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Did you know?
The
Dalai
Lama
had
eight
Tibetan
Mastiffs
guarding
his
summer
residence at Norblinka - two dogs at each entrance.
The
earliest
record
of
these
dogs
in
England
was
in
1828
when
one
was
presented
to
London
Zoo
-
and
then
the
Viceroy
of
India
sent
one
to
Queen Victoria in 1847.
In
1970,
the
breed
found
another
role
when
Nepalese
drug
smugglers
used
them
to
ship
illegal
drugs
into
the
US
in
the
bottom
of
their
dog
crates.
Strangely
customs
officials
weren’t
particularly
keen
to
search
them!
Tibetan Mastiffs in Australia
The
first
Tibetan
Mastiff
pair
were
imported
into
Australia
in
early
1983
by
Dick
and
Pauline
Leeton
of
South
Australia.
A
light
gold
male
(Ausables
Tudorhill
Dalai
–
Dallas)
and
a
black
and
tan
bitch
(Ausables
Tudorhill
Lama
–
Panda).
These
dogs
spent
12
months
in
quarantine
in
England
prior
to
coming
to
Australia
and
were
shown
extensively
during
that
time.
They
were
the
first
Tibetan
Mastiffs
to
appear
at
Crufts
in
50
years
and
both
won
first
in
their
respective
classes.
Shortly
after
this
a
second
bitch,
black
in
colour
(Qassaba
Ausables
Matilda
–
Tilly),
was
imported
from
the
UK.
These
three
formed
the
strong
basis
of
the
Tibetan Mastiff breed in Australia.
Time immemorial
Tibet
has
always
been
so
isolated,
that
it’s
impossible
to
say
how
or
when
TMs
came
to
be.
We
know
that
for
millennia
they
were
the
mighty
guardians
of
the
Himalayas,
and
it’s
thought
that
they’re
the
progenitor
of
all
modern
mastiffs.
Evidence
suggests
that
early
travellers
to
Tibet
were
sometimes
given
these
giants
as
gifts,
which
were
used
to
create
the mastiff breeds of the Middle East and Europe.
News
TIBETAN
MASTIFF
-
Majestic
and
Exotic
Canine
that
are
sure
to
take
your
breath
away!
A breed unique in its own right
The
Tibetan
Mastiff
exhibits
a
unique
combination
of
physical
traits
that
make
it
stand
out.
From
its
beautiful
colours
and
long
coat,
to
its
strong
and noble stance, the Tibetan Mastiff is truly a sight to behold.
Unconditional love and devotion
As
loving
companions,
Tibetan
Mastiffs
are
known
for
their
loyalty
and
devotion
to
their
family.
They're
intelligent
dogs
that
will
do
whatever
they can to please their owners, making them great family pets.
A personality all their own
Tibetan
Mastiffs
are
independent
thinkers
who
have
minds
of
their
own.
They
can
be
stubborn
at
times
but
still
remain
gentle
and
loving
with
their
humans.
They're
also
fearless
guardians
who
will
protect
their
pack
with no hesitation.
The
Tibetan
with
its
large
size,
long
coat,
and
beautiful
tail,
its
sure
to
turn
heads
wherever
he
goes.
But
if
that's
all
you're
looking
for
in
a
dog,
the Tibetan Mastiff is not the breed for you.
The
Tibetan
Mastiff
is
a
loving,
gentle,
and
patient
breed
that
has
been
working
closely
with
humans
for
centuries.
This
has
made
him
very
sophisticated
in
the
ways
he
understands
people.
He's
a
hard
worker,
fearless,
and
loyal,
and
his
large
size
and
substance
make
him
the
perfect
guard
dog.
Centuries
of
breeding
for
that
specific
task
has
perfected him as a protector.
Genetic Study on High-Altitude Adaptation
A
recent
study
has
uncovered
fascinating
details
about
the
Tibetan
Mastiff's
ability
to
survive
in
the
harsh,
high-altitude
environments
of
the
Himalayas.
Genetic
analysis
revealed
that
Tibetan
Mastiffs
have
specific
mutations
inherited
from
Tibetan
wolves,
enhancing
their
ability
to
absorb
and
release
oxygen
more
effectively.
These
genetic
traits
allow
them
to
thrive
in
environments
where
other
breeds
would
struggle
due
to
low
oxygen
levels.
The
study
found
that
these
mutations
significantly
affect
hemoglobin
production,
making
Tibetan
Mastiffs
highly
suited
to
high-altitude
living,
a
characteristic
that
has
helped
define the breed over thousands of years.
(livescience.com)
.
Crufts 2024 and Tibetan Mastiffs
The
2024
Crufts
show
included
notable
appearances
by
Tibetan
Mastiffs,
demonstrating
their
enduring
appeal
and
continued
presence
in
competitive
dog
shows.
The
event
featured
the
breed's
distinct
qualities,
showcasing
their
powerful,
independent
nature
and
impressive
guarding
instincts.
This
exposure
helps
maintain
interest
in
the
breed
and
reinforces
their
reputation
as
one
of
the
world's
most
formidable
guardian dogs.
(Archaeology Magazine)
.
Survival and Breeding with Tibetan Wolves
Further
research
indicated
that
at
some
point
in
their
evolutionary
history,
Tibetan
Mastiffs
interbred
with
Tibetan
wolves.
This
interbreeding
passed
on
crucial
genetic
traits
that
enhance
their
endurance
and
physical
resilience
at
high
altitudes.
These
unique
adaptations
make
Tibetan
Mastiffs
not
only
symbolically
linked
to
their
wild
counterparts
but
also
genetically
suited
to
the
challenging
environments of their origin.
(https://www.science.org/)
.
These
findings
underline
the
importance
of
preserving
the
breed's
traditional
traits
while
appreciating
its
extraordinary
evolutionary
journey.
For
more
information
on
the
genetic
study
and
other
news,
you
can explore additional details on the
Live Science website
.
Focus on Preservation Amidst Modern
Challenges
Efforts
by
breed
clubs
and
dedicated
breeders
continue
to
focus
on
preserving
the
Tibetan
Mastiff’s
historical
traits
amidst
modern
challenges,
including
the
commercialization
and
cross-breeding
seen
in
some
regions.
Organizations
like
ATMA
stress
the
importance
of
breeding
responsibly
to
maintain
the
integrity
and
authenticity
of
the
Tibetan
Mastiff,
ensuring
that
its
ancient
qualities
remain
intact
for
future
generations.
(Tibetan Mastiff Org)
.
These
updates
reflect
the
ongoing
commitment
to
maintaining
the
Tibetan
Mastiff’s
legacy
as
a
majestic
and
resilient
breed.
For
more
detailed
information
on
these
topics,
you
can
explore
the
American
Tibetan
Mastiff
Association
and
related
studies
on
high-altitude
adaptation.
Tibetan Mastiff Behaviour and Training:
Tibetan Mastiffs are serious, dignified, and independent dogs. They
require an assertive leader who can provide consistent training and
socialization to manage their protective instincts. The breed is naturally
territorial and can be aloof with strangers, making early socialization
critical to prevent excessive aggression. While they are calm and quiet
indoors, they excel in outdoor environments where they can patrol their
territory. Tibetan Mastiffs are not ideal for first-time owners due to their
strong-willed nature and need for space and supervision. (Your Pure-
bred Puppy).
The Tibetan Mastiff and the Kekhor
In
the
highlands
of
Tibet,
it’s
not
uncommon
to
see
a
Tibetan
Mastiff
wearing
a
traditional
collar
known
as
a
Kekhor
or
ske’kor.
This
unique
accessory
combines
the
words
“ske”
(neck)
and
“kor”
(circle),
reflecting
its
function
as
a
neck
collar.
Made
from
yak
hair
dyed
red—though
some
can
be
black,
yellow,
or
multi-colored—the
Kekhor
is
more
than
just
a
ceremonial
decoration.
Some
collars
even
feature
bells
or
ancient
elements
like
Yak
caudal
vertebras
to
reinforce
their
structure,
highlighting their historical significance.
Ancient Origins and Practical Uses
The
Kekhor
has
a
long
and
storied
history
in
Tibetan
culture.
The
great
Erdene
Zuu
temple,
built
in
1585
by
Abtai
Sain
Khan,
includes
frescoes
depicting
dogs
wearing
Kekhors,
indicating
their
ancient
origins.
Traditionally, the Kekhor serves several important purposes:
Breed
Identification:
The
Kekhor
helps
identify
a
dog
as
a
purebred
Tibetan
Mastiff,
a
vital
feature
in
areas
where
these
dogs
play
critical
roles as guardians.
Visual
Recognition:
From
a
distance,
the
Kekhor
helps
owners
distinguish
their
dogs
from
wildlife,
such
as
bears,
due
to
the
collar’s
distinct appearance.
Intimidation
of
Predators:
The
large,
fluttering
yak
hair
makes
the
dog
appear
even
more
imposing,
potentially
deterring
predators.
In
the
wild,
Tibetan
Mastiffs
face
threats
from
snow
leopards
and
wolves,
and
the
Kekhor can make them look more formidable.
Neck
Protection:
Beyond
aesthetics,
Tibetan
owners
believe
that
the
Kekhor
offers
extra
protection
to
the
dog’s
neck
during
attacks
from
predators, acting as a barrier against bites.
Modern Appeal and Considerations
Kekhors
are
not
just
functional;
they
are
also
visually
stunning
and
sometimes
used
as
decorative
elements
in
homes.
Although
available
commercially,
it’s
essential
for
buyers
to
be
aware
of
their
authentic
nature.
Freshly
made
Kekhors
often
have
a
strong
odor
reminiscent
of
yaks
in
a
barnyard,
which
can
be
quite
pungent.
Many
people
choose
to
air out new Kekhors outdoors until the scent neutralizes.
The First Tibetan Mastiff in America
While the Tibetan Mastiff was officially recognized by the American
Kennel Club (AKC) in 2007, the breed's presence in the United States
dates back to much earlier, with one of the most notable introductions
involving President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the 1950s, the Dalai Lama
gifted Eisenhower a 10-month-old male and an 8-month-old female
Tibetan Mastiff as a diplomatic gesture. The Dalai Lama, who famously
kept eight Tibetan Mastiffs to guard his summer residence in Norbulinka,
shared his appreciation for the breed through this rare and prestigious
gift.
However, Eisenhower, not in a position to care for the dogs, passed them
on to a U.S. senator. The senator raised the dogs and eventually gifted
one to the renowned explorer Lowell Thomas. These dogs, described as
voracious eaters consuming “four pounds of fresh meat at each meal,”
became foundational ancestors of many Tibetan Mastiffs in the United
States today.
This early entry into American soil not only highlighted the breed’s
significance as a diplomatic gift but also set the stage for the Tibetan
Mastiff’s gradual recognition and popularity in the Western world. Their
unique blend of loyalty, guarding instincts, and ancient heritage
continues to captivate enthusiasts and dog lovers alike.
Tibetan Mastiff by Judith Stein – This piece of history is chronicled by
Judith Stein, an expert who has documented the breed's journey and
significance, reflecting on how these majestic guardians made their
mark far from their Himalayan origins.
BONO - Temzin
MOMOA - Temzin
MOMOA - Temzin
THUNDER - Temzin
Mindful, Present
We
deeply
respect
traditional
knowledge
about
Tibetan
breeds,
especially
insights
from
His
Eminence,
the
5th
Gonsar
Rinpoche.
Born
in
Shigatse,
Tibet
in
1949,
Rinpoche
is
a
spiritual
leader
in
the
Gonsar
Tulku
lineage
and
a
practitioner
of
the
Hayagriva
Tantras.
According
to
Rinpoche,
black
and
tan
Tibetan
Mastiffs
are
particularly
favored
as
guard
dogs
due
to
their
intimidating
appearance.
The
dark
coloring
is
believed
to
deter
intruders
with
a
strong
“don’t
even
think
about
entering
this
house”
impact.
The
tan
spots
above
their
eyes,
known
as
“four
eyes,”
give
the
illusion
that
the
dog
is
always
alert,
even
while
resting,
and
are
believed
to
possess
mystical
properties
that
protect
against
evil
spirits,
such
as
demons.
These
spiritual
beliefs
reinforce
the
breed’s
role
as
a
guardian
not
just
of
homes,
but
also
of
the
spiritual
well-being of its owners.
Rinpoche’s
teachings
highlight
the
importance
of
these
colors
and
markings
in
Tibetan
culture,
emphasizing
that
they
are
more
than
mere
aesthetics;
they
are
symbols
of
the
dog’s
protective
nature,
both
physically
and
metaphysically.
The
Tibetan
Mastiff’s
role
extends
beyond
guarding
property
to
include
safeguarding
the
spiritual
space
of
its
surroundings.
This
belief
in
the
mystical
protective
power
of
the
Tibetan
Mastiff
continues
to
influence
color
preferences
in
the
breed
today,
alongside
the
AKC’s
recognized
colors
of
black,
brown,
blue/grey,
and
gold, all with or without tan markings.
The
Tibetan
Mastiff’s
imposing
presence,
enhanced
by
the
Kekhor
collars
and
its
distinctive
coloring,
not
only
serves
as
a
visual
deterrent
to
potential
intruders
but
also
connects
the
breed
deeply
with
Tibetan
spiritual
and
cultural
traditions.
These
dogs
are
seen
as
more
than
guardians;
they
are
living
symbols
of
ancient
wisdom
and
protective
energy, cherished in their homeland and beyond.
For millennia, the massive Tibetan Mastiff has laid literal claim to the label “top dog.”
