Himalayan Mastiff vs Bugg - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The Bugg is generally a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug. There is no clear history in terms of who started this hybrid dog that was recognized initially be the IDCR or International Designer Canine Registry in 2009. This very cute little dog has become increasingly popular in a very short period of time. Crossing these two breeds created a small dog that loves to sit in your lap as well a romp and play.

At this time the Bugg is recognized by several of the hybrid and designer registries and clubs. This would include in addition to the IDCR:

• American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
• Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
• Designer Breed Registry (DBR)

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.

This cross between the Boston Terrier and Pug can have several different looks depending upon whether the individual dog resembles the Pug or the Boston more. Some usual but not always physical characteristics include curly tails, droopy ears and a stocky body in a small dog. They usually have soft, straight coats. Most Buggs look more like the Boston than the Pug although they have the more smashed muzzles and shorter legs of the Pug. The heads are round with almond shaped eyes.

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.

This crossbreed is easily trainable and highly intelligent. They might be stubborn like the Boston or devoted like the Pug. They can have characteristics of both parents and be loving, playful lapdogs. They love to play with children, but they can be territorial like the Boston. The Bugg is a small dog with a big attitude. They are affectionate and sweet, friendly towards people and other animals. Since the Boston and the Pug have very similar characteristics and temperament, you can have a pretty good idea what your Bugg will be like.

Children friendliness

yes, 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.

Some of the issues that the Buggs are susceptible to include allergies, skin issues and respiratory issues. They are also inclined to get ear infections.

They should not get overheated, fly on airplanes or be overly exerted.

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.

• Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
• Thyroid Issues – hypothyroidism or low thyroid test results.
• Ear Infections – clean ears regularly to avoid these.

Feeding

Buggs love to eat and will anything you give them and some things that you don’t. They can become obese very easily so watch their food intake. These small dogs should be eating food made for small dogs. Feed them only ¾ to 1 and ½ cups of dry food per day split into two meals.

Health issues

The Bugg can inherit health problems from either the Boston or the Pug, or they may be healthier than either parent breed. Both of these parent breeds are given to Brachycephalic issues due to their mashed faces. They could face respiratory issues or eye issues because of this.

Exercise and games

The Bugg is a very energetic and playful dog. They love to run, play and go on walks. Just one walk or play session per day is enough exercise for this little dog. You can easily have your play time inside if you don’t have a fenced yard. Because of their faces and breathing issues do not let them get overheated.

Feeding the puppy

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.

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.