Himalayan Sheepdog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Himalayan Sheepdog or "Bhutey Kukur" as it is called in the country of its origin, Nepal, is a flock guardian mountain dog. Being among the ancient breeds of this region, the dog has been a loyal servant to shepherds of Nepal and Tibet who have been using this large sheepdog to herd, drive and protect their flock from predators. This rare breed is loyal, courageous and an excellent guard dog.

Although the Himalayan Sheepdog resembles the Newfoundland and the Tibetan Mastiff, it is lighter and shorter with a height between 26-32 inches and weight between 62-84 lbs. It is a heavy-boned dog with a muscular and athletic body. The dog comes with a medium to large head, broad skull and medium length muzzle. Almond shaped eyes are medium size and triangular shaped ears are moderate length. The dog has a long double coat that comes in different colours like, black, brown but white colour is the rarest.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC or other major kennel clubs.

Color

The Himalayan Sheepdog comes in a variety of colours ranging from solid black to light brown. White is found in these dogs but it is a very rare colour. This breed displays different shades on the body. Most dogs usually have a white colour fur patch on the chest.

Coat

It has a long, double coat. The topcoat is coarse, dense and thick. The under coat is softer, finer and less dense than the outer coat. The double coat is weather-resistant and protects the dog from very cold temperatures.

Personality

An excellent herder, drover and protector of the flock, the Himalayan Sheepdog is also valued highly for its great temperament as family pet. This dog is loyal, very intelligent and loving to all family members but it usually bonds itself strongly with one member of the family, in most cases, its owner. The dog displays excellent kind and patient temperament when it is around children, proving itself as great playmate of them. It gets along well with other dogs and pets in the family if it is socialized with them early in dog's life. Being an independent worker, the dog has a stubborn and willful nature which makes it a not-so-easy- to-train dog. Obedience training is a must for this breed. It has territorial and excellent guarding instincts which make this dog an excellent watch and guard dog. It is an alert breed with a loud bark that is enough to keep the intruders away from the flock or the property these dogs are guarding. This dog is known for its courage and bravery and it will not back away from a fierce enemy like tiger. Two dogs can make a tiger find hiding place. This is an excellent multipurpose breed that needs a firm and experienced owner who can get best out of these dogs in the roles of a working and family pet.

Care

Long coat of this breed sheds once a year. The dog will need to be brushed regularly.

Training

Training this dog can be a challenge, specially for an inexperienced or weak owner as the dog shows stubborn and willful attitude due to its independent nature. This dog needs a firm and confident trainer who can establish himself as this dogs' true packleader. The trainer needs to be patient, firm yet gentle and consistent when training this dog.

Activity

This is not a dog for apartment living. With high energy and love for outdoor work, this breed will need physically stimulating jobs. Daily walks and ample playing time is necessary for this breed who suits best to suburban or rural setting or a house with a large yard.