Himalayan Sheepdog vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Himalayan Sheepdog vs Dorkie - Breed ComparisonHimalayan Sheepdog is originated from India but Dorkie is originated from United States. Himalayan Sheepdog may grow 48 cm / 19 inches higher than Dorkie. Himalayan Sheepdog may weigh 39 kg / 86 pounds more than Dorkie. Both Himalayan Sheepdog and Dorkie has almost same life span. Himalayan Sheepdog may have more litter size than Dorkie. Himalayan Sheepdog requires High maintenance. But Dorkie requires Low maintenance

History

himalayan sheepdog - historyThe Himalayan Sheepdog comes from Nepal originally and was bred as a guardian for livestock. The exact location where the breed comes from is not documented well but it is thought that they come from North India and Nepal and they are rare outside of that area. They are a mountain dog – close in ancestry to the Himalayan Mastiff, and the Kinnaur Sheepdog of Tibet (Himalaya). All these Himalayan mountain dogs were all called “Gaddi dogs”. The term was used for all the large dogs no matter what their breeds actually were.

The Himalayan Sheepdog is called by various names depending on where they were from. They are called Gaddi Leopardhund in Himachai Pradesh, In Nepal they are known as Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya. Then there are Chamba Gaddi dogs. They are an ancient breed that existed before documentation on breeds was kept.

They acted as both guardians and herders. They guarded the mountain men’s encampments as well as the livestock. They were also used at times to hunt large animals. Today they are found only within Nepal and India. These Himalayan Sheepdogs are on the verge of extinction in India. There are no breeding programs and their isolation has caused the dilution of the gene pool. It is not recognized by any clubs including the UKC and the AKC.

dorkie - historyDorkie Terriers originate from the United States of America. The small Dorkie, a cross between the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier has a short history, unlike the two dog breeds that were bred to bring him about.

These dog breeds were both used for hunting small animals but the Dorkie today is essentially a companion dog. The International Designer Canine Association started recording registration of the Dorkie from 2009.

Description

himalayan sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe breed is a large dog, very athletic and strong. The Himalayan Sheepdog is muscular with a deep chest, strong neck and strong shoulders. It has a medium tail that is thick and busy, curled high over its back. It is a daunting dog that can be very intimidating. They have well padded and large paws. With a broad head and wide forehead, they have a strong, wide muzzle. Their ears are high on the head and hang from the sides. They have almond shaped medium eyes that are deep set with a black nose.

They are a very active and swift dogs. By their nature they are constantly in motion, patrolling their territory and guarding their flock and people. Their devotion to their people and their courage is the stuff of legends. Their coat is double with a large ruff around their necks that resembles a mane. The inner coat is dense and short while the outer coat is longer but dense as well.

dorkie puppy - descriptionThe Dorkie is a small hybrid breed standing at 13 – 23cm in height and weighing 2 – 6kg. The Dorkie mostly comes with long, straight hair but there are however Dorkies who have the short hair of the Dachshund.

The Dorkie is hypoallergenic, making them the ideal pet for allergy sufferers. They have floppy ears, a long body and short legs. The tail is long and furry. Most times they come in the Yorkshire Terrier colors of black and tan, but this can also vary.

Temperament:

The Dorkie is a loving, loyal, happy little dog who makes an excellent family dog. Although he isn’t looked upon as your typical lap dog, it is what he is really, as he loves nothing more than to be curling up on your lap or as close to you as he can get.

He loves spending time with his human family and is a social, extrovert kind of dog. Because he is also alert, he will do a good job of alerting his family to danger. He is good with children, but because of his smallness, rough children will need to be careful in rough and tumble games as he could get injured.

Even with a small dog like this, he will need training and socialization otherwise he can become a yapper, which comes from the Dachshund side. Training makes him obedient and relaxed around visitors in the home, and because he is an intelligent breed, he is easy to train and is a great dog for first time dog owners.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

himalayan sheepdog dog - characteristicsYes with enough proper socialization

Special talents

Protection and loyalty

Adaptability

They are not especially adaptable and need a large yard. They are not good in an apartment.

Learning ability

Intelligent but stubborn and independent making them able to learn if they want to.

dorkie dog - characteristicsDorkies are easy going little dogs and adapt easily to life in the city or in the country.

Ideally they are inside dogs, feeling happy and content around their human family. They love adults and children and will get on well with other pets in the home too.

They are quite active little dogs and will thrive on games inside the home or outside in the garden. He may be small, but you can put him on a leash and take him for walks.

They make excellent pets and are only too happy to become a devoted and loyal family member of yours.

Health Problems

himalayan sheepdog puppies - health problemsThis is a pretty healthy breed with very few health issues. They have the usual large dog issues.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  • Arthritis – can cause extreme pain and lameness
  • Patellar luxation – kneecap issues that are painful and can cause lameness
  • Obesity – they have a tendency to overeat and are not that active
  • Glaucoma – can cause blindness

dorkie puppies - health problemsThe Dorkie, being a cross-breed, is a healthy dog and with good care can live t be 10 – 13 years of age. Nonetheless he is still prone to genetic problems and he can inherit traits from both parents.

Diet and Obesity:

A healthy diet will be needed to maintain the Dorkie’s health. You don’t want to overfeed your Dorkie, more so because he is a small dog.

The way you feed a dog can have a massive impact on his health and longevity. Just remember that a dog that is obese will battle to exercise, but also obesity can result in serious health problems, putting strain on the bones and joints too.

You don’t want to feed your dog day after day with kibble, and adding in some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken can just give him a more varied diet. Raw meat can also be included from time to time. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water available to him.

Skin Allergies:

The most common symptoms of an allergy is skin irritation – your pet will be constantly scratching and licking. Some skin conditions with your Dorkie can be cleared up quickly while some might be so severe as to require lifelong treatment.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

himalayan sheepdog dogs - caringFeed the puppy 2-3 times a day with a total of two cups of a quality dog food for large breed dogs.

Feeding the adult

Feed the adult dog twice a day with 3 to 4 cups of a high quality dry dog food for large breed dogs.

Points for Good Health

They are very strong and athletic.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs exercise but not to be overworked. They should be taken on long walks at least once a day. They might play fetch or run in a yard, but they don’t like too much exercise.

Diet:

dorkie dogs - caringWhat you feed your pet can play an important role in managing health and skin conditions. Speak to your vet about special quality dog foods that can help reduce skin conditions and other nasty reactions to common, unhealthy food ingredients.

Grooming:

Dorkies are very low maintenance dogs, and they will require a brushing every 2 weeks. Those with longer coats may require some professional grooming. Check their teeth regularly and brush them 2 or 3 times a week. The occasional nail clipping may also be required.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
India
United States
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
38 - 43 kg
83 - 95 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 14 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Bhotia • Bhotiya • Bhote Kukkur • Gaddi • Gaddi Leopardhund • Himachal Pradesh • Himalayan Guard Dog • Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog • Himalayan Chamba Gaddi • HSD
Dorkie Terrier
Colors Available:
Black, fawn, light brown, beige
Black and tan
Coat:
rough dense long
Short to long hair
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds