Vikhan Sheepdog vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison

Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan but Lagotto Romagnolo is originated from Italy. Vikhan Sheepdog may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Lagotto Romagnolo. Vikhan Sheepdog may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Lagotto Romagnolo. Vikhan Sheepdog may live 9 years less than Lagotto Romagnolo. Vikhan Sheepdog may have more litter size than Lagotto Romagnolo. Vikhan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Lagotto Romagnolo requires Moderate 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.

lagotto romagnolo - historyThe Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Water Dog of Romagna, and falling into the sporting dog category, is a pure breed dog which comes from the Romagna region of Italy.

The dog’s role was that of gun dog and to retrieve water birds. Today he is more used as a truffle hunter in Italy as well as being used for a therapy dog.

In 2015 the Lagotto Romagnolo was accepted by the American Kennel Club into the sporting dog category.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Pakistan
Italy
Height Male:
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
13 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Water Dog of Romagna
Colors Available:
fawn, black , brown
grey, apricot, Cream, white, brown or tan.
Coat:
long and shaggy
Waterproof, curly double coat with a woolly texture
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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

lagotto romagnolo puppy - descriptionThe Lagotto Ramagnolo is a medium sized dog where both males and females stand anything between 41 and 48cm and weigh 11 to 16kg.

He is well proportioned and muscled, he has large yellow or brown eyes with a black or brown/pinkish nose, floppy, rounded ears and a tail which is left long these days.

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a waterproof double coat with a woolly texture and which hardly sheds, putting him as being hypoallergenic.

The coat can be in a number of different colors such as cream, grey, white, apricot, brown or tan. The face of the dog has a bit of a beard as well as noticeable bushy eyebrows.

Temperament:

  • Jaunty and feisty
  • Cheerful, lively and alert
  • Intelligent and easily trainable
  • Loving and loyal
  • Undemanding

Because the Lagotto is a sporting breed, he has had to call on all his senses to retrieve water birds. Good eyesight, sharp listening skills and an excellent sense of smell makes him the ideal gun dog but he also makes a loyal family pet.

He makes a good playmate for children and he happily gets on well with other pets in the home. Being an intelligent dog, he is easy to train too.

The sporting past of his has made it that he isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he will require mental- and physical stimulation. His role as gun dog meant that he was required to retrieve birds in water, and he is an excellent swimmer and will happily plunge into water to join you in a swim.

Have him trained and socialized and you’ll find him tuned in to obeying your commands. Because of his smallish size, the Lagotto can adjust well to life in the city or in the countryside, just so long as he still receives his full quota of exercise.

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

lagotto romagnolo dog - characteristicsMany dog lovers appreciate that the Lagotto Romagnolos is looked upon as an allergy-friendly dog with his non-shedding coat.

Being a medium sized dog, he is manageable too. Add to that excellent characteristics such as being amicable, friendly and loving. Training him some important, basic commands won’t be difficult either and you can add in intelligence to his list of good qualities.

As loving dogs, they are dedicated to their families, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. He is a social dog and just longs to be a treasured member of the family like anybody else.

Count him in with all your activities and you’re going to have a one-in-a-million undemanding and contented canine friend.

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.

lagotto romagnolo puppies - health problemsLagotto live roughly 16 years with the best food, exercise and loving environment. Some health issues may well crop up, though unlikely, but it is good to be aware of them.

Hip Dysplasia:

You hear the words ‘Hip dysplasia’ being bandied about a lot in the world of dogs because it is such a common dog ailment. Your dog can’t be cured but there are a range of management options that will ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

It is such a common joint disease where the hips partially dislocate. Without veterinary intervention, it can be debilitating and painful. It is essentially a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors can come into play too.

You don’t want your pet putting on too much weight as this puts extra strain on the joints.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy:

Your dog has loss of function because of the degeneration of cells or tissues. The illness affects different parts of the brain in dogs. You’ll notice a mild tremor of the head and uncoordinated movements. Your vet will want a history of your pet’s health as well as lab tests.

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.

Grooming:

lagotto romagnolo dogs - caringNot everyone agrees with how to take care of the Lagotto’s rough, waterproof coat of thick curls. The coat doesn’t shed much but it can pick up grass and small twigs easily. Unless brushed out at least 2 or 3 times a week, the coat can become matted and unruly. For many the coat needs to be trimmed regularly.

Exercise:

The Lagotto needs plenty of exercise. His hunting and retrieving past has given him a natural urge to retrieve and he loves going after every ball you throw him. He will also love to join you on your daily walks and it gives him the chance to sniff around. With swimming being added in, this dog is your true sporting buddy.

Diet:

Make sure you feed your Lagotto the very best quality food there is to ensure his well-being and longevity. If you're unsure about whether he is getting in all the necessary vitamins and minerals with his food, speak to a dog expert as good food is key to a happy, healthy dog.

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. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  26. Lagotto Romagnolo vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  37. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  38. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  41. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds