Himalayan Sheepdog

Information and Pictures

Side view of a thick coated red colored large breed dog with small fold over ears, a large black nose and a long fluffy tail sitting down in dirt in front of barb wire.

Jacky the Himalayan Sheepdog at two years old.

Other Names

Bhotia
Bhotiya
Bhote Kukkur
Gaddi
Gaddi Leopardhund
Himachal Pradesh
Himalayan Guard Dog
Himalayan Mastiff Guard Dog
Himalayan Chamba Gaddi
HSD

Pronunciation

him-uh-ley-n sheep-dawg

Description

Temperament

The Himalayan Sheepdog is a very intelligent, courageous and fearless dog that makes a lovely companion.

Height, Weight

Height: 24-28 inches (61-71 cm)

Weight: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg)

Dogs bred in kennels tend to be taller and heavier than those dogs that are roaming the mountain terrain areas.

Health Problems

Living Conditions

This breed can live in an apartment if it is very well exercised. These dogs are not very active indoors.

Exercise

The Himalayan Sheepdog needs to be taken on daily walks. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Be careful that the bones, muscles and joints of the young dog are not overworked during the growing stage by not overdoing the physical side of its life. However, they will still need to walk each day to satisfy their migration instinct.

Life Expectancy

About 9 to 14 years

Litter Size

About 6 to 10 puppies

Grooming

The Himalayan Sheepdog should be brushed regularly. In the winter the coat has an abundance of very thick hair, which sheds once a year for the duration of a month, when the weather gets warmer. During this time your dog should be brushed and combed every day.

Origin

The Himalayan Sheepdog breed was developed for guarding encampments and livestock from predators. It was developed from Tibetan Mastiff stock. "Gaddi dog" is a generic term used for the majority of the big dogs found in the Himalayas, although there is no one particular kind of Gaddi dog as they vary from place to place and are bred for various purposes. Himalayan sheepdog are found from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh in India, including Nepal and Bhutan. In Nepal it is called a Bhote Kukkur or Bhotiya whereas in Himachal Pradesh it is known as Gaddi Leopardhund. The distinguishing characteristic of Chamba Gaddi dogs is their long pointed muzzle without any Molloser semblance. They also have a wide forehead, pendulum ears and a maned neck similar to that of a purebred Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs are big and have a deep bark similar to a Tibetan Mastiff. The tail is not as curly and heavily feathered as a Tibetan Mastiff. This breed, like many indigenous breeds, is at the verge of extinction due to dilution in the gene pool and lack of dedicated breeders and breeding programs.

Group

Guard Dog

Recognition

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Front view of a thick coated red with white large breed dog with a large head and a big black nose laying down on concrete with a medal link chain connected to its collar

Jacky the Himalayan Sheepdog at two years old.

A man with dark black hair and a mustache laying down outside with a large breed red dog behind him and a small black and tan puppy in front of him.

Jacky the Himalayan Sheepdog at two years old and a Himalayan Sheepdog puppy with their human friend.

A man with dark black hair sitting outside at the edge of a cliff with a small tan puppy under his arm looking out at a good view of the mountains and valley.

Jacky the Himalayan Sheepdog as a puppy

Front view of a large breed puppy with a thick coat and drop ears that hang down to the sides and big paws laying down on concrete with a white door behind him.

Jacky the Himalayan Sheepdog as a puppy

Side view of a thick coated black with tan dog that has longer fringe hair on its tail, back of his legs and on his ears. The dogs body and face are black with tan paws and tan spots above each eye.

Brock the Himalayan Sheepdog at 8 months old"Brock is a very active, naughty, intelligent but aloof Himalayan Sheepdog pup, owned by my friend Mr.Nitin Posti, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India. He was given by Bhotiya Shepherd people to Mr Nitin Posti. He is a good watchdog now and has immense potential for being a great guard dog in the future."—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

A man in a green shirt and sunglasses standing on a small back road on the side of a mountain next to a black motorcycle and a black and tan large breed dog.

Brock the Himalayan Sheepdog at 8 months old with Mr. Nitin Posti—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

A large breed adult tan dog standing outside on a concrete patio with its thick tail curled up over its back. There is a small thick coated black and tan puppy sitting down a few feet away from it.

Brock the Himalayan Sheepdog as a puppy with his adult Himalayan Sheepdog friend—Picture courtesy of Ajit Roy

Side view of a large breed black with white dog that has longer fringe hair on its tail that curls up over his back. The dog is all black with white on its chest, legs, back of its tail, a small amount near his nose on his muzzle and two white spots above each eye.

Bosko the Himalayan Sheepdog at 2 years old"Bosko is a very pleasing, sweet, quite dog, but with a great guarding ability. He had encountered leopard two times. He is owned by my friend Mr Nitin Posti from Kedarnath, Uttarakhand India, who got Bosko from the same shepherd people from whom he got "Brock"." Picture Courtesy of Ajit Roy