PetzloverBoth Cypro Kukur and Himalayan Mastiff are originated from India. Cypro Kukur may grow 19 cm / 8 inches higher than Himalayan Mastiff. Cypro Kukur may weigh 12 kg / 27 pounds more than Himalayan Mastiff. Cypro Kukur may live 3 years less than Himalayan Mastiff. Cypro Kukur may have less litter size than Himalayan Mastiff. Cypro Kukur requires Low Maintenance. But Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance
The Cypro Kukur is an ancient dog breed which originated in the Kumaon area of India. It is interesting to note that the name Cypro Kukur translates to Cyprus Dog, but the dog doesn’t appear to have originated in Cyprus.
The dog was used to guard livestock. It has a history that goes right back to about 300 years BC. The true history of this dog is shrouded in mystery and there are researchers who believe that foreign explorers to the Cyprus region imported these Kumaon watchdogs. There are those who believe the dog descended from the Molosser dog breeds.
The dog is also known as the Indian Mastiff or Kumaon Mastiff, but it is facing extinction with just a small number of pure Cypro Kukur remaining in the area. Today, however, there appears to be quite a large number of the dogs in Europe.
The 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.
The Cypro kukur is a large dog standing at anything from 70 – 90 cm and also weighing in the region of 70 – 90kg. He has an attractively lean, muscled body. He has a large head with a strong neck and floppy ears. The tail is long. The short, thick coat is a light fawn color with brindle markings or he can be white with black marking.
The Cypro Kukur is an aggressive dog breed and that is why he was used to guard livestock to ward off wild animals. He makes an excellent guard dog. However with training and socialization he makes an excellent family pet, becoming friendly and obedient around other pets and people.
The 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.
The large Cypro Kukur is a fairly aggressive dog who makes for an excellent guard- or watch dog. It is important to have this dog trained and socialized as he can be aggressive.
He may be large and intimidating to look at with some aggressive tendencies, but with training they can become domesticated and then he has the capability of becoming quiet, well behaved and obedient.
If you’re looking for a large, loyal friend, then choose the Cypro Kukur, as with socialization he can make a good and loyal family pet.
yes, they are if properly socialized.
Their athletic ability
They cannot live in an apartment. They need a large yard.
They are intelligent, but difficult to train. They are stubborn and independent.
The Cypro Kukur can live to be 10 – 12, but he is a large dog and there will be some health concerns that your dog may never develop but are worth knowing about. These are Hip Dysplasia and Gastric Torsion.
Hip dysplasia is one of the most commonly occurring conditions that dogs have to contend with so it is worth knowing about.
It is an hereditary disease that progressively gets worse with age. Your dog can be uncomfortable and in pain. Canine hip dysplasia is when the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. Veterinarians tell us that most dogs are actually born with normal hip joints, but that gradual subluxation brings about the development of abnormally shaped hip joints.
Gastric dilatation volvulus is another name for gastric torsion, a medical condition also referred to as a twisted stomach.
Excess gas causes what is known as bloat and its a life-threatening condition that will require immediate attention from your vet.
You’ll notice your pet’s stomach is swollen, your dog will have difficulty with breathing and he may be vomiting. It is a disease brought on by a number of factors.
Being 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.
This is a large dog and he will require an adequate amount of exercise. He is the kind of dog that isn’t recommended for couch potatoes. He will need to join you in your walks every day, or you can allow him to join you with your jogging or cycling.
The short coat of this large dog is easy to care for. He is a moderate shedder so a good brush twice a week will be all he needs to remove loose hairs and keep his coat healthy and shiny. Brushing him gives you the chance to check him for fleas and ticks too.
Other grooming for the Cypro Kukur should include trimming his nails and brushing his teeth twice a week with canine-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Make a point of checking inside his ears as dogs with floppy ears are prone towards ear infections.
This 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.
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.
They have good strength and athletic ability.
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.