Tamaskan vs Pandikona - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Pandikona hails from the village of Pandikona, India, but is in danger of becoming extinct. They have always been well adapted to the harsh conditions of the Kurnool district in India, and they are considered to be a primitive-type dog breed.

It has always been a territorial dog that has been used to guard villages and today it’s a dog which isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs. It is essentially a companion dog today.

It is believed that the Tamaskan has been specifically bred to resemble a wolf, and he does too.

They aren’t recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale as they aren’t purebred. In fact they aren’t recognized by any kennel club, being crossbred with other dog breeds such as the German Shepherd, Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute.

These dogs only started emerging in the 1980s so they have a short history.

The Pandikona is a medium sized sighthound which stands at between 48 and 66cm in height and weighs in the region of 30 – 40kg. They are actually slightly built dogs, although the Pandikona can come in a variety of sizes as there is no selective breeding.

The breed’s coat is essentially short-haired and smooth with colors varying from solid fawn, white to black with white patches. Brindle is also sometimes seen. They are slim, muscular dogs with erect ears and a long tail that most times curves upwards.

Temperament:

These intelligent and very independent dogs are found roaming around Indian villages and guarding their owner’s property. They are territorial dogs, they are fearless too and make excellent guard dogs. They get on well with children as well as with pets, and with training they become loyal and faithful companions.

The beautiful Tamaskan dog is large, standing at between 61 and 71cm in height and weighing between 23 and 45 kg.

It is a mix between several sled dogs – Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute. The thick double coat is coarse and can be grey, cream, black or reddish and the tail of the Tamaskan is wolf-like too – thick and bushy.

His ears are erect and alert and he has sharp hearing. His almond shaped eyes can be yellow or brown and they are alert and bright and don’t miss a thing.

Temperament:

The Tamaskan is capable of becoming a good family pet, being gentle with children and accepting of other dogs. His high intelligence makes it that he can learn a lot of simple commands.

Because he has been a pack dog, he doesn’t like to be left alone. He is social and as a pet he will want to be an interactive part of his human family. Leaving him unsupervised for days on end will see him getting up to mischief.

He will die of depression, boredom and loneliness if he is put into the back yard and ignored.

They are certainly not recommended for life in the city but will need to have a large space to run and play.

The Pandikona may well be a primitive-type hunting dog from India but he is robust and low maintenance, and capable of making a splendid pet. That is one huge tick in his favor already.

He is an active dog who likes to be kept busy but that doesn’t mean he is too busy to give his human family his loyalty and companionship. Easy to keep, the Pandikona promises to make you the most fantastic pet and friend.

The Tamaskan may look like a wolf but he isn’t aggressive. He’s looks can be to your advantage because intruders think twice before confronting a ‘wolf’.

Little do they know that this is a loving, loyal dog that makes an excellent playmate for children. They’re social too and want to be with their family a lot of the time.

They’re dogs so devoted to their human family that they can even suffer with separation anxiety.

Give him the love and exercise he craves and you’ll find in him the most awesome canine friend.

Dogs are totally dependent on us for their care, and it is our responsibility to keep our eyes on them to ensure they are happy and healthy. It can be to you and your pet’s benefit to know some of the most common health problems that dogs face.

The Pandikona dogs are super hardy – used to roughing it - and they’re not going to require much veterinary care. Even though this is such a hardy dog, you can never tell if a sudden canine illness strikes your pet. Sometimes it will be necessary to get your pet to the vet to be examined and to receive medication.

Ear Infections:

This is very common in dogs and an ear infection can be triggered by dirt and wax in the ear, allergies and ear mites or something else. Your dog will be scratching at his ear, shaking his head, there will be redness and possibly discharge and a nasty odor. Don’t hesitate to take your pet to the vet.

Worms:

Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are horrible parasites that can cause a whole lot of unpleasant symptoms in your dog. He could have a cough, a dull, listless coat, diarrhea, a lack of appetite and weight loss. Treatment from the vet will depend on the type of worm that has infested your pet.

Your healthy Tamaskan, even though he isn’t prone to common genetic health problems, can get any one of the many dog illnesses there are, although this is highly unlikely.

In general, these attractive dogs are very healthy.

However without good food, exercise, love and care, he can also be susceptible to parasites, rabies, parvovirus, hip dysplasia, bloat, skin infections and cancer.

Exercise:

There isn’t much information on the Pandikona but they have always spent their time roaming free around Indian villages. They’re used to having a lot of space to run and won’t do well in cramped spaces in the city. He wants to be busy and will certainly require you taking him on walks or allowing him to run free in a park. Ball games will also be appreciated as he loves lots of activity.

Diet:

Food is so very important to the health of dogs. As pets, the Pandikona deserves to have nutritious food which has all the right vitamins and minerals.

These days the best commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice for your pet and you choose these foods by reading the labels on the packaging and going according to the dog’s size, his activity levels and his age.

Dogs thrive on homemade food, especially when its simple and nutritious. Boiled chicken, some brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, spinach and carrots all chopped up and added into his kibble from time to time can only do him good. Some raw meat added in occasionally can also be immensely beneficial. Make sure he has always got a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Check your Pandikona over from time to time. Check inside his ears for redness and signs of infection and check his eyes too. Brush him at least twice a week to get rid of dust and loose hairs. Trim his nails too and check inside his mouth for bad teeth.

Never ever leave him in a hot car or outside without shade and water. Make sure he has a nice dry comfortable place to sleep. He gives you unconditional love and companionship, and in exchange for this you want him to be well provided for.

The Tamaskan Dog is very active. He just loves activity - long walks and hikes and lots of running off a leash. He’ll love ball games too – anything that keeps him mentally and physically active.

Diet:

Provide your beautiful, active Tamaskan dog with top quality food that is rich in protein. You can give him one of the quality commercially manufactured foods – just check out the ingredients on the packaging and go for the dog foods with wholesome, natural ingredients in them.

Your Tamaskan is part of the family and deserves some home-made food. Nothing spicey and exotic as you’ll sit with stomach problems. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a super healthy choice and food like this won’t play havoc with your dog’s digestion.

This food can all be chopped up and small portions added into the dry kibble twice a week.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

●This is a fairly low maintenance dog. He does shed so a good brush twice a week will be sufficient for him.

●When you brush him, check him over for unusual lumps. Look inside his eyes and inside his mouth as he can’t tell you about a bad tooth that could be causing him pain. Check inside his ears too for signs of redness. If you don’t want to do these things, at least send him to a professional groomer who will do it all for you.

●Have your pet neutered or spayed if you want to avoid puppies. This can be beneficial for your pet’s health too.

●Get him to the vet if he shows any sign of illness.