Silky Terrier vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Silky Terrier vs Himalayan Mastiff - Breed ComparisonHimalayan Mastiff is originated from India but Silky Terrier is originated from Australia. Himalayan Mastiff may grow 45 cm / 18 inches higher than Silky Terrier. Himalayan Mastiff may weigh 73 kg / 161 pounds more than Silky Terrier. Both Himalayan Mastiff and Silky Terrier has almost same life span. Himalayan Mastiff may have more litter size than Silky Terrier. Both Himalayan Mastiff and Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
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India
Australia
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Height Female:
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
21 - 26 cm
8 - 11 inches
Weight Male:
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
11 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
3 - 5
Size:
Large
Toy
Other Names:
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Silky Toy Terrier, Australian Silky Terrier
Colors Available:
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Tan and silvery grey
Coat:
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Long, straight and silky
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

himalayan mastiffThe 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.

silky terrierIt is the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier which are the ancestors of the Australian Silky Terrier. This is by no means a new dog breed. It is believed that the breed came into existence at the end of the 19th century.

The dog’s purpose is to be a companion. This little canine wasn’t always known as the Silky Terrier, but in 1955 the name became officially Silky Terrier.

The breed is also recognized by the Australia National Kennel Council in the Toy Group. In fact the breed is recognised by a number of the major kennel clubs as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

Description

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.

silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small dog breed, standing at just 21 to 26cm in height and weighing in the region of 4 to 5kg. He may be a toy dog, but he is robust and athletic.

The ears of the Silky are small and erect with a lot of silky hair that hangs down and the tail is preferably docked and held high.

His coat is eye-catching – straight, long, silky and shiny. If it is left unclipped, it will reach the floor. The colour of the coat is a tan and silvery grey.

Temperament:

The temperament of any dog is affected by things such as heredity, upbringing and the training and socialization he receives.

Small he may be, but the Silky Terrier can benefit from training as he is feisty and strong willed.

He is energetic and always ready for action. He is ready to come bounding after you and join his human family for any action they’re into. He is playful, bold, loyal, tenacious, independent, social and lively and he makes a good playmate for children.

He might tend to be a bit snappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is also great as a watchdog, barking and alerting you to strangers.

Characteristics

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.

silky terrier dog - characteristicsThe silky terrier is a good choice for those who want a smallish dog but one which is robust and adventurous.

Your Silky is a loyal dog who loves spending time with his human family, wanting their companionship.

He will need to be physically and mentally stimulated as he is bright and intelligent. He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside but will need to be well exercised wherever he is.

Health Problems

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.

silky terrier puppies - health problemsJust like most other dogs, the Silky Terrier isn’t likely to get sick easily, but he can still succumb to any one of the dog illnesses there are.

Diabetes:

This is when your pet isn’t able to regulate blood sugar levels. Your dog will be drinking a lot more water than usual and also be urinating more often. The vet will explain to you a special diet for your pet and how the disease can be controlled with insulin.

Tracheal Collapse: 

This is a disease seen more often in smaller dogs like the Silky. It is caused by an obstruction in the airway and symptoms can include labored breathing and coughing. Your dog will need to be treated with anti-biotics and possibly surgery.

Caring The Pet

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.

●Grooming:

silky terrier dogs - caringYou can imagine that with that silky hair, you’re going to have to be brushing your furry friend quite a bit. It’s such soft, silky hair that it easily picks up burrs and gets matted. You may want to get your pet to a professional groomer to have the hair cut. As you brush him, check for any unusual lumps and keep an eye on his skin.

Check your pet’s teeth. Bad teeth can cause bacteria that can affect every part of your dog’s body. Check inside his ears for redness and check his eyes that there is no discharge. Trim the nails. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to do all these things for him, make an appointment with the professional pet groomers who will do it for you.

● Diet:

The Silky Terrier will need quality food if you want him to enjoy a long, healthy life. Its always a good idea to have some of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods with you for convenience. If you want to give him the best there is, some home-made food will be a good choice, if you keep it simple.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple without any exotic spices that could upset his stomach. Your dog will lap it up and you will see how he loves it. Chop the home-made food up and add some of it into his dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Silky Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Silky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Silky Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Silky Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Silky Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Silky Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Silky Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Silky Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Silky Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Silky Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Silky Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Silky Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Silky Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Silky Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Silky Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Silky Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Silky Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Silky Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Silky Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Silky Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison