Good food is beneficial as it means your dog is less likely to get sick.

Like many dog owners, you’ll no doubt appreciate the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods. You’ll need to choose the best one though because the inferior ones are made up of bad ingredients – fillers that have no goodness whatsoever.

To provide your South Russian Ovcharka with a tasty treat, try and give him some home-made food. Boiled chicken, rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple and tasty and won’t trouble your dog’s stomach.

Chop some of it up and add a small portion of this into his dry kibble twice a week. Your dog’s wagging tail will tell you how much he loves it.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet too when you can. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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