Istrian Sheepdog is originated from Slovenia but French Bulldog is originated from France. Istrian Sheepdog may grow 28 cm / 12 inches higher than French Bulldog. Istrian Sheepdog may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than French Bulldog. Both Istrian Sheepdog and French Bulldog has same life span. Both Istrian Sheepdog and French Bulldog has almost same litter size. Istrian Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But French Bulldog requires Low maintenance
Known also as the Karst Sheepdog, the beautiful, medium sized Istrian Sheepdog hails from Slovenia, Yugoslavia in the 1600s, being used to guard sheep. In fact, the Karst Shepherd was recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd in 1939.
The dog is fairly scarce in his own country, but interest in the dog started developing in the late 1970s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed and it has also been exported to the United States, being recognized by the United Kennel Club.
It is also recognized by a number of smaller kennel clubs. The dogs numbers have declined at certain periods in its history but fortunately breeding programs boosted its numbers.
The french bulldog originated in England and are bred expecting small size bulldogs. Many lace workers in Nottingham had little bulldogs and when they emigrated to france, they brought their dogs with them. Soon they become popular in France and Europe. Then Americans showed interest in them.In 1896 frenchie was shown in United states in a show and after that they got their nickname "Frechie".
This is a medium sized, muscled, strong dog with an iron-grey coat that has shades of deeper grey. His beautiful coat is long, thick and fairly harsh to the touch, with the undercoat protecting the dog against cold weather.
Around the neck area the hair is longer, forming an eye-catching-like mane. The stomach area has longer hair too. He has a noble look about him with kind, brown eyes and a round skull. The muzzle of the dog is dark, the limbs long and muscular and the tail is long and covered in thick fur.
The dog is slightly longer than its height, and both males and females stand at 54 to 63cm in height and weigh between 26 and 40kg. The long tail reaches right down to the hocks. The ears of the dog are fairly short and are floppy.
This dog has always made an excellent guard dog, being alert and also being distrustful of strangers. He will need to be trained and socialized if you want him to be obedient to you and more amicable around children in the home as well as visitors to the home.
If he is trained and well socialized, he is able to make a good pet. However, he is an energetic dog, used to working and he isn't recommended for life in the city if there is only a tiny garden. He needs space and will require a large garden.
He will also need to be exercised and not just left to his own devices in the backyard. Because he is essentially a working dog he doesn’t easily fit into the role of pet and companion. He is a working dog and will need to be kept busy.
Frenchie is a good companion dog and has a powerful muscular body. They like to play but also likes to relax for more time. They are intelligent and training them is very easy until they think it a game. They are free thinkers and are not very good in obedience. Frenchies should not be leaved alone for a long time.They love spending time with humans and generally they get along with everyone. They are excellent watchdogs and alerts when strangers come.
French bulldog suits very well in apartments. But they should be made to walk for fifteen minutes daily to avoid over weight. They should not be kept outside on hot days. Frenchies will be very happy if you stay in home. They will follow you wherever you walk inside the house. They love people so much, such that people who own a Frenchie can not imagine life without them.
Your Istrian Sheepdog is a unique, strong-willed dog that is used to guarding, and working and he wants to be kept involved and busy.
He is wary of strangers and makes an excellent guard dog for any family home. Remember that it is never good to invest in a dog purely for guard dog purposes. A dog such as the Istrian Sheepdog is a social creature and he also wants- and needs to be part of a human family that provides him with plenty of interaction with them.
The Istrian Sheepdog is a loyal, loving dog who is capable of forming strong bonds with his human family. With proper training and socialization he makes a good friend of children and the elderly too.
Include him in all your family activities just like any human family member and he will make you a splendid, courageous pet.
They are good children friendly dogs as they like to play with them. It will be good if they are supervised by an adult.
They are polite with everyone including other pets. They love to play games and chase balls but don't need much exercise.
Frenchies adapts well for apartment living but they don't like being alone for long time. They will not tolerate both hot and cold weather and so air conditioning will be better.
French Bulldogs are easy to train and are very much interested in playing.
As with many other dog breeds, the Istrian Sheepdog is a healthy dog that, because of history of hard work, is robust and able to stand up well to common dog illnesses.
However there is one dog illness that strikes many dogs and at any age, and it is hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the hip joints.
You'll notice that your once active dog is lethargic, doesn't want to play so much anymore and battles to get up after lying down. The disease is painful for your dog and it can lead to mobility issues. The disease is diagnosed with x-rays and your vet will recommend treatment options to make life more comfortable and less painful for your beloved pet.
Frenchies can suffer from Von Willebrand's disease(VWD)and thyroid condition. Due to their flat faces they suffer from elongated soft palate or cleft palate. Because of their compacted air way they have inability to effectively regulate temperature.
Any indication that the hair is unhealthy, such as brittleness and hair loss, should be addressed immediately to avoid any further damage. Hair loss becomes a problem when it becomes excessive, possibly due to disease or a particular condition.
This is a dog that is used to guarding his flock and he will need to be in a home that has a fair sized garden. He can adapt to life in the city or to the countryside, but wherever he is, he will need sufficient exercise. Take him with you on your walks or hikes and give him some rope- and ball games.
Wherever you live in the world, when the Winter winds howl and blow in icy rain or snow, a dog is at an increased risk of illness. You decided to have a dog in your home and it is your responsibility to care for him. Winter weather is downright unpleasant and dangerous for most pets.
Bring your pet in during such weather and provide him with a warm, dry sleeping space. During hot weather, make sure your pet has a cool, shady spot to lie down in, out of the boiling sun. Whatever weather you're experiencing, your pet should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Provide him with excellent food that is full of vitamins and minerals to keep him healthy. Learn to know what human foods can be toxic for him and cause him digestive problems.
Your double coated Istrian Sheepdog will need a thorough brushing at least twice a week because of his dense, double coat. He does shed and isn't a hypoallergenic dog. His thick coat can tangle easily if it isn't properly brushed and maintained.
Clip his nails when and if they grow long. Other grooming aspects for this attractive dog require checking his ears for infection and also checking his teeth as dental disease can lead to a host of serious illnesses in your dog.
As with all dogs, proper nutrition makes your French Bulldog a happy, healthy pup. He should have his own food and water bowls. Don't feed your French bulldog puppy, uncooked meat or food that may have gone bad. Young puppies need relatively large amount of food in order to meat the demands of their rapidly growing bodies and their hectic lifestyle. Feed your puppy specially designed chewing treats from reputable pet stores.
According to the French BullDog Club of America, there are no specific guidelines for feeding them. Options for feeding your French Bulldog are commercial dry food, canned food, raw food and homemade meals. Calories required for frenchie varies depending on size, age, activity level and metabolism.
Frenchies can be made to walk or run for a particular distances. Heavy exercises should not be given as they face respiratory problems. Avoid exercising them in hot weather as they have chances of getting heatstroke.