Can you handle a powerful dog named Bully Kutta?

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

The Bully Kutta is a giant, but it’s far from gentle

Also known as Pakistan, Indian, Alangu, or Sindhi Mastiff, “the Beast from the East” is naturally aggressive and exceptionally strong. This working dog requires expert handling and isn’t a good fit for just anyone.

Do you have what it takes to own a brute canine? Keep reading if you’re up for the challenge.

Where does the Bully Kutta come from?

The Sindhi Mastiff’s origin is a bit of a mystery. We know that this breed hails all the way from Punjab and Sindh regions of Pakistan, and dates back at least as far as the 16th century, but the rest is up for debate.

An illustration of the Bully Kutta's history
Source: @bornprotector / IG

 

Some theories suggest that when Great Britain invaded India in the 1700s, the English Mastiffs brought by soldiers were bred with Indian Mastiffs, resulting in what became known as the Bully Kutta. 

Others say that this fearsome dog is a direct descendant of the ancient Alaunt. Long since extinct, Alaunts were a territorial breed that traveled with and protected the nomadic Alan tribe in what is now Iran.

This breed was initially bred to fight animals as large as wild boar and bears. Today, the Bully Kutta is particularly popular in Pakistan for illegal dogfighting

You might be wondering if there’s a meaning behind this Mastiff’s name. Believe it or not, this tough doggo’s name has nothing to do with being a mean bully.

“Bully” is an anglicized version of the Punjabi word bholi, meaning “heavily wrinkled.” Kutta simply means “dog.”

And not a lot of people know this information, but this breed has types that vary from region to region. These are some of the well-known kind of Bully Kutta:

  • Ancient-type Bully Kutta
  • Modern Bully Kutta
  • Nagi Bully Kutta
  • Aseel Bully Kutta
  • Mastiff-type Bully Kutta

What does the Bully Kutta look like?

Also known as Pakistani Mastiff, the Bully Kutta is a giant dog
Source: @gkennels / IG

The Pakistani Mastiff is an impressive-looking dog. It may be most recognizable for the folds of loose skin around its neck and jaw (hence its name), which serves as protection for guarding breeds.

According to their breed standard, they have broad, stocky heads and muscular bodies.

The Bulldog Kutta can have yellow eyes and a red nose, but they’re rare. They have erect ears, which are often cropped.

When it comes to pets, are you bothered by drooling? You may have noticed that Bully Kuttas have long, floppy lips.

If you’re interested in getting one, expect a decent amount of drool.

They’re usually white with short, smooth fur, but other color combinations are possible, too. These include white and black, white and brown, black, red, brindle, fawn, and harlequin.

How big will a Bully Kutta get?

They don’t call it the “Beast from the East” for no reason – the Bully Kutta is gigantic.

Males can weigh between 150-170 pounds (68-77 kg) and be between 30-44 inches in height (76-112 cm). Females aren’t much smaller, weighing in at up to 150 pounds (68 kg) and measuring up to 36 inches (91 cm) tall. Check out this video to see how big Indian Mastiffs are!

Because of their size and their working dog instincts, the Alangu Mastiff needs plenty of room to stretch its long legs. Only consider this breed if you have a large, fenced yard where your dog can run and release some energy.

How aggressive is the Bully Kutta?

Described as intelligent and alert, the Bully Kutta is a dominant dog that should only be handled by those who have experience with large, giant, and even aggressive breeds.

We repeat: this dog is NOT recommended for novice dog owners.

Because they are designed to protect itself and its pack at all costs, Indian Mastiffs can be extremely aggressive toward strangers and other animals. Early socialization is key here. If you already have pets at home, consider getting a Bully Kutta puppy, so that it’s easier for him to understand that not everything is a threat.

This goes for socializing your pup with people, too. You should introduce your Pakistani Bully to any regular visitors. With routine meetings, your pet can get acquainted with everyone on friendly terms.

A Bully Kutta have its tongue out while sitting on the ground

That being said, these dogs are best-suited for homes without small children. Big dogs can hurt younger kids during playtime, often without even realizing it. 

Our little ones can be rough on pets, too. Given the Bully Kutta’s protective instinct, your kiddos and your four-legged pal must be never together unsupervised. It’s also a good idea to teach your children (and their playmates) how to properly pet and play with their canine friends.

Be prepared to dedicate ample time to training your Alangu Mastiff, especially when it comes to socializing them and securing your spot as their boss. These dogs are strong-willed and independent. They need to know that you’re in charge at all times. Failing to keep them controlled and under your pack leadership can be extremely dangerous.

Do Bully Kuttas have a bad rap?

Like Pit Bulls in the US, Indian Mastiffs have been used for illegal dog fighting in Pakistan. Because of this, they’ve gotten a reputation for being dangerous – bloodthirsty even.

Fans of this breed may be apt to point out that, in 2009, the Bully Kutta actually scored higher on temperament tests than other family-friendly breeds, like Beagles and Collies.

These assessments, conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, measure aggressiveness, friendliness, and protective instinct in canines.

The evaluation simulates a walk through a park or neighborhood, and dogs are scored based on how they respond to unexpected visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli, such as strangers approaching their handler, hearing gunshots, and sudden movements.

It’s important to note, however, that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Bully Kuttas aren’t aggressive or protective. They definitely are. Instead, these results could indicate that Sindh Mastiffs are analytical and size up new situations before taking action to defend themselves or their pack.

In any case, the Pakistan Mastiff’s size and dominance should not be taken lightly. This is a powerful creature that can do some severe damage to people and other animals if not properly trained and managed.

How do you take care of such a strong dog?

Like any canine, the Bully Kutta needs a little help from you to be at their best.

Despite being proud and independent, owners of this breed should find the time to provide physical and mental stimulation. Let’s not forget about keeping your four-legged friend looking sharp, providing a nutritious diet, and staying in shape.

Exercising your Bully Kutta

Big dogs have a reputation for being on the lazy side, but this unique breed needs plenty of outlets to release physical and mental energy. These headstrong working dogs will do best with active owners who don’t mind being in charge

Plan to spend at least an hour every day walking, running, or playing with your dog. Use this time to reinforce your pack-leader status. Be confident, and take the lead to keep your Bully Kutta from thinking that they’re the one in charge.

If you exercise your fido off-leash, make sure you’re in a secured, fenced area. These dogs can be escape artists. As fierce as they can be, this is one pet you don’t want to get loose.

Grooming the Indian Mastiff

What this breed demands in activity, it makes up for in grooming. The Bully Kutta is an average shedder with a short, straight coat. You won’t have to do much to maintain their fur.

A Bully Kutta dog with spots as coat markings or patterns
Brushing can be done once a week. When you do give this pooch an at-home spa session, use a firm-bristled brush for best results.

Another good thing with grooming Sindh Mastiffs is that they tend to keep themselves tidy. If you’re already worried about how you would wash a huge dog, it’s not such a chore as you only have to bathe him when needed.

Most of the time, wiping your dog down with a damp cloth and keeping the ears clean and dry every week would suffice.

Bully Kutta Diet: Food fitting for a giant

It’s recommended to feed the Pakistani Mastiff dry kibbles that are formulated for large breeds, that consists of 40% protein, 30% vegetables, and 30% starch. Their diet should be rich in healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates.

You have an option to mix in canned food, broth, or raw food.

For the amount to give your Bully dog, you’d notice that some have varying numbers of cups to feed this breed. That is because each pack of food has different serving suggestions. It’s best to focus on their required daily caloric intake to avoid overfeeding or not giving your pet enough to eat.

Some say that the Pakistani Bully Kutta should be fed 4 to 6 cups of dog food a day, while others even say 10 cups! But here’s a simple calorie calculator to know how much calories your giant pet needs.

How healthy is the Bully Kutta?

The Pakistani Mastiff is generally a healthy breed and has a lifespan of 8-10 years. Still, large-size dogs are at an increased risk of certain health issues.

Arthritis, bloat, and heart problems are common in bigger canines. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances that your Bully Kutta deals with these health issues:

Avoid using a raised feeder, and keep your dog’s food and water bowls on the ground to reduce the risk of bloat. Make sure that you don’t over-exercise your dog, especially when they’re young. Let those bones and joints fully develop before taking your pup on a mile-long hike.

It’s also important to note that the Bully Kutta is prone to blindness and skin conditions, like allergies or infections. Keep an eye out for increased itching and scratching, redness, bumps, or hair loss. These can all be signs that something is amiss with your pup’s skin.

Is the Bully Kutta really that hard to find?

The answer is yes. While these dogs are readily available in India and Pakistan, they’re quite rare in the rest of the world. Searches for breeders in the United States only turned up one result near Houston, TX. 

Uncommon dog breeds can be more expensive than others, and that’s certainly the case with the Bully Kutta. In India and Pakistan, a Bully Kutta puppy can be as low as $300. But that US-based breeder we mentioned? Prices for the pups from their 2019 litter started at $2000

If you live in a country where the Bully Kutta is hard to find, you might want to start saving up now. Expect to pay a pretty penny to call one of these dogs your own.

For those who are wondering the locations of where the Pakistani Mastiff is banned or illegal, it’s only in Belarus that they’re considered potentially dangerous. They have a law that these dogs should exclusively be owned by people who are 18 years old and above.

Their main requirement is to keep such breeds to stay within the premises of their home. They should also be secured with a collar and a leash, as well as a muzzle. If you’re going to walk this canine in Belarus, always make sure that you have your certification of training courses about care, maintenance, and breeding this specific pooch.

Is the Bully Kutta right for you?

Expert dog owners who enjoy a challenge might well meet their match in the Bully Kutta. The Beast from the East is both feared and admired for its strength, power, and legacy.

This isn’t your typical family dog, after all. The Indian Mastiff will thrive in a home with plenty of room to run and without other pets. Brush up on your training skills, and break out the training treats. Your Indian Bully’s strong personality is sure to keep you on your toes.

What are your thoughts on this impressive breed? Tell us what you think in the comments!

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