Himalayan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Himalayan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonHimalayan Mastiff is originated from India but American Mastiff is originated from United States. Himalayan Mastiff may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than American Mastiff. Himalayan Mastiff may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than American Mastiff. Himalayan Mastiff may live 3 years more than American Mastiff. Himalayan Mastiff may have more litter size than American Mastiff. Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance. But American Mastiff requires Low maintenance

History

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.

american mastiff - historyThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

Description

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.

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

Characteristics

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.

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

Health Problems

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.

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

Caring The Pet

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.

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
India
United States
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
Height Female:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
AM Mastiff
Colors Available:
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Coat:
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Smooth, shorthair
Shedding:
Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Himalayan Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  10. Himalayan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Himalayan Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Himalayan Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  13. Himalayan Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Himalayan Mastiff vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  15. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Himalayan Mastiff vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  17. Himalayan Mastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  18. Himalayan Mastiff vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. Himalayan Mastiff vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  20. Himalayan Mastiff vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Himalayan Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  22. Himalayan Mastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Himalayan Mastiff vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  24. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  25. Himalayan Mastiff vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Gaddi Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Broholmer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  35. Newfoundland Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  36. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  37. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaunt vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Bully Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Wolfhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Alangu Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Burmese vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Billy vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  46. Bisben vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds