Vikhan Sheepdog vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison

Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan but Gaddi Kutta is originated from India. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Gaddi Kutta are having almost same height. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Gaddi Kutta are having almost same weight. Vikhan Sheepdog may live 7 years less than Gaddi Kutta. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Gaddi Kutta has almost same litter size. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Gaddi Kutta requires High maintenance.

History

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

gaddi kutta - historyThe Gaddi Kutta is mountain dog of the mastiff line from northern India. They are mostly found in the western Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh. It is also seen in Nepal and often named the Indian Panther Hound and the Mahidant Mastiff. They were bred to hunt but because of their strength and intelligence they are used to guard and herd goats and sheep. They are strong enough to defeat or scare off a panther or snow leopard and intelligent enough to work independently in finding strays and bringing them back to their pens. They have been known to protect herds of cattle from bears and leopards.3 or 4 of them working together can handle the guard duties for thousands of cattle.

Their reputation precedes them – as ferocious and courageous, unmatched in their instincts to protect what is theirs. In the line of the Mastiffs and Molosser, the Gaddi is powerful and agile, and considered to be of ancient heritage though no one is sure what their origin is. The local myth is that dogs were crossed with tigers. It is more likely that dingo-like wild hounds from the Himalaya were crossed with the Tibetan Mastiff to create the Gaddi Kutti. Also found in Pakistan, most lines of the breed have been crossed with others including the German Shepard and the Bully Kutta. Outside of the Himalayas there are not many if any pure lines. The Gaddi Kutta is a good family dog if you socialize him as a puppy. He will be gentle, calm and intuitive with his family, but aggressive toward strangers and other dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Pakistan
India
Height Male:
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
55 - 71 cm
21 - 28 inches
Height Female:
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
53 - 69 cm
20 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
37 - 44 kg
81 - 98 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
32 - 37 kg
70 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
6 - 8 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
5 - 12
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
Indian Leopard Hund, and Himalayan Chamba Gaddi dog, Himalayan Bhatia or Bhutia Sheepdog, Gaddi watchdog, Gaddi Mastiff, Himalayan Sheepdog Indian Panther Hound, Maidan Mastiff
Colors Available:
fawn, black , brown
solid color of black and tan, dark fawn and sometimes reddish color.
Coat:
long and shaggy
dry top coat, heavy, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
High maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

gaddi kutta puppy - descriptionThe Gaddi Kutta is a mastiff but he is athletic, has tremendous speed and stamina. He is muscular and deep-chested, leaner than most of the mastiff lines. Their ears can be either natural or cropped, on a very large head. One of the most important traits of the Gaddi Kutta is the massive, arched neck that protects them from predators. He is sturdy with a heavily feathered, thick tail curling over the back.

They are massive, wolf like dogs, fiery and huge but intelligent and faithful to their people. They are scary even when they are trying to be affectionate. The muzzle is strong, and the mane is thick. The Gaddi has long, heavy legs and very large feet that are feathered, making him even more intimidating.

There are two types of Gaddi Kutti – the longhaired and the shorthaired. The longhaired is the most common and has a fuller coat with long feathering on the tail, legs and chest and some feathering on the feet. They are all usually solid colors of yellow, fawn and cream or they could be piebald, brown or brindle. They have a woolly dense undercoat.

Characteristics

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

Children friendliness

gaddi kutta dog - characteristicsThey are not always great with children, but they will protect own children in their family. Do not leave unattended.

Special talents

They have the ability to bring down a wolf or even a bear or snow leopard.

Adaptability

Because of his size, temperament and coat he is not very adaptable. He is good outside in a colder region and with a lot of land to roam, but not in a hot region or in an apartment.

Learning ability

This breed is very smart, learns quickly on his own.

Health Problems

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

However, they are prone to some of the same issues that any big dog would have.

  1. Hip/elbow Dysplasia
  2. Painful and can cause lameness and arthritis.
  3. Patellar luxation
  4. This is a moving knee cap. Can be repaired or can cause lameness.
  5. Obesity

gaddi kutta puppies - health problemsThe breed is prone to obesity if they do not get enough exercise or a decent diet.

Caring The Pet

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Feeding the puppy

gaddi kutta dogs - caringShould feed a high quality dry puppy food for large dogs. Give 1-2 cups per day split into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

Again you want to feed high quality dry adult dog food for large dogs. Give 3-4 cups per day split into 2 meals. Watch for obesity and if your Gaddi Kutta is gaining too much weight, cut back.

Points for Good Health

The Gaddi Kutti seems to be immune to the most common of canine diseases.

Games and Exercises

This is a breed of very large dogs that need daily exercise by walking and running. However, since they have been fairly isolated in India and the Himalayas, he has not been exposed to organized dog play and exercise such as agility, dock jumping or field trials. He would probably succeed at all three.

Comparison with other breeds

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