Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Pandikona - Breed Comparison

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was first developed in the northern sections of Birmingham and in Staffordshire, England. The Staffie is a cross between a Black and Tan Terrie and the Bulldog, but had other breeds crossed in over time in order to create a bull-baiting dog and a fighting dog. In the Victorian age these sports were banned but dog fighting went underground and continues on some level today.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was exceptional at these “sports” due to his build, power and jaw strength. Today’s Staffie is a descendent of those early Bull Terrier crosses. Together with the Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull, the Staffie also traces its roots back to those original English Bully dogs. All three breeds have the Bulldog in common.

After dog fighting and bull baiting were banned the Stafforshire Bull Terrier was further developed as a companion and pet. Still their reputation as fighting dogs cost them recognition in the official kennel clubs for some time. They finally made the UK registry in 1935, but it was not until 1974 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted them.

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.

Description

The Staffordshire is a muscular, stocky and unusually strong breed, small to medium size in height and build. They have broad, powerful chests, wide set, strong legs, strong shoulders, broad head with a fairly short muzzle. Their ears are not cropped but they are short and fold over. The coat is stiff, close and short and the tail is medium and carried low. Most Staffies are brown, but they can be red, brindle with white, fawn, black, white or blue.

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.

1.Children friendliness The breed adores children but care should still be taken because they are so strong and their jaws are so powerful.

2.Special talents they adore children and they one of the most powerful jaws among canines.

3.Adaptability they need exercise and space, they are not apartment dogs.

4.Learning ability very smart, but very stubborn

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 breed is basically healthy, but they do have some hereditary health issues.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia- can cause arthritis.

• Patella luxation otherwise known as a slipped kneecap- can cause pain and some lameness.

• Skin allergies and even a tendency toward Mange which is chronic in some forms and fatal in others.

• Heat issues and breathing issues due to their short, compressed faces.

• Like most active dogs their size, they are susceptible to bloat which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

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.

1.Feeding the puppy Don’t over feed as he grows fast. Feed a high quality dog food for medium size puppies. Feed 1-2 and a quarter cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Don’t exercise right before or after eating due to potential for bloat. Feed 1-2 times a day a high quality medium breed dog food.

3.Points for Good Health immense strength and power.

4. Games and Exercises They are terriers after all and they dig. Need a fairly large yard with a strong fence. They love to play ball, frisbee and can excel at cart pulling.

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.