Podenco Andaluz vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Podenco Andaluz vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonPodenco Andaluz is originated from Spain but Himalayan Mastiff is originated from India. Podenco Andaluz may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Himalayan Mastiff. Podenco Andaluz may weigh 56 kg / 123 pounds lesser than Himalayan Mastiff. Podenco Andaluz may live 3 years less than Himalayan Mastiff. Both Podenco Andaluz and Himalayan Mastiff has almost same litter size. Podenco Andaluz requires Low maintenance. But Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance

History

podenco andaluz - historyThe Podenco Andaluz hails from the Andalusian region of southern Spain. It is believed that this dog is likely to have descended from the European hunting dog.

Because of the lack of distinctive characteristics, and also the similarities the dog shares with other dog breeds, the dog isn’t typically recognized in its own right. They have always been used as hunting dogs. The Andaluz is actually one of the lesser known Podencos and it isn’t recognized by the FCI.

himalayan mastiff - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
India
Height Male:
42 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
42 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Andalusian Hound
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Colors Available:
plain brown, Reddish brown, patches of white
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Coat:
Short to medium length
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

podenco andaluz puppy - descriptionThere are three different Andalusian Hounds - small, medium and large, but for the sake of space, we refer to the medium sized dog. The medium sized dog stands at between 42 and 53cm and weighs roughly 20 – 22kg.

The dog has short hair, large erect ears and a long tail. Regarding color, most of these dogs are a reddish brown or plain brown color with some having patches of white.

Temperament:

The Andaluz is a dog which is reserved with strangers, but with their owners they are loyal and loving and never aggressive. The Andaluz is considered a one-man dog but he is more than capable of showing love and affection for all members of his human family.

This dog will benefit from training and socialization as this makes him more sure of himself and more obedient. He is an intelligent dog and won’t battle to learn simple commands. You’ll find your Podenco Andaluz to be sweet, calm and gentle indoors with training. He loves to lie close up to you,preferably on the couch right next to you!

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

podenco andaluz dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog, and an excellent one at that. These days he is also a companion animal. It is very sad that these dogs have been given a cruel deal in Spain.

For those that make it into a loving home, they have proved to make excellent low maintenance dogs who are willing to provide their human family with faithful love and companionship that only a dog can provide.

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

podenco andaluz puppies - health problemsYour Podenco Andaluz is a robust dog breed and doesn’t battle with any health conditions. However, having said that, every dog can battle with some of the more common dog illnesses, and then your dog may well have to visit the vet.

Remember, that to give your dog the best chance, the dog should receive vaccinations to protect him from some life-threatening diseases.

Leishmaniasis:

This disease is brought about by the protozoan parasite Leishmania. The dog gets into trouble with this disease when sand-flies transmit parasites into the skin of the dog. The disease spreads to most organs, with kidney failure being the most common cause of death.

Heartworms:

This is a fatal disease that is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is serious and will require veterinary intervention as its a disease that can create problems with the animal’s heart.

Rabies:

This is a fatal viral disease that can be passed on to your pet and affects the central nervous system. A dog with rabies is nearly always a dead dog, sadly. Symptoms include excess drooling, aggression and seizures.

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

Exercise:

podenco andaluz dogs - caringThis has always been a hunting dog so he is used to running long distances. He is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to life on a small property in the city. You will certainly need to take him on walks. If you are lucky enough to live near the beach, you can take bat and ball and hit the ball hard with the beach-bat, allowing your dog to race at top speed to fetch it.

Grooming:

Regular brushing, at least twice a week will be required for the Podenco Andaluz. It’s a good idea to check your dog over for any odd lumps and for ticks and fleas. Keep his nails trimmed and check his ears and eyes for infection.

Diet:

Every dog requires a good diet if good health and longevity are to be expected. Always check the labels of commercially manufactured dog foods to ensure that your dog gets a good dose of protein in.

The best quality foods have a good balance of vitamins and minerals in them, whereas some of the poorer quality foods have bad ingredients such as preservative, colorants and fillers.

Try and give your dog some wholesome home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. Also, some raw meat occasionally will benefit your dog too, after all dogs have always been carnivores.

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.

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