Tornjak vs Tahltan Bear Dog - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Tornjak vs Tahltan Bear Dog - Breed ComparisonTornjak is originated from Croatia but Tahltan Bear Dog is originated from Canada. Tornjak may grow 29 cm / 12 inches higher than Tahltan Bear Dog. Tornjak may weigh 41 kg / 91 pounds more than Tahltan Bear Dog. Both Tornjak and Tahltan Bear Dog has almost same life span. Both Tornjak and Tahltan Bear Dog has almost same litter size. Tornjak requires Moderate maintenance. But Tahltan Bear Dog requires Low maintenance

History

tornjak - historyKnown also as the Bosnian and Herzegovinian, the Tornjak dog hails from Croatia and Bosnia and is a large mountain sheepdog.

It is thought that this protector of livestock dog has been bred from the Tibetan Mastiff. He is an ancient breed because there are records of its existence coming as far back as the 11th century.

As a working dog, his role of guarding sheep became less and the dog’s numbers diminished. It was during the 1970s that the breed was revived.

tahltan bear dog - historyThe primitive Tahltan Bear Dog comes from Canada. The dog was developed by the Tahltan people to hunt bears, so you can imagine he was a strong, brave dog.

They also had fox-like yaps that confused bears until the hunter could come and kill the bear. These dogs are descended from pariah-type dogs with their diet being birds and fish.

It was in 1988 that the Canadian Post Office honoured the Tahltan Bear Dog by having a picture of it appearing on a stamp.

Some people claim that after the 1960s there are no longer any living descendants while others say that breeding projects were established and that there are still a few of these dogs around today. There are records on the other hand that claim the dog became extinct in the 1970s.

These dogs have been recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Croatia
Canada
Height Male:
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
36 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
58 - 72 cm
22 - 29 inches
36 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
28 - 50 kg
61 - 111 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
3 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Croatian Mountain Dog, Bosnian Shepherd Dog
Chien d'ours de Tahlta
Colors Available:
White with tan, brown or black markings, grey
Brown, some white, black
Coat:
Long and thick
Short to medium length, thick
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

tornjak puppy - descriptionThis is a large, strong dog, standing at between 58 and 72cm in height and weighing between 28 and 50kg. He has a long, thick coat which has always protected him from the harsh winters of the countries he comes from.

Common colors for the coat are mainly white with tan, brown, grey or black markings.

Temperament:

The Tornjak is a beautiful dog and also calm by nature, well balanced, intelligent and self- confident. His calm nature doesn’t stop him from being a good watchdog though as he is also alert and brave.

He is more than willing to please his owner and is able to be trained and socialized with ease.

He is a social dog and just loves spending time with hs human family. Therefore efforts should be made not to leave him alone for long periods of time. He forms strong bonds with them and is loving and devoted. Because of his size and energy he won’t suit life in the city on a small property but will be better suited to life in the countryside.

tahltan bear dog puppy - descriptionNot like a bear, but more foxy in appearance or even more like a husky, the Tahltan Bear dog is medium sized, standing at between 36 – 43cm in height and weighing between 6 – 9 kg.

It is believed that they were similar to spitz and pariah type dogs, and were athletic. The short to medium length coat of the dog was mainly black or brown with some white.

He had fairly large pointed, erect ears and also a fairly pointed muzzle. The tail was interesting and was short and furry and always carried erect.

Temperament:

The Tahltan Bear Dog is fearless, not being deterred when meeting large bear. It's why the dog has been valued by hunters – their bravery and fearlessness.

They’re great family dogs too and will get on well with children. He is intelligent and easy to train if you want to give him training and socialization.

Characteristics

These are quiet, brave dogs but they can be good watchdogs too.

Calm and balanced, he is capable of being alert too and makes a good watchdog.

tornjak dog - characteristicsWith their human family, they become attached and loyal, not wanting to be separated from anyone for too long. Give him the care this beautiful dog deserves and he'll make you a splendid pet and companion.

tahltan bear dog dog - characteristicsBecause some claim that this dog is extinct, there are only a few accounts of what he is actually like.

Even though they were hunting dogs, they were devoted pets and companions of the people of the Yukon.

If these dogs are still to be found today, you will find them to be easy going, protective, loyal, intelligent, playful, alert, watchful and energetic. Just don’t allow them to get too hot as they prefer cooler climates.

Health Problems

tornjak puppies - health problemsMost dogs face one or two health challenges in their lives, but most Tornjaks are healthy and won’t easily get sick.

