Vikhan Sheepdog

Vikhan Sheepdog
Other names	Vikhan Dog; Vikhan Shepherd; Vikhan; Chitral Watchdog
Origin	Pakistan, India
Breed status	Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club.
	Dog (domestic dog)

The Vikhan Sheepdog, also called the Vikhan Dog or simply the Vikhan, is a dog breed that originates in the northwestern Indian subcontinent, specifically the Chitral region of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, as well as the state of Himachal Pradesh in India.[1][2] It is used as a livestock guardian dog, as well as a leopard hunting dog, due to its great speed and fierce temperament. The name is derived from the Sanskrit "vikh", and also indicates the hilly country of origin of the dog. The Vikhan's body is built for speed than strength. It also makes a formidable property watchdog.

Appearance

This large, muscular and lean working breed possesses a fearless temperament and great intelligence. It is, however, very territorial and aggressive, needing careful socialization from an early age. The rich coat comes in solid shades of black, brown, red and fawn, but multi-coloured and spotted dogs are quite common. Average height is around 26 inches. Related to other Molossers of the region, the Vikhan is often described as a "giant Rough Collie", due to its profuse coat, which is used as a wool substitute in Pakistan.

References

Rajeshwari, Y. B. (2009). Handbook on Care and Management of Laboratory and Pet Animals. New India Publishing. p. 93. ISBN 9788189422981. A few other recognized breeds of Indian dogs are ... Kuchi (Tanjore), Patti (Tamil Nadu), Tripuri Lushai hills) and Vikhan (Chitral and Kinapur in Himachal Pradesh).
Sharma, M. C.; Pathak, Nitya Nand; Bhat, Pushkar Nath (1993). Dogs: Breeding, Nutrition, Diagnosis and Health Management. CBS Publishers & Distributors. p. 33.

External links

MolosserDogs.com Vikhan Shepherd

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[1] Rajeshwari, Y. B. (2009). Handbook on Care and Management of Laboratory and Pet Animals. New India Publishing. p. 93. ISBN 9788189422981. A few other recognized breeds of Indian dogs are ... Kuchi (Tanjore), Patti (Tamil Nadu), Tripuri Lushai hills) and Vikhan (Chitral and Kinapur in Himachal Pradesh).

[2] Sharma, M. C.; Pathak, Nitya Nand; Bhat, Pushkar Nath (1993). Dogs: Breeding, Nutrition, Diagnosis and Health Management. CBS Publishers & Distributors. p. 33.