Himalayan Mastiff vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison

Himalayan Mastiff vs Indian Spitz - Breed ComparisonBoth Indian Spitz and Himalayan Mastiff are originated from India. Indian Spitz may grow 46 cm / 18 inches shorter than Himalayan Mastiff. Indian Spitz may weigh 71 kg / 156 pounds lesser than Himalayan Mastiff. Both Indian Spitz and Himalayan Mastiff has almost same life span. Indian Spitz may have less litter size than Himalayan Mastiff. Both Indian Spitz and Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
India
India
Height Male:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
5 - 10
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Greater Indian Spitz, Smaller Indian Spitz
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Colors Available:
White, brown or black and white.
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Coat:
Long and fluffy
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

indian spitzThe Indian Spitz is a working dog and has always been used for hunting and tracking small game. It is a popular dog breed in India.

There isn't too much information on the exact origin of the dog but dog experts tell us the dogs have descended from different Spitz breeds and wild wolves, and that they date back thousands of years.

People often mix them up with the Pomeranian, but they're different, being introduced in India by the British. The British began breeding them from a stock of German Spitz's and years of breeding produced the ideal dog type which could cope with the tempestuous weather conditions in India.

They aren't recognized by any major kennel clubs but the Kennel Club of India is working to establish the Indian Spitz as a separate breed.

himalayan mastiffThe Himalayan Mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed. Bred to be guardians of the flock, they could take care of leopards and wolves or anything else that tied to hurt the flock. The Himalaya Mastiff is found in the Himalayan area of Tibet. They are descendants of the Tibetan dogs that developed almost any Mastiff or Molosser on earth. They may have been in the mountains since the early 1100 BC. and have been fairly isolated. It was in this isolation that the Himalayan Mastiff developed.

Their function at that time was mostly to guard property. In some circumstances an entire village is guarded by one dog. It was also during this period that the breed was taught to be aggressive by tying them up as puppies. They guarded families while the men moved the village flock higher up in the mountains. They stayed in isolation until the mid-1800’s when the Queen of England was given a Himalayan Mastiff. For thousands of years, this dog was a nomad.

Soon the breed was being exported to England. A standard was developed, and the British began to breed them. Next, they were exported to Nepal, Afghanistan, India and the United States. They are rare in Tibet these days but more popular than ever in England and the United States. The first American Himalaya Tibetan Mastiff Association came into being in 1974 and in 2006 it was recognized by the AKC.

Today in the West, the Himalayan is a domesticated, family dog. It hardly fits in an apartment of course. These new western Himalayan Mastiffs are more easy- going than the Tibetan ones, but they are still wary of strangers and somewhat aloof. They are also still very protective and nocturnal. They are smart, independent and stubborn. They are not easy to train but socialization and obedience training is essential.

A study done in 2011 showed that it is very likely that many large breed dogs were descended from this Mastiff. This includes the St. Bernard, the Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees. Later studies showed that the Mastiff’s ability to survive in the rare air of the Himalayans was due to interbreeding with Tibetan wolves in ancient, prehistoric times. Now they are competing in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Description

indian spitz puppy - descriptionThe Indian Spitz is an attractive, fluffy looking dog breed thought to have been domesticated thousands of years ago.

The dog comes in two sizes – the smaller- and larger size. The Smaller Indian Spitz stands at between 20 - 25 cm and weighs between 5 – 7kg while the Greater Indian Spitz stands at 35-45cm and weighs between 12 – 20kg.

The dog has a long-haired coat, with the hair on the head being shorter than the rest of the body. The color of the coat can be white, brown or black and white.

Temperament:

The Indian Spitz is an easy-going dog which adapts to all kinds of living conditions in India. They therefore adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside.

The Indian Spitz is a social, friendly dog who is loyal towards his human family, showing his joy at being with them with high-pitched barking. He gets on well with children in the home and because he isn't aggressive, he gets on well with pets in the home too.

He is intelligent which means that he is able to be trained and socialized, turning him into an obedient pet who takes his job as guardian and protector seriously.

himalayan mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Himalayan Mastiff is a giant, massive dog longer than it is tall. The breed has a heavy, broad head and square muzzle. They have black noses, a level bite and almond shaped, slanted, deep set eyes. They are brown, and the ears hang close to the head. They are heavy, muscular and sturdy. They have a feathered tail curving over their back. With a heavy, thick double coat and mane they resemble a lion at times. The coat can be brown, black, and gray-blue with gold or tan markings. These are impressive and noble dogs, athletic, with cat like feet. They are agile and light on their feet.

