MyDogBreedsVikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan but Rajapalayam is originated from India. Vikhan Sheepdog may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Rajapalayam. Vikhan Sheepdog may weigh 22 kg / 49 pounds more than Rajapalayam. Vikhan Sheepdog may live 4 years less than Rajapalayam. Both Vikhan Sheepdog and Rajapalayam has almost same litter size. Vikhan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Rajapalayam requires Low maintenance
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.
The Rajapalayam dog hails from India, from the small town of Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu.
Known also as the Poligar Hound, this Indian Sighthound has been the companion of royalty in Southern India.
Though the breed dates back a few hundred years, the developers of the breed brought about an albino dog. This Indian breed dog is almost on the verge of extinction. This is a pity as he is a splendid dog. Breeding centers have been set up to prevent the dog disappearing altogether.
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
This is a large dog, graceful and elegant standing at between 65–75cm and weighing 22 to 25kg.
This is a hound dog, lean and muscular and will rely on good exercise to keep him in tip top working condition.
He is somewhat heavier than other sighthounds with a deep chest and long straight legs. He is a low maintenance dog with the white coat being short and fine. The ears are floppy ad the tail is slim and long and sometimes held up and curved.
The Rajapalayam has always been used for hunting wild boar, and today he makes a good guard- and watchdog. He needs a lot of space and exercise and isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city.
He is a loving dog and becomes loyal and devoted towards his owner, being essentially a one-person dog. They tend to be aggressive and aloof with strangers.
Training and socialization will be important for this intelligent dog if you want him to behave around people. He doesn’t particularly get on well with other pets in the home, but training and socialization can change this.
A Rajapalayam dog has always been a hunter and this makes him an excellent watchdog, always on the look out for intruders.
The Rajapalyam has always been a dog deeply attached and loyal to his owners.They are good family companions and pets and with so many good characteristics, one hopes that this dog will still be around for a long time.
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.
The Rajapalayam isn’t a fragile dog, and he can live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age. There are always a few things to look out for with him. With white dogs, there is always a high incidence of deafness. Puppies born with blue eyes are often deaf.
White coated dogs, because of the piebald gene, are often affected by deafness. The piebald gene is because of an absence of melanocytes. These are cells which create pigment. When a dog is born without the genes to create melanocyte cells, a white hair coat and sometimes blue eyes are the result.
There are also skin problems associated with these all white dog breeds such as mange and dermatitis. Check him over for ticks and fleas.
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
4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.
The short coat does shed so he will need to be brushed once or twice a week.
You will also need to follow a regular grooming program with this dog, checking inside his ears for infection, checking his eyes for discharge and checking inside his mouth for bad, rotting teeth. Teeth- and gum disease aren’t just about losing a tooth - bad teeth and gums can cause a host of health issues for other body parts like the heart and kidneys.
His toe nails too wll require clipping to prevent splitting and chipping.
Provide your pet with lots of exercise – a walk every day, a run in the park off his leash as well as ball and frisbee games.
You can’t ever become lax with giving your pet good food. Good, wholesome food promotes health and longevity.
There are some good commercially manufactured dog foods which are wonderfully convenient – you just want to be sure its the high quality ones full of vitamins and minerals.
Also, provide him with uncomplicated, home-made dog food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach, all chopped up and mixed in twice a week with the dry kibble will ensue health and contentment.
Try and add some raw meat in as well. This simple diet plan will be gentle on your pet’s digestive system.
Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.