Also known as the Cypro Kukor, the Kumaon Mastiff is a fierce molosser-type dog breed originally from the Uttarakhand state in India. Sturdy and strong, they’re some of India’s most prized guardians of the home.

Originally the Kumaon Mastiff was intended to guard and protect livestock for the hill people of Kumaon. However, like so many Indian dog breeds, the Kumaon Mastiff is in danger of extinction. It is estimated that only a few hundred of these dogs exist today.

These Mastiffs sport a short and soft coat, typically in brindle or various shades of brown. They can grow up to 28 inches (0.7 Meters) tall (at the shoulder) and weigh well over 100 pounds (45 kgs.). They have an eerie resemblance to the old Great Danes.

It is reported that these dogs are also in Italy and Finland, where they were introduced to in the late 19th century.

As fierce and powerful as they were, the Kumaon Mastiffs were some of the best guard dogs to come out of India. They’re known to be aggressive dogs, which just means they’ll require a lot of obedience and socialization training.

Kumaon Mastiffs have great protective instincts. In fact, some say they’re a little over-protective, which explains why they were formidable guard dogs in the past. Unfortunately, there is not much information on these dogs in a family environment.

More Info: thesmartcanine.com