About

Tibetan Mastiff

Recent studies have provided fascinating insights into the Tibetan Mastiff's adaptation to the extreme climates of its native high-altitude regions. It turns out that these remarkable dogs have developed their impressive resilience through interbreeding with local mountain wolves. This genetic blending contributed significantly to their ability to endure the harsh and frigid conditions of the Himalayas. The Tibetan Mastiff's origins trace back more than twenty thousand years to the rugged and isolated regions of Tibet. Historically, these powerful dogs were revered as formidable protectors, tasked with safeguarding Buddhist monasteries from dangerous wildlife such as snow leopards and wolves. Their role as guardians required not only physical strength but also an exceptional level of courage and vigilance. The Tibetan Mastiff's personality is as striking as its physical appearance. These dogs are renowned for their remarkable intelligence, which manifests in their ability to learn quickly and solve problems. Their loyalty to their family is profound, and they form extraordinarily strong bonds with their owners, making them both dependable companions and effective protectors. Despite their imposing size and powerful build, Tibetan Mastiffs possess a calm and independent demeanour. They are not overly demanding of attention but require regular exercise and social interaction to maintain their well-being. This breed’s inherent courage and strong guarding instincts make them excellent watchdogs, capable of deterring intruders and protecting their home. However, their formidable nature means that consistent training and early socialization are crucial to ensuring they develop into well-adjusted and obedient pets. Visually, Tibetan Mastiffs are a sight to behold. Their dense, double-layered coat, which comes in a variety of striking colours such as rich black, slate grey, and golden, adds to their majestic and imposing appearance. The thick undercoat provides insulation against cold temperatures, while the longer outer coat repels moisture and protects them from the elements. This luxurious fur not only enhances their regal presence but also underscores their historical role as resilient protectors in some of the world's most challenging environments. On our site, you will find a comprehensive array of resources dedicated to the Tibetan Mastiff. We offer a rich collection of photos and articles that delve into various aspects of this extraordinary breed. Whether you are a current owner, a prospective buyer, or simply an enthusiast, our site aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of like-minded individuals. We invite you to join our online community, where you can share your experiences, seek advice, and participate in engaging discussions about all things related to Tibetan Mastiffs. We hope you find our resources informative and enjoyable, and we look forward to welcoming you to our vibrant and supportive community.

Diversity by Sanna Sander

Courtesy of Sanna Sander, Sweden - zodd.se

The Many Faces of the Tibetan Mastiff

When you first get in contact with the TM you soon notice that it consists of several different types. A novice in the dog world would have trouble seeing that they all belong to the same breed and it can be a bit confusing before you understand that things are as they have always been. Diversity is something that follows the TM through the centuries. This is a breed hailing from the vast region of the Himalayas. The people of this region have used their dogs for many tasks and demanded dogs capable of performing the work at hand. It is not strange that different types would evolve to better suit the life and hardship in different areas.

We have the smaller and lighter TM that watched over herds on the slopes and plains. We have the heavier and larger TM said to guard monasteries and monks. We have different types from different areas of Tibet - smooth coated ones and long haired ones. They have all adjusted to the life around them and have been shaped into the dogs we see today. It was the ones with power in their bark, the brave ones, the clever ones that carried on the legacy. There was a need for agile and strong dogs who could guard the livestock and protect them from foes and there was a need for impressive gatekeepers at the monasteries, holding intruders at bay with their deep voices and fierce look. The dogs had more roles to play than these two, they were used in many ways and adjusted to the conditions of life.

When these dogs came to the west they were all called by their new name: Tibetan Mastiff. People thought of them as one breed and being used to the breeds in the west they had a very clear image of what a breed is - dogs who are all similar in type, temperament and looks. The TM does not quite fit that description. They all have similarities but are they really just one breed? The question is a hot topic in the TM world.

In the west we used to separate the breed into two types. This has never been official in any way, but to people in the breed these terms are well known:

To me this is a very interesting topic and I am amazed at the feelings that this subject brings out in breeders and owners. It is very sad to hear negative things about the different types since they are all gathered under one name. I think it's strange that all these different dogs have been pushed into one form but at the same time I am in love with the diversity of our beautiful breed. They are all very special, no matter if they are big, small, heavy, light, long haired, smooth, golden, black or blue!

CHINESE

MASTIFF

is

NOT

a

type

within

the

TIBETAN

MASTIFF breed

In recent years a completely new "variation" of Tibetan mastiff emerged with its origin in China. To dedicated fanciers of Tibetan mastiff it's known as CHINESE MASTIFF, but also goes under the names MARKET TYPE Tibetan mastiff, Pig mastiff, Chinese Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs are NOT Tibetan mastiffs, and they certainly is NOT a type within the breed, no matter what the breed name on their pedigree may say. They are a modern creation, made in China at the beginning of our century and consists of a lot of different breeds. All used to add size, coat and bone to the breed. It have since spread across the rest of the world. These dogs are not to be considered Tibetan Mastiffs because they are simply cross- breeds with pedigrees, sadly being used as studs all over the world. The dogs on the right are typical examples of Chinese mastiffs - exaggerated in every way. The Tibetan mastiff was never a breed of exaggerations, it's a breed of moderation. Their past as functional working dogs have dictated their evolution unlike the Chinese mastiff who was created to saturate a huge demand when the Tibetan mastiff ended up in the spotlight at the beginning of this century. It was a sign of wealth, status and prosperity to own a Tibetan mastiff in China, and simplified the birth of the Chinese mastiff was a result of demand and supply, and of course the result of backyard breeders seeing an opportunity to cash in on the hype. Make no mistake, it was a hype! No one in the breed have missed the headlines about "the world's most expensive breed". A lot of these Chinese mastiffs were sold to the west and breeders here were thrilled to add new blood to the small gene pool, but sadly did so without asking questions, like for example "how come this type has never been seen before?". Nowadays it can be a challenge to actually find a Tibetan mastiff without Chinese mastiff blood, bred in the west.

Courtesy of Sanna Sander zodd.se

Fu-Hsing Sundari"Zodd"

Sanna Sander

Ask (Manam Ask Drokpa)

Sanna Sander

About

Tibetan Mastiff

Diversity by Sanna

Sander

Courtesy of Sanna Sander,

Switzerland - zodd.se

The Many Faces of the

Tibetan Mastiff

When you first get in contact with the TM you soon notice that it consists of several different types. A novice in the dog world would have trouble seeing that they all belong to the same breed and it can be a bit confusing before you understand that things are as they have always been. Diversity is something that follows the TM through the centuries. This is a breed hailing from the vast region of the Himalayas. The people of this region have used their dogs for many tasks and demanded dogs capable of performing the work at hand. It is not unusual that different types would evolve to better suit the life and hardship in different areas.

CHINESE MASTIFF is NOT a type within

the TIBETAN MASTIFF breed

In recent years a completely new "variation" of Tibetan mastiff emerged with its origin in China. To dedicated fanciers of Tibetan mastiff it's known as CHINESE MASTIFF, but also goes under the names MARKET TYPE Tibetan mastiff, Pig mastiff, Chinese Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs are NOT Tibetan mastiffs, and they certainly is NOT a type within the breed, no matter what the breed name on their pedigree may say. They are a modern creation, made in China at the beginning of our century and consists of a lot of different breeds. All used to add size, coat and bone to the breed. It have since spread across the rest of the world. These dogs are not to be considered Tibetan Mastiffs because they are simply cross-breeds with pedigrees, sadly being used as studs all over the world. The dogs below are typical examples of Chinese mastiffs - exaggerated in every way. The Tibetan mastiff was never a breed of exaggerations, it's a breed of moderation. Their past as functional working dogs have dictated their evolution unlike the Chinese mastiff who was created to saturate a huge demand when the Tibetan mastiff ended up in the spotlight at the beginning of this century. It was a sign of wealth, status and prosperity to own a Tibetan mastiff in China, and simplified the birth of the Chinese mastiff was a result of demand and supply, and of course the result of backyard breeders seeing an opportunity to cash in on the hype. Make no mistake, it was a hype! No one in the breed have missed the headlines about "the world's most expensive breed". A lot of these Chinese mastiffs were sold to the west and breeders here were thrilled to add new blood to the small gene pool, but sadly did so without asking questions, like for example "how come this type has never been seen before?". Nowadays it can be a challenge to actually find a Tibetan mastiff without Chinese mastiff blood, bred in the west.

Courtesy of Sanna Sander zodd.se

In the west we used to separate the breed into two types. This has never been official in any way, but to people in the breed these terms are well known: