Sindh Mastiff vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison

The Sindh Mastiff or Alangu Mastiff is an ancient breed believed to have been useful for guarding war camps, but today he is both a guard dog and pet.

There isn’t too much information available to us about the origins of this dog but it is thought that they came about from breeding the Indian Mastiff and the Alaunt.

He is likened to the Bully Kutta dog, a huge Mastiff breed from Pakistan. This dog is one of three mastiff type dog breeds to be found around Persia and India. Unfortunately because of its aggressive nature, it has been used for dog fighting.

Descendent of the English Talbot Hound, the Black and Tann Coonhound is nevertheless an American creation. Developed by crossing the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound with the Bloodhound in the very early years of the American experience. It is said that George Washington owned several. The very first Coonhound that was given American Kennel Club registration was the Black and Tan in 1945. They had been admitted to the United Kennel Club in 1912. The Black and Tan Coonhound is a traditional hunting dog – known by hunters as a “trail and tree hound”. This is a dog that finds its prey and trees it. They have incredibly strong instincts to hunt and need to hunt. They can track their prey for miles and if they have a scent you cannot get their attention back. They have been valued because they can “cold track”, following the scent of an animal that left the scene long ago. They are known to have tracked mountain lions and bears as well as deer and coon. They were developed to keep the American settlers safe and well fed, but also to keep them company on the trails or by the fireplace. They are the American Dog.

The Alangu Mastiff is a huge dog, standing anything from 80 – 84cm in height and weighing 62 – 68kg. He is muscular and strong. He has a broad skull with small pricked ears, wide apart eyes and a thick neck.

The legs are powerful and muscled, the skin fairly loose over the body with hair that is short ad dense. The coat can be white, tan, fawn or brindle.

Sometimes the dog has a black mask. The tail is thick and long these days, although it used to be docked.

Temperament:

This dog has a domineering, ferocious nature and that is why it has been sought after as a guard dog. He is territorial and thought to be aggressive. He is therefore not a good choice of dog for first time dog owners. He is also not a good choice for when there are children in the home or even small pets.

He is strong willed and fairly difficult to train. Of course it is a known fact that a puppy turns out a lot like its owners. Good owners produce a good tempered dog, but you have to be careful with this dog as it has aggressive tendencies.

Certainly it will require a strong, firm consistent owner, and then the dog is capable of becoming loyal and devoted. Training and socialization are possible as he is intelligent, and it does help to make him more submissive to his human owners.

The Black and Tan Coonhound looks like we all imagine a coonhound would look. They have strong and muscular legs, an oval skull and a scissors bite. They have brown or hazel eyes that are very expressive. The ears of course are long like the bloodhound, far back on the head and thin. His nose is amazingly sensitive as he is scent hound. His nostrils are always black. He is a large, strong dog.

Domineering and quite aggressive, particularly if brought up that way, the Sindh Mastiff has a fairly long history of dog fighting. He is an intelligent dog and should be trained and socialized. He is also very territorial. He isn’t suitable for first time dog owners as he does have a bit of a reputation as being a fairly ferocious dog.

However, you have to give this dog some credit, and with the right upbringing, proper training and socialization, he can make a loyal pet and companion for a strong, firm, patient, kind and consistent type of owner.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is intelligent, calm, affectionate, independent, strong, and stubborn. They love children and are gentle with them, but they are also very independent and may not do what the child wants them to do in play. They are loyal to their family and will bay at strangers. They are incredibly adaptable and happy-go-lucky. They will end up on the couch or bed so don’t try to fight it. They like cars and enjoy traveling. If you get a BTC be ready for that booming voice.

The Sindh Mastiff is a healthy breed of dog who could develop any one of the main dog illnesses there are, although it is highly unlikely to get the diseases.

Nonetheless it is wise to be aware of some of the illnesses.

A common problem with dogs is canine cancer, of which lymphosarcoma and bone cancer are common. Then you have to be aware of bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus, which is particular common in deep-chested dogs. The stomach dilates and twists, and blood supply is cut off.

This is a life threatening illness. Urinary tract infections and skin conditions are just some of the diseases your pet will need to contend with.

his is a very healthy breed but like any long eared, floppy eared dogs are prone to ear infections and more seriously ear cancer. They can acquire hip dysplasia like any larger dog and they can have eye issues as well.

General Grooming:

This is a low maintenance dog as the short coat will only require a brush twice a week. As you brush him take note of any unusual lumps you come across.

Also, while grooming him, check the inside of his ears and look for signs of redness and the possibility of an ear infection. Look into his eyes and make sure they are clear and bright.

Check inside his mouth, if he will allow you to, and make sure he doesn’t have any bad teeth. These could cause a lot of pain and also cause problems with body organs such as the heart and the kidneys.

Exercise:

This is a big dog that is going to need plenty of exercise. He is not suited to small spaces in the city but will require a fairly large property in the suburbs or the countryside. He will become frustrated and more dangerous to others if left day after day without exercise.

Diet:

The Sindh Mastiff is an energetic dog, so it is important do ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he remains fit and energetic. For convenience, commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice, but only when you choose the better quality ones with vitamins and minerals in them.

Some of the inferior food brands load the food with bad fillers, colorants and preservatives and these can all make your pet sick. Try and give him some home made food too – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Your dog will thank you for such a plain diet as then he isn’t plagued by digestive problems. Chop it all up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week. Try and include some raw meat into the diet occasionally to avoid skin problems. Always ensure a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding

This coonhound is a big, rugged, working dog and needs to be fed accordingly. Feed him at least twice a day in smaller portions and not right before or right after exercise. Don’t send him on a hunt with a full stomach. Don’t overfeed.

Health issues

1. Hip Dysplasia – get certification on your puppy tested by breeder
2. Ear Infections – clean daily
3. Ear Cancer – most serious issue facing the breed
4. Eye Issues – cataracts, cherry eye, and eyelid abnormalities such as entropian and ectropian

Exercise and games

Not that the Black and Tan Coonhound is lazy, but he can be a couch potato when he is not working. He needs moderate exercise everyday and he does well at activities like barn hunt and field games. If he does catch a scent outdoors and he is not confined in a fence, he will follow the scent with no attention to your calls at all. He can run for miles on end when pursuing prey, but he’d also enjoy just jogging along side you or your bike. He loves long walks but make sure he is on a leash and can’t follow his nose.