MyDogBreeds
Ryukyu Inu is originated from Japan but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Both Ryukyu Inu and Estonian Hound are having almost same height. Both Ryukyu Inu and Estonian Hound are having almost same weight. Ryukyu Inu may live 3 years less than Estonian Hound. Both Ryukyu Inu and Estonian Hound has same litter size. Ryukyu Inu requires Low maintenance. But Estonian Hound requires Moderate maintenance
The Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.
It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.
The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.
In 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.
The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.
Japanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.
The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.
The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.
These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.
Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.
They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.
The Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.
The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.
This dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.
He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.
The Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.
He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.
He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.
He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.
These Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.
The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.
Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.
Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.
Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.
With such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.
It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:
Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.
The coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.
Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.
Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.
Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.
Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.
Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.
Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.
Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.
Feed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.
Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.
Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.
As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.
Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.
Check their ears and clean them periodically.
The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.