Hokkaido vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed ComparisonCiobanesc de Bucovina is originated from Romania but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may grow 27 cm / 11 inches higher than Hokkaido. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may weigh 41 kg / 91 pounds more than Hokkaido. Ciobanesc de Bucovina may live 3 years less than Hokkaido. Both Ciobanesc de Bucovina and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Ciobanesc de Bucovina requires High Maintenance. But Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Romania
Japan
Height Male:
68 - 78 cm
26 - 31 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
64 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
50 - 90 kg
110 - 199 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
50 - 80 kg
110 - 177 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 7
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
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
black or black with red-fawn reflections. , Clear white or white-beige with distinct patches of grey
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
double coated, long and full top coat
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
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.

hokkaidoThe Hokkaido breed originates in Japan and is also called Ainu-ken, Ainu dog, Seta or Do-ken. The last being its common name in Japan. It is believed that the Hokkaido is descendent from the Japanese Matagi-ken, meaning hunting dog, deer hunting dog or bear hunting dog. It was the Ainu peoples that brought the breed to Tohoku. Many years later the Yayoi people brought in another breed of hunting dogs. These breeds were in isolation for most of their existence and therefore they had little influence on the further development of other breeds.

The Ainu dog was used in searches as well as hunting and became in 1937 “a rare species in Japan that is protected by law”. At that time the Official Name of the breed was set in place as Hokkaido-Inu. But they are still called Hokkaid0-Ken by most Japanese people.

This is a very rare breed of dog. It is hardly known outside of Japan and in country there are about ten to twelve thousand remaining. Of those about nine hundred to one thousand are registered in Japan every year. It is guessed that less than thirty exist outside Japan.

The Hokkaido breed is the oldest Japanese breed of dogs. Today they are great indoor companions, loyal and friendly. Most people in Japan still call them the Ainu dog.

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.

hokkaido puppy - descriptionThe Hokkaido breed is medium in size but very strong in build. Dogs bred outside Japan tend to be smaller. They have wide, deep chests, and long thick coats compared with Japanese dogs from other breeds. It is a double coat of long fur on top and short softer fur underneath for the second coat. Their ears are triangular and small while their eyes have a triangle outline. The double coat could be sesame, white, red, black, black and tan and wolf-gray.

They are an intelligent breed with an impulsive gait. They are alert, courageous and suspicious. They were used for guarding the city gates. Their skull is flat and broad and the tongue, like the chow chow, is blueish. black. With a black nose and a wedge shaped muzzle, the Hokkaido is a handsome dog. His lips are with black and tight. High set, thick tail over the back or slightly curved to the side.

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.

Children friendliness

hokkaido dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very good with every member of the family and that includes children

Special talents

They have terrific stamina and good judgement

Adaptability

Good. They can adapt to live anywhere

Learning ability

They are intelligent and anxious to learn

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.

hokkaido puppies - health problemsOften breeds that are isolated like the Hokkaido, have a pretty good health history but there are a few serious issues that they face.

CEA- Collie Eye Anomaly

1/3 of all dogs have it while 2/3 are carriers. This disease is congenital and there is no cure. It affects the sclera, retina and choroid. It can be mild or it can cause blindness.

Hip Dysplasia

Affecting joints and cause arthritis and lameness.

Luxating Patella

Floating kneecap – not as prevalent here as in smaller dogs.

Heart Mumurs

Could be mild or serious. Could require a pacemaker.

Idiopathic Seizures

Seizures of an unknown origin. Can be treated with medication not cured.

Psychogenic Polydipsia

Excessive, uncontrollable urge to drink large amounts of fluid without a stimuli.

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.

Feeding the puppy

hokkaido dogs - caringThe puppy needs about 300 -400 calories per day in 3-4 servings per day

Feeding the adult

The adult dog needs about 250-350 calories a day to maintain good weight and health. Feed 2-3 times per day.

Health Factors

Strong, stamina

Games and Exercises

These dogs love exercise and definitely need it. They will get to be anxious or bored if they don’t get enough exercise. A back yard run is fine but remember that the Hokkaido is a jumper and make sure your fence is at least six feet high. They need daily walks even if you have a fenced yard. Martindale collars or harnesses are needed when walking them.

These dogs love games and competitive activities. They are good at hunting and guarding of course. There are other activities they can excel at and enjoy jogging, biking with you, and hiking. In competition they enjoy and are good at agility, flyball, lure coursing, rally, weight pull, dock diving, and obedience. They do not participate in confirmation.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison