Sarplaninac is originated from Macedonia but Pungsan Dog is originated from North Korea. Both Sarplaninac and Pungsan Dog are having almost same height. Sarplaninac may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Pungsan Dog. Both Sarplaninac and Pungsan Dog has almost same life span. Sarplaninac may have more litter size than Pungsan Dog. Both Sarplaninac and Pungsan Dog requires Moderate maintenance.
Hailing 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.
It is a hunting dog and considered to be a National Treasure of Korea. It was during the Japanese occupation of Korea that the dog’s thick coat was sought after for use in fur coats for the Japanese military.
The population numbers plummeted dramatically, with the Korean War reducing the numbers even further. The North Korean government assisted with re-establishing them.
Today, the Pungsan isn’t recognized by the Federation Cynological International (FCI) and also remains unrecognized by any major kennel clubs.
The 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.
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.
The Pungsan dog is a large dog – a kind of spitz-type dog which stands between 55 and 60cm in height and weighs between 18-24 kg.
The dog has a thick whitish coat that even allows them to sleep in the snow. They have a muscular build with a deep chest. The legs are straight and strong, with the typical Spitz-type triangular head with the almond-shaped eyes and erect ears. The tail is high-set, curling over the back. After mating, within 60 – 70 days they can produce 2 to 4 puppies.
It it thought that the Pungsan’s intelligence is due to wolf DNA but there is a question mark over this. They are intelligent dogs though.
These dogs are always loyal and protective of their owners, forming strong bonds with them. They are strong-willed and independent and will require training and socialization if you want them to be obedient, well mannered dogs.
They’re intelligent so won’t have problems learning. When properly trained and socialized, they can be good playmates for children. He is also able to get along well with other animals in the house.
They’re aloof with strangers and have strong territorial instincts, but this just goes towards making them excellent watchdogs.
These 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.
The Pungsan is a wonderful dog if you’re looking for an affectionate, loyal pet.
These dogs thrive on having an owner that is energetic and a strong leader. It likes to become involved in all the activities the family is involved in, loving to join them on hikes and camping trips. Its a dog that is also protective and territorial and makes a good watchdog too.
With proper training and socialization he gets on well with children and other pets in the home, making him a welcome canine family member for any busy household.
The Sarplaninac dog is a robust dog but he can suffer from health issues such as hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat, ear infections and skin allergies.
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.
The Pungsan is a healthy breed prone to very few health issues, yet there will always be those common health issues that plague dogs like these. One of these is hip dysplasia, while others are obesity, bloat and cancer.
It can be very sad when your vet tells you that your dog has hip dysplasia. Fortunately with modern veterinary medicine, a dog can be kept happy with this ailment.
The hip joint doesn’t develop properly and painful wear and tear with arthritis makes it very difficult for the dog to be mobile. It’s a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors play a huge part too. Get your pet to the vet to ensure he is pain free.
Seizures in a dog can be caused usually because of trauma, tumor or infection. Seizures can start from as young as 6 months of age.Some seizures can last for a long time and are considered an emergency, requiring immediate veterinary help.Your veterinarian will want a complete history and perform a neurological exam.
Every 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.
With his dense coat, this dog will require a brush twice a week to keep the fur free from matting and from loose hair. He is after all a fairly heavy shedder and will require this regular brushing to remove the dead hair and maintain the luster and sheen of the coat.
This is a strong, athletic dog and he is mentally sharp as well. He will require vigorous physical- and mental activity each day. He isn’t the kind of dog to lie around for long periods of time as this leads to frustration and destructive behavior and then the owner should be blamed.
Take him on walks or long hikes – he’ll love that – and play ball- and rope games with him. He will be quite game for swimming as well.
Your Pungsan dog can get to 14 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to be sure your pet gets some nutritious home-made food too.
Make sure that the kibble is the high quality ones with lots of vitamins and minerals. Add in some home-made food twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Your dog will do well on plain, simple, nutritious, tasty food like this. Chop this food up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.
Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.