They’re large dogs so they typically don’t live as long as small dogs. They can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age.

Patellar Luxation: 

This is a dislocation of the kneecap, caused by an injury or it can be present at birth. It can cause pain and a limp.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a joint condition that is more often seen in large dogs. The ill-fitting joint rubs and chafes, and osteoarthritis and more pain is the result.

You will have to speak to your vet about relieving the pain for your dog and making him more comfortable. Don’t think hip dysplasia is something only old dogs get – it can develop with young dogs – even puppies. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and suggest different medical and surgical options.

tahltan bear dog puppies - health problemsHealthy dogs are unlikely to pick up any of the many common dog illnesses there are. There are many – cancer, diabetes, bloat, hip dysplasia, ear infections, dental disease and many more.

Kennel Cough:

This is a contagious and infectious disease known as canine tracheobronchitis and which is transmitted through the air. Treatment is usually administered as a nasal spray, but your dog will need to get to the vet because of his dry, honking cough and lack of appetite.

Rabies:

This is a viral disease which in most instances is fatal. It is mostly transmitted when an animal that carries the disease bites the dog. Your dog develops behavior which is totally uncharacteristic of him. He'll also froth at the mouth and become aggressive. Death is nearly always guaranteed.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

tornjak dogs - caringThe Tornjak needs exercise every day to keep him fit and happy. He will love it when you take down his leash for his daily walk. He is a social dog and will want to be involved with all your activities. He gets on well with other dogs too.

●Grooming:

The Tornjak will require quite a bit of grooming because the hair is fairly long and it sheds. Some dog owners have the hair cut by a professional groomer. Regular brushing certainly helps to reduce lots of dog hair flying around.

The insides of his ears need to be checked for signs of redness as well as the eyes. The eyes should be checked for pus and redness. Occasional dog nail trimming will also be required.

● Vaccines:

Keep his vaccines up to date to avoid deadly canine diseases.

● Diet:

Provide your Tornjak with top quality food. If you feed him with one of the commercially manufactured foods, make sure it is one of the better brands. The inferior brands are filled with bad ingredients that can actually make a dog sick.

Try to include some home-made food which can be added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat. Avoid human foods such as chocolates, grapes, onions, peanuts and chips as these can give him stomach pain and more vet bills for you.

Stick to wholesome, simple foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Your Tornjak will love it and it will ensure he has bright eyes ad a wagging tail. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

tahltan bear dog dogs - caringThis double coated hunting dog’s thick coarse coat will require brushing at least twice a week to free the dog of loose hair. He is regarded as a low mainenance dog.

During brushing, you would check inside his ears and make sure there are no signs of redness. Eyes of the dog should be bright, eager and free of discharge.Always keep the nails of the dog trimmed.

If you keep your pet outside for any lengths of time it is imperative that this dog has shade to lie down in as he doesn’t do well in too much heat.

Exercise:

Because he is a hunting dog, he is used to being outdoors and being active. He wont be content to lie around inactive for too long. He’ll want at least a walk every day and some ball games.

Diet:

A pet dog can’t choose his own food so they depend on us to make the right choices for them. It’s always convenient to have a packet of commercially manufactured dog food available, but who knows if this dog, which some claim is extinct, ever ate commercially manufactured food.

If he did, you would want to mix it every now and again with home made food - boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach. This food could be chopped up and added to the dog’s kibble.

Ensure that a constant supply of fresh, cool water is available to him.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tornjak vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  2. Tornjak vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  3. Tornjak vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  4. Tornjak vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  5. Tornjak vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  6. Tornjak vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  7. Tornjak vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  8. Tornjak vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Tornjak vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  10. Tornjak vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  11. Tornjak vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  12. Tornjak vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  13. Tornjak vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Tornjak vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  15. Tornjak vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  16. Tornjak vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  17. Tornjak vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Tornjak vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  19. Tornjak vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. Tornjak vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. Tornjak vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. Tornjak vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  23. Tornjak vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  24. Tornjak vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Tornjak vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison
  26. Tahltan Bear Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  28. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Sakhalin Husky - Breed Comparison
  29. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  31. Tahltan Bear Dog vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  32. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Portuguese Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  34. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Puli - Breed Comparison
  35. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  36. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  37. Tahltan Bear Dog vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Tahltan Bear Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  40. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Porcelaine - Breed Comparison
  41. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  45. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  46. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Pumi - Breed Comparison
  47. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  48. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  49. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds