Himalayan Mastiff vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison

Himalayan Mastiff vs Japanese Chin - Breed ComparisonHimalayan Mastiff is originated from India but Japanese Chin is originated from Japan. Himalayan Mastiff may grow 44 cm / 18 inches higher than Japanese Chin. Himalayan Mastiff may weigh 72 kg / 159 pounds more than Japanese Chin. Both Himalayan Mastiff and Japanese Chin has almost same life span. Himalayan Mastiff may have more litter size than Japanese Chin. Both Himalayan Mastiff and Japanese Chin requires Moderate 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.

japanese chin - historyThe Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, has always been known for thousands of years as a dog with strong companion characteristics.

Hailing from Asia, he is also known as the Japanese Spaniel. In Japan, the Chin dogs are royalty and lapdogs, and while the exact origin of the Japanese Chin isn't quite clear, it is an ancient toy breed.

The first Japanese Chin was brought to America in 1882. The toy breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, as a Japanese Spaniel. The AKC changed the breed name to the Japanese Chin in 1977.

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.

japanese chin puppy - descriptionAs a small sized dog, the oriental looking Japanese Chin stands at about 20 to 27cm in height and weighs roughly 2 to 6kg. He has a large round head with big brown eyes and a short muzzle. The ears are long and feathery and the tail is long and held up over the back.

The long silky single coat is either white and red or white and black or it can be tri-colored too – white, black and reddish-tan.

Temperament:

The Japanese Chin is a small, evenly tempered dog and the toy-size dog, according to people who have owned him as a pet, say he has some cat-like features – the ability to leap and the ability to wash himself similar to what a cat does.

He is also a typical lap dog liking nothing more than to lie in your lap and be petted. He just loves being with his human family and his smallness allows him to fit well into city- or country life.

He is an intelligent dog. He is small but strong-willed and that is why both you and him will benefit from having him trained and socialized as he becomes more amicable and obedient.

Social, jaunty and content, he is everyone’s friend and will be a suitable playmate for children, being loving and devoted to his entire family. They make great therapy dogs as he has the knack of being sensitive to the feelings of people and adjusts his mannerisms to suit the people he is with.

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.

japanese chin dog - characteristicsThe Japanese Chin is just longing to be your special friend. When you treat him with the love and care he deserves, you'll discover that he is a sweet, gentle companion who will be loyal and loving to his human family.

He is a quiet pet and intelligent enough to be trained and socialized so that he is obedient and ready to please. Although he doesn't bark much, he makes quite a few other noises such as wheezing, snorting and snorting. He makes up for it by being entertaining and loving towards you so that you life is brighter just by having him in it.

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.

japanese chin puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues with your Japanese Chin that are worth knowing about such as hypoglycemia, cataracts and heart murmurs. Allergies and dental issues also need to be checked.

Dog breeds with the flattened face always battle with dental-, eye and breathing problems. With good care however, your Japanese Chin can reach anything from 10 – 12 years of age.

Heart Murmurs:

Murmurs come about because of a disturbance in the blood flow and which can produce an audible noise. If your dog's murmur is associated with structural heart disease, your dog may display signs of congestive heart failure and he'll be weak for instance and be coughing.

When your dog gets to the vet, the course of treatment will be determined on the type of heart murmur. Luckily puppies with low grade murmurs often grow out of it but if you have an adult dog, routine diagnostic imaging may be recommended by your vet.

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.

Grooming:

japanese chin dogs - caringThe Japanese Chin has a single coat, and a brush once or twice a week will keep the coat silky and untangled.

Check his ears for dirt and wax and try to wipe inside the ears, being very, very careful not to go deep into the ear to avoid damage.

Clip his nails and brush his teeth as small dogs are more prone to dental disease. Periodontal disease is preventable with dental cleaning. Dental disease starts when plaque sticks to the surface of the teeth. It hardens, spreads under the gum line and cause tissue damage. It also damages the immune system.

Exercise:

The Japanese Chin is an energetic dog and loves a game and a walk. It isn't the kind of dog that you will take on your hikes or swimming as it tends to huff and puff after a while from too much exercise, and more specifically in hot weather.

Diet:

Dog experts say that a grain-free food is best for this kind of dog. Kibble which comes with lean protein and with plenty of vitamins and minerals such as taurine and carnitine is recommended. They are good for the joints, coat, heart and eyes. Japanese Chins can be prone to heart- and eye problems and kibble rich in omega 3 fatty acids will be good for the Chin for many excellent reasons.

If you're in any way uncertain about what to feed your Japanese Chin, speak to your vet as the type of food you feed your pet will determine how healthy he will be. Always ensure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
India
Japan
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
20 - 27 cm
7 - 11 inches
Height Female:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
20 - 27 cm
7 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Japanese Spaniel, The Chin
Colors Available:
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
White and Red, Tri-colored - white, tan and black, White and Black
Coat:
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Long, silky single coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pomeranian vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  2. Maltese vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  3. Pug vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltipoo vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  5. Papillon vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  6. Japanese Chin vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. Japanese Chin vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  8. Japanese Chin vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  9. Japanese Chin vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  10. Japanese Chin vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  11. Japanese Chin vs Italian Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Japanese Chin vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Japanese Chin vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  14. Japanese Chin vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  15. Japanese Chin vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Japanese Chin vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Chin vs German Spitz (Klein) - Breed Comparison
  18. Japanese Chin vs Doxiepoo - Breed Comparison
  19. Japanese Chin vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  20. Japanese Chin vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Japanese Chin vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  22. Japanese Chin vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  23. Japanese Chin vs Doxiepom - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature English Bulldog vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  25. Jug vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. Labrador Husky vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  29. Mackenzie River Husky vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyredoodle vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Lurcher vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  35. Himalayan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Himalayan Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Himalayan Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  38. Himalayan Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Mastiff vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  40. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  41. Himalayan Mastiff vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  42. Himalayan Mastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  43. Himalayan Mastiff vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  44. Himalayan Mastiff vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  45. Himalayan Mastiff vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  46. Himalayan Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  47. Himalayan Mastiff vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  48. Himalayan Mastiff vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  49. Himalayan Mastiff vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  50. Himalayan Mastiff vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds