Havapoo vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

The Havapoo is usually a cross with a miniature Poodle and a Havanese but other poodle sizes such as the toy can be used. This is a fairly new cross breed just getting the attention of the American public. The result is a friendly, small dog. They have a striking appearance and lovable personality. They are easy to train and very smart. Not much is know about their heritage except that they were developed in the United States sometime in the past 30 years. Given the long history of the parental breeds, you can count on the quality and beauty of the Havapoo.

This is an ancient working dog breed which hails from the Italian island of Sardinia. When you do research, you find that no one is sure as to this dogs exact origin, and there are a number of theories as to how the dog developed.

Regardless of how the Dogo Sardesco came about, it is a valued companion of farmers in Sardinia, being appreciated for its protective nature.

The dog is a kind of Molosser or Mastiff dog. In the past the dog has been used as a working and hunting dog, and today he is a popular dog in mainland Italy. He is also known as Sardinian Mastiff, Sardinian Molosser and Dogo Sardo.

The Dogo Sardesco isn’t recognized today by international kennel clubs, and breeders on the island of Sardinia have done nothing to form a breed club for the dog.

The look of the Havapoo is unpredictable in first generation mixes as the puppies can appear like either of the parents. Most however have carried on the facial features of the Havanese. They usually have soft coats with hypoallergenic fur that comes in brown, black, grey, white and tan. The white dogs tend to be deaf or perhaps even blind. They are really good looking dogs whichever parent they favor.

The dog Sardesco is a medium to large sized dog generally measuring 56 to 68 cm at the withers and weighing roughly 30 to 45 kg.

Because the dog isn’t bred to specific standards, it varies in appearance, but it is a powerful looking dog, being lean and athletic. The dog’s tail is traditionally docked, but with tail docking being frowned upon, the tail is left long and the dog loses its distinctive look.

The head of the dog is large and the ears are also traditionally cropped to be very short. Left naturally, the ears fold down closely to the sides of the head.The eyes are small and amber colored. The coat is short and smooth, but thick, and while it comes in many colors, the more regular color is red, brown, black, grey or brindle.

Temperament:

The Dogo Sardesco becomes a loyal family pet, more so when he has been trained and socialized. Although he is a devoted and affectionate dog, forming particularly strong bonds with his human family, he isn’t recommended for homes where there are young children.

He also doesn’t take too kindly to other pets in the home. This is because they are a strong-willed, dominant breed and might therefore not be a good choice for first-time dog owners.

Because Sardinian breeders have focused on developing an aggressive dog, he has become a dog suspicious of- and aloof with strangers. He is stubborn and self-willed, and to make him more obedient and amicable, he will require training and socialization. He is an alert, intelligent dog and this makes him an excellent watch dog.

The Sardinian Mastiff is an active dog too and won’t do well in a home where the people aren’t interested in exercise. He is the kind of dog that will need to be taken with you on walks, and he will love to spend time running alongside you when you go running or cycling.

He won’t adapt too well to life in the city, particularly when there is just a tiny garden.

1Children friendliness yes but monitor their interaction so the dog does not get hurt. 2.Special talents highly intelligent and love to run 3.Adaptability Home or apartment is fine but would love a fenced yard to run in. 4.Learning ability very high smart and loves to learn

The Dogo Sardesco has always performed his role as a working dog well, and this is a reliable watch dog as well as the dog takes his job of guarding his human family seriously.

With his aggressive temperament, he has appeared on the list of banned breeds, and this is why he isn’t an ideal choice for homes where there are small children, as some small children haven’t been taught how to treat a dog with respect.

However, when properly trained and socialized he becomes an excellent companion dog. He has an intimidating look about him, but when he is with his human family, another side comes out and he is affectionate, loving and protective.

Even though first generation mixes have no genetic health issues. There are however some issues they are prone to: • Deafness - primarily in the white dogs, nothing can be done for it. • Cataracts – can lead to blindness • Hypothyroidism – can be medicated • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness • Patellar Luxation – can lead to lameness

The Dogo Sardesco is a relatively healthy breed who is unlikely to suffer with ailments common to dogs, but nonetheless there are some diseases or conditions that you might want to be aware of with your dog.

Skeletal and visual problems can occur in this breed. Both hip- and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic disorders in dogs and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and even cause lifelong disability.

Genes and environmental factors play a part in your dog developing this disease.If he has been diagnosed as having hip or elbow dysplasia, get your dog to the vet as there are treatments which can at least make your pet a lot more comfortable.

Remember that feeding your puppy Dogo Sardesco too much food which is particularly high in calories can mean him growing too fast, and this can contribute to this hip dysplasia problem.

1Feeding the puppy – feed a high quality puppy food for small or toy dogs. Feed 3-4 times a day a total or 1 cup. 2.Feeding the adult - feed a high quality puppy food for small or toy dogs. Feed 3-4 times a day a total of 2 cups 3.Points for Good Health – overall good health 4. Games and Exercises – needs some moderate exercise and would love a fenced yard to run in. Will play fetch and some are good at agility.

Dog owners who don’t like the idea of spending too much money on grooming will appreciate that the Dogo Sardesco is a very low maintenance breed, and that a good brushing twice a week will keep the dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

As with all other dogs, he will need to have his teeth brushed to remove plaque build up. Not only does plaque lead to dental disease, but bad teeth can lead to other health issues too.

Nail clipping will also be necessary if your pet doesn’t wear the nails down naturally from getting to run on a hard surface from time to time.