Portuguese Water Dog vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed ComparisonGaddi Kutta is originated from India but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Gaddi Kutta may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Portuguese Water Dog. Gaddi Kutta may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Gaddi Kutta and Portuguese Water Dog has same life span. Gaddi Kutta may have more litter size than Portuguese Water Dog. Gaddi Kutta requires High Maintenance. But Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
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India
Portugal
Height Male:
55 - 71 cm
21 - 28 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
53 - 69 cm
20 - 28 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
37 - 44 kg
81 - 98 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 37 kg
70 - 82 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 12
5 - 8
Size:
Giant
Medium
Other Names:
Indian Leopard Hund, and Himalayan Chamba Gaddi dog, Himalayan Bhatia or Bhutia Sheepdog, Gaddi watchdog, Gaddi Mastiff, Himalayan Sheepdog Indian Panther Hound, Maidan Mastiff
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
solid color of black and tan, dark fawn and sometimes reddish color.
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
dry top coat, heavy, thick undercoat
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Courageous, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

gaddi kuttaThe Gaddi Kutta is mountain dog of the mastiff line from northern India. They are mostly found in the western Himalayas and Himachal Pradesh. It is also seen in Nepal and often named the Indian Panther Hound and the Mahidant Mastiff. They were bred to hunt but because of their strength and intelligence they are used to guard and herd goats and sheep. They are strong enough to defeat or scare off a panther or snow leopard and intelligent enough to work independently in finding strays and bringing them back to their pens. They have been known to protect herds of cattle from bears and leopards.3 or 4 of them working together can handle the guard duties for thousands of cattle.

Their reputation precedes them – as ferocious and courageous, unmatched in their instincts to protect what is theirs. In the line of the Mastiffs and Molosser, the Gaddi is powerful and agile, and considered to be of ancient heritage though no one is sure what their origin is. The local myth is that dogs were crossed with tigers. It is more likely that dingo-like wild hounds from the Himalaya were crossed with the Tibetan Mastiff to create the Gaddi Kutti. Also found in Pakistan, most lines of the breed have been crossed with others including the German Shepard and the Bully Kutta. Outside of the Himalayas there are not many if any pure lines. The Gaddi Kutta is a good family dog if you socialize him as a puppy. He will be gentle, calm and intuitive with his family, but aggressive toward strangers and other dogs.

portuguese water dogThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

Description

gaddi kutta puppy - descriptionThe Gaddi Kutta is a mastiff but he is athletic, has tremendous speed and stamina. He is muscular and deep-chested, leaner than most of the mastiff lines. Their ears can be either natural or cropped, on a very large head. One of the most important traits of the Gaddi Kutta is the massive, arched neck that protects them from predators. He is sturdy with a heavily feathered, thick tail curling over the back.

They are massive, wolf like dogs, fiery and huge but intelligent and faithful to their people. They are scary even when they are trying to be affectionate. The muzzle is strong, and the mane is thick. The Gaddi has long, heavy legs and very large feet that are feathered, making him even more intimidating.

There are two types of Gaddi Kutti – the longhaired and the shorthaired. The longhaired is the most common and has a fuller coat with long feathering on the tail, legs and chest and some feathering on the feet. They are all usually solid colors of yellow, fawn and cream or they could be piebald, brown or brindle. They have a woolly dense undercoat.

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

gaddi kutta dog - characteristicsThey are not always great with children, but they will protect own children in their family. Do not leave unattended.

Special talents

They have the ability to bring down a wolf or even a bear or snow leopard.

Adaptability

Because of his size, temperament and coat he is not very adaptable. He is good outside in a colder region and with a lot of land to roam, but not in a hot region or in an apartment.

Learning ability

This breed is very smart, learns quickly on his own.

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured pet and companion.

Health Problems

However, they are prone to some of the same issues that any big dog would have.

  1. Hip/elbow Dysplasia
  2. Painful and can cause lameness and arthritis.
  3. Patellar luxation
  4. This is a moving knee cap. Can be repaired or can cause lameness.
  5. Obesity

gaddi kutta puppies - health problemsThe breed is prone to obesity if they do not get enough exercise or a decent diet.

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

gaddi kutta dogs - caringShould feed a high quality dry puppy food for large dogs. Give 1-2 cups per day split into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

Again you want to feed high quality dry adult dog food for large dogs. Give 3-4 cups per day split into 2 meals. Watch for obesity and if your Gaddi Kutta is gaining too much weight, cut back.

Points for Good Health

The Gaddi Kutti seems to be immune to the most common of canine diseases.

Games and Exercises

This is a breed of very large dogs that need daily exercise by walking and running. However, since they have been fairly isolated in India and the Himalayas, he has not been exposed to organized dog play and exercise such as agility, dock jumping or field trials. He would probably succeed at all three.

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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