Himalayan Mastiff is a local breed origination from Mountain areas of Nepal Surviving upto the altitude of 5000+ meters in snowy and cold places. Himalayan mastifss are generally large sized guard dogs found in Nepal originally and also famous by local name “Bhote Kukur”. These dogs are specially built to survive in extreme cold weathers and high altitude in the Mountain regions of Nepal and China.

Himalayan Mastiff Nepal

Himalayan Mastiffs or Tibetian Mastiffs are common and local dogs of Nepal and renowned for their loyalty, strength, and protective nature, these dogs have been guardians of the Himalayan region for centuries. Himalayan Mastiffs are the guardians of livestock in himalayan region that is why this breed are named Himalayan Mastiff.

Himalayan Mastiff

Origin and History of Himalayan mastiff (Bhote Kukur)

Himalayan Mastiffs are known for its reputative fierce, loyality, teamwork, and protection. Himalayan Mastiffs are the guardian of livestock in mountainous regions of nepal, protecting the live stocks from Wolves, Bears, Leopard, Snow leopards, Tigers and many other threats. In Nepal, Himalayan Mastiffs are known as Bhote Kukur becauseof their Distinct nature and behaviours making them the best guard dog in the world. One Himalayan mastiff can protect the herd of 300-500 livestocks. According to local source, one large and matured Himalayan Mastiff called Kale (Black dogs are often called kale in Nepali) killed 3 wolfs when the wolfs approached the herd of sheep at the altitude of 4200 meters.

Himalayan Mastiffs are also known for their endurance capacity and strength. Himalayan Mastiffs are the adorable friends and companion to trekkers in Himalayan zone of Nepal showing the trekkers the right path and protecting them from predators. This distinct character have made Himalayan Mastiffs famous all over the world.

Physical Characteristics of Himalayan Mastiff

Himalayan Mastiffs are generally large dogs and are imposing in Nature weighting from 100 pounds to 250 pounds. The largest Himalayan Mastiff ever recorded was 280 pound (128 kg) standing 38 inches tall at the shoulder found in Chipla, Lamjung.

Himalayan Mastiff have distinctly big head making them look very vicious with the destructive bite force of 650-750 psi. They generally have long hairs with furry and shiny coat and don’t be fooled by its innocent face. Himalayan Mastiffs will attack anyone if it feels threat to their territory and livestock. Their thick mane around the neck adds to their regal and powerful look, often giving them a lion-like appearance.

Himalayan Mastiffs are usually black or grey in colour with brown circle above eyelid and making them look very scary. White Himalayan Mastiffs are also seen but are very rare and expensive. Himalayan Mastiff is one of the most expensive dogs in the world pricing upto $3,000 – $500,000 dollars in U.S.A.
Every dogs looks smaller in front of Himalayan Nature and they are very dominant in Nature.

Types of Himalayan Mastiffs

Himalayn Mastiffs are categorized by locals in two types according to physical and behavioural characters. i.e Tiger and Bear.

Himalayan Mastiff vs Tibetian Mastiffs

Temperament of Himalayan Mastiff / Tibetian Mastiffs

Despite their formidable size and protective instincts, Himalayan Mastiffs are known to be gentle and affectionate with their family members. They are highly intelligent and independent, often making decisions on their own when it comes to guarding their territory.
This breed is naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. However, with proper socialization from a young age, they can learn to distinguish between friend and foe.
These dogs shows no harm or agression to strangers unless they provoke their territory or livestocks.

Suitable Environment for Himalayan / Tibetian Mastiff

Owning a Himalayan Mastiff requires a commitment to meeting their specific needs:

• Space: Himalayan/ Tibetian Mastiffs are not suited for apartment living. They thrive in environments where they have plenty of space to roam and patrol.
  Himalayan Mastiffs prefer to make a pack and they are very territorial and protective. The strongest and Biggest dog leads the pack of the hounds.
• Exercise: Regular exercise is crucial to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Long walks and ample playtime in a secure yard are ideal. Incase the owner cannot give enough time and large territoy there is a high chance that your Himalayan Mastiff will become agressive or run away.
• Training: Early and consistent training is essential. Their independent nature can make them a bit stubborn, so a firm but gentle approach works best.
  They are not very trainable and doesn’t show alot of intrest in treats. They are rated 4 out of 10 in training.
• Grooming: Their thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and to manage shedding and allergies , especially during seasonal changes. In himalayan regions these dogs are often seen with matted hair. As these dogs belong to very cold environment their coat is very dense, long and furry to sustain in Extreme cold.

THE HIMALAYAN MASTIFF

Lifespan of Himalayan Mastiffs

Healthy Himalayan mastiffs can survive unbelievably more than 25 years in their natural habitat with proper diet and care but when they are migrated to lower altitudes and hot weathers their lifespan decreases apparantly. They grow some health problems and with their dense and furry coat its very harsh for Himalayan Mastiff to survive outside their own habitual environment.

Health Consideration

Himalayan Mastiffs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are vital for maintaining their health. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions. They are very healthy in their natural habitual environment and these problems often shows up if they change their specific environmental needs.

Amazing Facts about Himalayan Mastiff

• They are caring and lovable among family members
• They are very territorial and protective in nature.
• Despite their innocent looks, they can be very dangerous if approached without owners suggestion
• They tend to migrate according to weather.
  In summer they tend to move to colder place along with their livestock and shepherds and tends to come to a little low altitude in extreme cold.
• They can survive in very cold temperature due to their insulating furry coats. They can survive in -10 degree celcius.
• If you are trekking in Himalayan region of Nepal there is a maximum chance for you to be guided by local Himalayan mastiffs along with your trial.

Conclusion

The Himalayan Mastiff is more than just a dog; it is a guardian, a protector, and a loyal companion. Their majestic presence and unwavering loyalty make them a treasured breed among those who appreciate their unique qualities. If you are considering adding a Himalayan Mastiff to your family, be prepared for a devoted and vigilant companion who will protect you and your home with all their might. Don’t even think to have a Himalayan mastiff if you live in warm climate with small compounds. They get infected with various health problems like Fungal infections, Yeast infection, Digestion Problems, Skin diseases and many more only if they are migrated from away from their natural habitual environment.