Himalayan Sheepdog Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

Basic Information - Himalayan Sheepdog for Sale

Group:

Working dog

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India

Height Male:

61 - 71 cm24 - 28 inches

Height Female:

58 - 69 cm22 - 28 inches

Weight Male:

40 - 45 kg88 - 100 pounds

Weight Female:

38 - 43 kg83 - 95 pounds

Life Span:

9 - 14 Years

Litter Size:

6 - 10

Size:

Large

Other Names:

Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD

Colors Available:

Black, fawn, light brown, beige

Coat:

rough dense long

Shedding:

Seasonal

Temperament:

Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn, Territorial

Grooming:

High Maintenance

Trainability:

Hard

Hypoallergenic:

Kids Friendly:

Yes

New Owners Friendly:

History - Himalayan Sheepdog for Sale

The Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.

The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.

They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.

Description - Himalayan Sheepdog for Sale

The breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.

They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.

Characteristics - Himalayan Sheepdog for Sale

Children friendliness

Yes with enough proper socialization

Special talents

Protection and loyalty

Adaptability

They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.

Learning ability

Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.

Health Problems - Himalayan Sheepdog for Sale

This is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
Arthritis – can cause extreme pain and lameness
Patellar luxation – kneecap issues that are painful and can cause lameness
Obesity – they have a tendency to overeat and are not that active
Glaucoma – can cause blindness

Caring The Pet - Himalayan Sheepdog for Sale

Feeding the puppy

Feed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.

Points for Good Health

They are very strong and athletic.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.