Vikhan Sheepdog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison

Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan but Ciobanesc de Bucovina is originated from Romania. Vikhan Sheepdog may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Vikhan Sheepdog may weigh 43 kg / 94 pounds lesser than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Vikhan Sheepdog may live 4 years less than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Vikhan Sheepdog may have more litter size than Ciobanesc de Bucovina. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Ciobanesc de Bucovina requires High maintenance.

History

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

ciobanesc de bucovina - historyThe Ciobanesc de Bucovina is a breed that developed naturally in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania and Serbia) and some regions of Bulgaria. The breed was especially useful in the Romanian northeast regions, the county Bucovina and in the northeastern region of Serbia. These dogs are bred for guarding and herding of flocks as well as guard dogs for the family home.

When the area was split between Russian and Romania, the dog continued to thrive in the mountains because of the need that the shepherds had for this type of dog with the build, working ability and temperament of the Bucovina.

Finally, in the 20th century, Romania began to urbanize and industrialize. People moved to the cities from the hills and many brought their dogs with them. This allowed many non-mountain Romanians to come into contact with the Bucovina Shepherd for the first time. He became a great family dog and offered guard dog protection as well.

The Romanian Kennel Club accepted the Ciobanesc du Bucovina in 1982 and wrote the first standard then. It has since been updated in 2001 and 2002 with today’s standard. They are not accepted by the international clubs nor the big clubs in the US and Europe. This is one factor in keeping the breed rare because it is little known outside of Romania.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
Origin:
Pakistan
Romania
Height Male:
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
68 - 78 cm
26 - 31 inches
Height Female:
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
64 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
50 - 90 kg
110 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
50 - 80 kg
110 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Bucovina Wolf Dog, Bukovinak, Capau, Dulau, Bucovina Sheepdog, Bucovina Mountain Dog, Bucovina Shepherd, Bukovina Bucovina Sheepdog Bucovina Shepherd Southeastern European Shepherd, Ciobanesc de Bucovina
Colors Available:
fawn, black , brown
black or black with red-fawn reflections. , Clear white or white-beige with distinct patches of grey
Coat:
long and shaggy
double coated, long and full top coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
High maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

ciobanesc de bucovina puppy - descriptionMost large mountain dogs resemble the Bucovina Shepherd, but this breed is more slightly built and has a lighter coat than most of the mountain dogs. They are still a very large dog weighing in between 70 and 120 pounds. They are powerfully built even if more slender than other mountain dogs. They have a long thick coat that makes it difficult to see how their bodies are formed, but they are a very muscular dog.

Their large head does indicate how powerful a dog he is, and he has a wide muzzle that tapers off at the end. The breed has small eyes that are either hazel or brown and his v-shaped ears hang downward on the side of his head. He has a wide, black nose and thick, dark lips. His tail is bushy and long.

Characteristics

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

ciobanesc de bucovina dog - characteristicsBred to herd and guard cattle against the wolves and bears, it is a very dominant, self-assured, breed. They are intelligent yet laid back when no threat is suspected. They love children but can be hard to train. A dominant adult is needed to train and control the Ciobanesc de Bucovina. They are quite protective of their families and will patrol the property if left outside at night.

The breed has a strong mistrust of strangers but loves his adopted family. Unless threatened the Ciobanesc de Bucovina is calm and chilled. He is loyal, affectionate and dedicated. They attempt to frighten strangers with barks and growls but will attack if necessary. They are also very driven to chase prey so make sure they are in a locked fence. They can be difficult to train and seem to need a strong, alpha adult presence.

Health Problems

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

ciobanesc de bucovina puppies - health problemsNot much has been done to study the health of this breed so not much is known for certain. It is known that they have good health as they have survived the harsh winters in the mountains while tending to the flocks.

Given their size and the history of mountain dogs, they could be susceptible to visual and skeletal amount of food and at the right times can prevent this. They could be susceptible to arthritis, knee and elbow dysplasia, and cataracts.

Caring The Pet

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Caring for Pet

Feeding

ciobanesc de bucovina dogs - caringIt is important not to over feed or to feed to much at one time. Even though they are large and powerful dogs, massive meals can cause bloat, so you are better off with 2-4 smaller meals per day. Also, don’t feed right before or right after strenuous exercise.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed does not appear to have many health issues. As they developed naturally in the mountains they have not been exposed to many things there.

Bloat

This was already mentioned but it is a very serious condition and requires veterinary assistance immediately under threat of death.

Dysplasia

They can have either hip or elbow dysplasia. Can lead to arthritis of lameness.

Exercise and games

This is a calm, even tempered dog not needing a lot of exercise. However, he is a big dog and can get obese without daily exercise. A large fenced in yard would be appreciated and a nice brisk walk every day. They would probably enjoy flyball and leurcatch. Any herding or hunting would be enjoyed.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Vikhan Sheepdog vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  5. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  7. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  9. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  10. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  11. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac - Breed Comparison
  12. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Smooth Haired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  13. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  14. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Spinone Italiano - Breed Comparison
  15. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Talbot - Breed Comparison
  16. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  17. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  18. Weimaraner vs Vikhan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  19. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  20. Vikhan Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Vikhan Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  23. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Newfoundland Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  26. Leonberger vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  27. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  28. Moscow Watchdog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  29. Spanish Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  30. St. Bernard vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  31. Kars Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  32. Moscow Water Dog vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  33. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  36. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  37. Ciobanesc de Bucovina vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  38. Great Dane vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  39. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  40. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Wolfhound vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  42. Francais Blanc et Orange vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Burmese vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  44. Gaddi Kutta vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  45. Nebolish Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds