Sarplaninac vs Meliteo Kinidio - Breed Comparison

Meliteo Kinidio is originated from Greece but Sarplaninac is originated from Macedonia. Meliteo Kinidio may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Sarplaninac. Meliteo Kinidio may weigh 37 kg / 81 pounds lesser than Sarplaninac. Both Meliteo Kinidio and Sarplaninac has almost same life span. Both Meliteo Kinidio and Sarplaninac has almost same litter size. Meliteo Kinidio requires Low Maintenance. But Sarplaninac requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
undefined
Greece
Macedonia
Height Male:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
54 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
30 - 45 kg
66 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Illyrian Sheepdog, Illyrian dogs, Macedonian Sheepdogs
Colors Available:
white or black, Beige, blonde
white, Different shades of grey, tan and black
Coat:
Long- and short-haired
Different shades of grey, white, tan and black
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. It is an ancient dog breed. The dog has always been a skillful hunter of small game and birds.

It is believed that the dog breed originated from Malta, explaining its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion.

There are efforts to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a separate and unique Greek dog breed but no formal breed clubs exist so far today. The dog also hasn’t been recognized by any reputable registry. Today these common dogs are found in high numbers throughout most of Greece.  

sarplaninacHailing 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.

Description

The Meliteo Kinidio is a deep chested small sized dog which weighs about 3 to 8kg and stands at about 23 – 32cm in height.

The dog has a bright, fox shaped face, floppy ears and a tail which curls over the back and which is feathery or plumed. The body is longer than being tall.

He is available with two coat types – long- and short-haired, with the long haired one being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the long-haired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weatherproof, silky and wavy.

The coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, with there being no standardization with color.

Temperament:

These Greek dogs are no pushover and in fact they are fairly fearless dogs, possessive of the human family, wanting to protect them and therefore being territorial as well. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

He has always been a hunting dog so he loves to be busy, making a good dog to have on the farm. They are even tempered and gentle, but have a loud, robust bark for their size.

sarplaninac puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Characteristics

These feisty Small Greek Domestic Dogs are loving, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family but who don’t mind spending some time on their own either.

They’re dogs which are in tune with their owners and they’re intelligent too so they learn easily. You can expect to a have a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home.

sarplaninac dog - characteristicsThese 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.

Health Problems

This dog breed enjoys good longevity and can live to be about 12 to 15 years of age with good care.

One thing you have to be careful of with a dog like this is that because he is active he loves to running around and jumping. However, with his long back, jumping off a fairly high bed for instance, can lead to injury and should be discouraged rather. Apart from ear infections, other health issues can be dental.

Dental Issues:

Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs loose their teeth with dental issues. Plaque that is left on the surface of the tooth is detrimental to the dog’s immune system, starting an inflammatory response. Without good oral hygiene, other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes can become a factor.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful.

Scratching at the ear with head shaking is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection as well as the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear needs to be gently cleaned with ear cleanser, but many people don’t like to do this, fearing they may damage the ear. Then it becomes important for your vet or professional groomer to do it for you.

sarplaninac puppies - health problemsThe 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.

Caring The Pet

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is easy to groom and the coat which sheds moderately will simply require brushing twice a week to keep it silky and vibrant.

Diet:

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is sleek lean and muscular and you want to keep him like that at all costs and avoid obesity. To keep him happy and fit feed him two smaller meals as opposed to one. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality one as the lower quality foods have inferior ingredients devoid of minerals and vitamins. When you have bought the best quality kibble, treat your dog to some home-made food from time to time – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta and cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in occasionaly is also excellent. Feeding your dog a simple but nutritious meal like this will ensure your dog is healthy, content and free of stomach problems. Fresh, cool water must be availabe around the clock.

sarplaninac dogs - caringEvery 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.

Comparison with other breeds

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