New Guinea Singing Dog vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonNew Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea but Himalayan Mastiff is originated from India. New Guinea Singing Dog may grow 33 cm / 12 inches shorter than Himalayan Mastiff. New Guinea Singing Dog may weigh 63 kg / 138 pounds lesser than Himalayan Mastiff. New Guinea Singing Dog may live 5 years more than Himalayan Mastiff. New Guinea Singing Dog may have less litter size than Himalayan Mastiff. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance.

History

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

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.

Description

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

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.

Health Problems

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Working dog
Origin:
Papua New Guinea
India
Height Male:
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
Life Span:
15 - 20 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Colors Available:
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Coat:
weather resistant coat double coat breed
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  2. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  3. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  4. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  6. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  7. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  8. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  9. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  10. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  12. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  13. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  14. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  15. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  20. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  22. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  23. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - 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