MyDogBreedsSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but Cypro Kukur is originated from India. Spanish Water Dog may grow 40 cm / 15 inches shorter than Cypro Kukur. Spanish Water Dog may weigh 68 kg / 149 pounds lesser than Cypro Kukur. Both Spanish Water Dog and Cypro Kukur has almost same life span. Spanish Water Dog may have more litter size than Cypro Kukur. Spanish Water Dog requires Moderate maintenance. But Cypro Kukur requires Low maintenance
Bred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.
In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.
The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.
The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.
The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.
The Cypro Kukur is an ancient dog breed which originated in the Kumaon area of India. It is interesting to note that the name Cypro Kukur translates to Cyprus Dog, but the dog doesn’t appear to have originated in Cyprus.
The dog was used to guard livestock. It has a history that goes right back to about 300 years BC. The true history of this dog is shrouded in mystery and there are researchers who believe that foreign explorers to the Cyprus region imported these Kumaon watchdogs. There are those who believe the dog descended from the Molosser dog breeds.
The dog is also known as the Indian Mastiff or Kumaon Mastiff, but it is facing extinction with just a small number of pure Cypro Kukur remaining in the area. Today, however, there appears to be quite a large number of the dogs in Europe.
The Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.
The Cypro kukur is a large dog standing at anything from 70 – 90 cm and also weighing in the region of 70 – 90kg. He has an attractively lean, muscled body. He has a large head with a strong neck and floppy ears. The tail is long. The short, thick coat is a light fawn color with brindle markings or he can be white with black marking.
The Cypro Kukur is an aggressive dog breed and that is why he was used to guard livestock to ward off wild animals. He makes an excellent guard dog. However with training and socialization he makes an excellent family pet, becoming friendly and obedient around other pets and people.
3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.
The large Cypro Kukur is a fairly aggressive dog who makes for an excellent guard- or watch dog. It is important to have this dog trained and socialized as he can be aggressive.
He may be large and intimidating to look at with some aggressive tendencies, but with training they can become domesticated and then he has the capability of becoming quiet, well behaved and obedient.
If you’re looking for a large, loyal friend, then choose the Cypro Kukur, as with socialization he can make a good and loyal family pet.
The Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.
• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.
• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency
The Cypro Kukur can live to be 10 – 12, but he is a large dog and there will be some health concerns that your dog may never develop but are worth knowing about. These are Hip Dysplasia and Gastric Torsion.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most commonly occurring conditions that dogs have to contend with so it is worth knowing about.
It is an hereditary disease that progressively gets worse with age. Your dog can be uncomfortable and in pain. Canine hip dysplasia is when the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. Veterinarians tell us that most dogs are actually born with normal hip joints, but that gradual subluxation brings about the development of abnormally shaped hip joints.
Gastric dilatation volvulus is another name for gastric torsion, a medical condition also referred to as a twisted stomach.
Excess gas causes what is known as bloat and its a life-threatening condition that will require immediate attention from your vet.
You’ll notice your pet’s stomach is swollen, your dog will have difficulty with breathing and he may be vomiting. It is a disease brought on by a number of factors.
1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.
2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.
4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.
This is a large dog and he will require an adequate amount of exercise. He is the kind of dog that isn’t recommended for couch potatoes. He will need to join you in your walks every day, or you can allow him to join you with your jogging or cycling.
The short coat of this large dog is easy to care for. He is a moderate shedder so a good brush twice a week will be all he needs to remove loose hairs and keep his coat healthy and shiny. Brushing him gives you the chance to check him for fleas and ticks too.
Other grooming for the Cypro Kukur should include trimming his nails and brushing his teeth twice a week with canine-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Make a point of checking inside his ears as dogs with floppy ears are prone towards ear infections.