Tweed Water Spaniel vs Serbian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison

The Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct. Fortunately, we have some beautiful dogs that come from this dog. It is involved in bringing about the Golden Retriever. They were athletic dogs from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It was in 1816 that Richard Lawrence wrote of the origins of the Tweed Water Spaniel which is thought to have come from the Newfoundland dog. It is believed that huntsmen used these dogs to retrieve the ducks and geese they shot. This purebred dog wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI.

Known as the Srpski Planinski Gonic dog and coming from Yugoslavia, the Serbian Mountain Hound is one of two modern hounds that was once known as the Yugoslavian Mountain Hound or Jugoslovenski Planinski Gonic.

There isn't much information on the origins of the dogs. These two dogs are considered similar breeds, only varying in region. Its a hunting dog thought to have descended from Asian search dogs.

The Tweed Water Spaniel had a curly liver-colored coat with a long feathery tail and medium-sized floppy ears. It is thought that he was a large dog standing at between 50 to 60cm in height and weighing between 25 and 32kg.

The Tweed Water Spaniel, regarded as a moderate shedder, would have required being brushed from time to time.

Temperament:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had so many wonderful characteristics that made him a splendid family pet. He was smart and able to learn basic commands. He was also very playful and would have made a robust, playful friend for children.

They made gentle, loyal companions for their human family and wee able to get on well with other pets in the home. They would have got on well with other pets in the home too and it is believed that they were amicable enough to have been suited as a therapy dog.

They made good watchdogs too, being active and alert, just loving the outdoors. They’re well suited to life in the country or a home with a big garden and wouldn’t like to be cooped up on a small property in the city.

The Serbian Mountain Hound is about 46 to 50cm in height and weighs around 18 to 22 kilograms. This Yugoslavian hound breed has been used in Serbia as a hunting dog and they are thought to be rare outside of Serbia.

The coat of the newer Mountain Hound is fairly short and thick and mainly black with some tan marks around the paws and muzzle. The dog has floppy ears and a long tail.

Temperament:

This is a hardy scent hound that is confident and bold. They are used to hunting on rough terrain in the Balkan region. They are independent dogs and training and socialization will refine them, making the dog obedient and well mannered.

When he isn’t outdoors, he becomes a good-natured, gentle amiable dog that is good with children in the home.

Intelligent, courageous and friendly, it seems such a pity that the Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct because he seemed to have been a super dog.

Luckily we have dogs such as the Golden Retriever that remind us of what a good family pet he was.

The Serbian Mountain Hound is such a social, happy, friendly kind of dog that he makes a wonderful family pet.

He learns well, he likes to please, he gets on well with children and dogs in the home, he is independent and not a noisy barker. He is also fairly low maintenance.

Take good care of him and you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful pet and companion.

Because this dog is extinct and because no health records were kept, it is assumed that he would have had the same health issues as a Golden Retriever. Typical health issues of this dog would include hip dysplasia, obesity, cardiomyopathy.

Obesity:

This is a preventable disease in dogs, and if dog owners only knew what damage they do by allowing their dogs to become obese. Certainly, obesity shortens a dog’s life.

It is mind-boggling to realize that scientific evidence tells us that fat tissue is biologically active, secreting inflammatory hormones and also putting stress on the dog’s joints. Obese dogs develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by an enlarged heart. The heart doesn’t function properly with the ventricles becoming enlarged. The muscle wall of the heart becomes thinner and this causes the heart to lose the ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can all lead to congestive heart failure. Your dog will battle to breathe, be panting and coughing, have an extended abdomen and may even collapse.

Nobody wants their dog to be sick and lethargic, after all they are our best friend’s. Some ways to check the status of your dog’s health -

Breath:

Check his breath, as a bad breath, just like as with a human being, can be a sign of illness. It can also be indicative of dental problems, digestive or kidney problems.

Skin and coat:

Spread his fur and check that the skin is a healthy color – pink, grey or black. Make sure there is no crusting or itching with red, inflamed areas. Make sure the coat is thick and lustrous – not falling out and thinning.

Paws and Nails:

Make sure the nails aren’t split, flaking and broken and that the paws aren’t cut so that the dog is constantly licking them.

Super thirsty:

Every dog drinks a lot of water after hectic exercise, but if your dog suddenly becomes very thirsty more than usual, it could be indicating a medical problem, and you will need to discuss it with your vet.

Grooming:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had floppy ears and as a water dog, he may well have had ear infections in his day. One wonders if dog owners of that time were aware of the need to have the inside of the dog's ears clean and dry.

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have needed to have his eyes checked too. Pus in the eyes could indicate the dog wasn’t well.

Exercise:

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have required a lot of exercise and would have loved long walks and hikes. He wouldn’t need an invitation to go swimming and if you threw a stick or ball into the water, he’d be right there, jumping right in.

If you were a person that thrived on an active life this dog would have been for you.

Diet:

Nobody really knows what the Tweed Water Spaniel would have eaten in the 19th century when he was around. He’s the kind of dog you’d have to be careful with as he could put on weight easily.

If he were around today, you’d give him a high quality commercially manufactured food that was designed for large, active dogs. No doubt in those days, the owners gave the dog scraps off the table.

Today if you wanted to give your dog home-made food, you’d stick to healthy foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Puppies would have required 4 bowls of food a day while the adult dog would require 2 meals a day.