According to some breeders there are two different kinds or types of Himalayan Mastiff. These are the Tsang-khyi or the monastery mastiff type and the Do-khyi or the nomad mastiff type. The monastery is a heavier, taller dog who face is very wrinkled while the nomad is a leaner dog with less facial wrinkles. In any litter there can be both kinds. The kind of work that was given to each dog was dependent on their type. The Monastery kind is given stationary jobs and the nomad kind got the active jobs.

Characteristics

indian spitz dog - characteristicsPlayful, feisty, intelligent, loving and loyal, the Indian Spitz is full of character and just loves being in a loving family home.

Easy to train, he becomes a wonderfully obedient canine friend who loves nothing more than to spend time with you, especially when it is outdoors going for a walk or playing ball.

He is an entertaining little dog too, and anyone wishing to buy a dog like this won't regret it as he brings in a joyful dimension to any home.

Children friendliness

himalayan mastiff dog - characteristicsyes, they are if properly socialized.

Special talents

Their athletic ability

Adaptability

They cannot live in an apartment. They need a large yard.

Learning ability

They are intelligent, but difficult to train. They are stubborn and independent.

Health Problems

indian spitz puppies - health problemsThese feisty little dogs can reach 14 years of age if looked after well.

Your Indian Spitz will need to see a vet when he is 6 weeks of age for his first vaccinations and also whenever he is sick.

He is a dog breed that doesn't get sick very easily, but still it is wise to know about some of the more common dog diseases that could plague your little pet, and these are among others, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and vision- and dental problems.

Dental Disease:

It is important to be keeping an eye on your dog's oral health. Infected teeth can have a bad impact on his health and can actually contribute to heart- and kidney disease for instance.

One of the major causes of dental disease in dogs is none other than diet. Always try to feed your pet the best quality food there is. Certainly if you feel your pet isn't getting the best food, try a probiotic supplement as this can create a healthy bacterial environment in your dog’s mouth.

Check your pet's mouth regularly so you can attend to any dental problem before it gets out of hand.

himalayan mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a large breed of canine, the Himalayan Mastiff has some of the typical health issues of large dogs. However, they also face a serious genetic disorder as well.

Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN) – a fatal disorder seen in puppies by seven weeks of age. Puppies die before they are 5 months old.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Thyroid Issues – hypothyroidism or low thyroid test results.
  • Ear Infections – clean ears regularly to avoid these.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

indian spitz dogs - caringThese dogs have been used to a diet of milk and rice, but if possible it can be beneficial to the dog to include some cooked chicken and vegetables too. Raw meat is also important, but it is expensive, so just adding it in from time to time can still be beneficial. Water which is cool and clean should be available to the dog day and night, non-stop.

Grooming:

Your Spitz dog will simply require a brush twice a week to keep it clean and vibrant and free from loose hairs. While brushing him, make a point of checking him for fleas and ticks as well.

Exercise:

This is a busy little dog that wants to involved in everything you're busy with. He will love to join you in your long walks each day or if you take him to the park, he will love the chance to run off his leash.

Feeding the puppy

himalayan mastiff dogs - caringThis breed will eat less than you think they should but don’t overfeed. Puppies need a solid dry food for large dogs. You can free feed 1 cup three times per day.

Feeding the adult

For dogs over a year old you can free feed anywhere from two to four cups of dry food per day. Unlike many other breeds, the Himalaya Mastiff will only eat when hungry and they may not eat more than once a day. They will not overeat. The males might not eat at all when females are in season if they are around them.

Points for Good Health

They have good strength and athletic ability.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Mastiff needs regular, routine walks. It is important during these walks that the human leads the way, or the dog heals. Do not overwork a young Himalayan Mastiff. They need work related jobs like structured play time, walking the boundary of their territory, playing frisbee or catch. They work and play in short bursts then rest.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Indian Spitz vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Indian Spitz vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Indian Spitz vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Indian Spitz vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Indian Spitz vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Indian Spitz vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Indian Spitz vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Indian Spitz vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Indian Spitz vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Indian Spitz vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Indian Spitz vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Indian Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Indian Spitz vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Indian Spitz vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Indian Spitz vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Indian Spitz vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Indian Spitz vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Indian Spitz vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Indian Spitz vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Indian Spitz vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Indian Spitz vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Indian Spitz vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Indian Spitz vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Indian Spitz vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Indian Spitz vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Himalayan Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Himalayan Mastiff vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Himalayan Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Himalayan Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Himalayan Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Himalayan Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Himalayan Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Himalayan Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Himalayan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Himalayan Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Himalayan Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Himalayan Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Himalayan Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Himalayan Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Himalayan Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Himalayan Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Himalayan Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Himalayan Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Himalayan Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Himalayan Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Himalayan Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Himalayan Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison