Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonTea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico but Himalayan Mastiff is originated from India. Tea Cup Chihuahua may grow 33 cm / 12 inches shorter than Himalayan Mastiff. Tea Cup Chihuahua may weigh 75 kg / 165 pounds lesser than Himalayan Mastiff. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Himalayan Mastiff has almost same life span. Tea Cup Chihuahua may have less litter size than Himalayan Mastiff. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate maintenance.

History

tea cup chihuahua - historyChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

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

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

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

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

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

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

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

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

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:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
Mexico
India
Height Male:
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
5 - 10
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Toy Chihuahuas
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Colors Available:
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Coat:
long haired and short dense coarse hair
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
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. 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. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  30. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  32. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  44. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  45. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  46. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  47. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  48. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  50. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Toy Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds