Bully Kutta

The Bully Kutta is a type of very large working dog from the Indian subcontinent, with a history said to go back to the 16th century. It is used for hunting and guarding, and is most popular in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, as well as in Haryana and Delhi.

The name is usually explained as “heavily wrinkled dog”. “Bully” is traced to “bohli”, a Hindustani and Punjabi word for heavily wrinkled, or to a Punjabi word for lips, a nod to the dog’s large lips. “Kutta” is Punjabi for dog.

History

The Bully Kutta originated in the Punjab and Sindh regions. It was a favorite of the ruling families of Thanjavur, and the Mughal emperor Akbar owned one that he used for hunting. A magazine article of 1884 noted that kings had once used a large Indian mastiff to hunt wild beasts.

Dogs called Indian Mastiffs were seen in England in the 19th century. Edward, Prince of Wales, and Princess Alexandra entered one in a London dog show in 1863, and the type appeared again at the Second International Dog Show at the Islington Agricultural Hall on 28 May 1864.

In India today, breeders in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra work under the guidelines of the Indian Mastiff Registry. That registry and the Indian National Kennel Club both recognise the Bully Kutta.

The dogs have also been used in illegal dog fighting in India and Pakistan. In June 2018 police in Indian Punjab brought their first case against the organizers of a dog fight, and a number of non-profit groups campaign against the practice.

Appearance

This is a very large dog with a short coat. Males stand 76 to 84 cm (30 to 33 in) and weigh 70 to 90 kg (154 to 198 lb); females stand 75 to 80 cm (30 to 31 in) and weigh 60 to 70 kg (132 to 154 lb). Colors include black, red, brindle, white, fawn and harlequin.

Temperament

Bully Kuttas have been described as intelligent, alert, responsive, energetic and aggressive. They are regarded as dominant dogs that should be handled only by experienced owners.

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