The
fierce
breed,
which
boasts
a
lionesque
mane
and
can
reach
70
kgs,
has
long
protected
Himalayan
flocks
of
sheep
from
Tibetan
wolves
and
other
predators lurking upward of 15,000 feet above sea level — heights no other domestic breed can survive.
Prior
research
suggests
the
Tibetan
mastiff
took
an
evolutionary
shortcut
by
breeding
with
the
Tibetan
wolf,
which
had
already
adapted
to
the
altitude
by
evolving more efficient hemoglobin: the protein that snares oxygen in the bloodstream and distributes it to organs.
The
University
of
Nebraska–Lincoln’s
Jay
Storz,
Tony
Signore
and
colleagues
have
now
determined
that
sleeping
with
the
enemy
granted
the
Tibetan
mastiff
a
hemoglobin
architecture
that
catches
and
releases
oxygen
about
50%
more
efficiently
than
in
other
dog
breeds.
Signore
reached
the
conclusion
after testing the Tibetan mastiff hemoglobin against that of multiple domestic breeds, including Storz’s own half-Great Pyrenees, half-Irish wolfhound.
“At
altitude,
the
problem
is
taking
in
oxygen,
because
there’s
just
less
of
it,”
said
Signore,
a
postdoctoral
researcher
working
in
Storz’s
lab.
“If
you
think
of
hemoglobin like an oxygen magnet, this magnet’s just stronger.”
The
Nebraska
researchers,
who
collaborated
with
colleagues
at
Qinghai
University
in
China,
already
knew
that
the
Tibetan
mastiff’s
hemoglobin
included
changes in two amino acids — slight modifications to the structure of the protein — that are present in the Tibetan wolf but absent in all other dog breeds.
By
engineering
and
then
testing
hemoglobins
that
contained
both
amino
acid
mutations
vs.
just
one
or
the
other,
the
team
discovered
that
both
mutations
are
crucial
to
the
adaptive
change
in
hemoglobin
performance.
When
either
mutation
was
absent,
the
hemoglobin
performed
no
differently
than
that
of
other dog breeds.
“There
had
been
no
direct
evidence
documenting
that,
yes,
these
two
unique
mutations
have
some
beneficial
physiological
effect
that
is
likely
to
be
adaptive
at
high
altitude,”
said
Storz,
professor
of
biological
sciences
and
author
of
a
recent
book
on
hemoglobin.
“What
we’ve
discovered
is
one
of
the
reasons why the Tibetan mastiff is so different from other dogs. And that’s because it’s borrowed a few things from Tibetan wolves.”
Those
two
amino
acid
mutations
originate
from
a
gene
segment
that
the
Tibetan
wolf
passed
to
the
mastiff
via
cross-breeding.
But
the
new
study
also
suggests
that
the
gene
segment
itself
came
from
an
inactive
gene
—
a
so-called
pseudo-gene
—
that
lay
dormant
in
the
wolf
subspecies
for
probably
thousands
of
years.
At
some
point,
the
pseudo-gene
segment
harboring
the
two
mutations
was
copied
and
pasted
into
the
corresponding
segment
of
a
similar but active gene, which then reformatted the Tibetan wolf’s hemoglobin.
Because
those
mutations
came
from
an
inactive
gene
—
one
with
no
physiological
effects
on
the
wolf
—
they
weren’t
initially
subject
to
the
pressures
of
natural
selection.
In
this
instance,
though,
the
mutations
just
so
happened
to
improve
the
oxygen-binding
capacity
of
hemoglobin,
raising
the
Tibetan
wolf’s
survival odds. That encouraged the passage of the gene segment through subsequent generations of the wolf and, eventually, to the Tibetan mastiff.
“They
wouldn’t
have
conferred
any
benefit
under
normal
circumstances,”
Storz
said.
“It
was
just
(that)
this
conversion
event
occurred
in
an
environmental
context
where
the
increase
in
hemoglobin-oxygen
affinity
would
have
been
beneficial.
So
mutations
that
otherwise
would
have
been
either
neutral
or
even
detrimental actually had a positive fitness effect.”
Storz
said
there
are
few
other
documented
cases
where
an
initially
inconsequential
or
adverse
mutation
ultimately
benefited
an
organism
as
its
environment changed. And most such cases have involved experimental studies on micro-organisms in the lab.
“This is a nice example of the effect involving vertebrate animals and the natural environment,” he said.
The
researchers
reported
their
findings
in
the
journal
Molecular
Biology
and
Evolution.
Storz
and
Signore
authored
the
study
with
Nebraska’s
Hideaki
Moriyama, associate professor of biological sciences, along with Qinghai University’s Ri-Li Ge, Ying-Zhong Yang, Quan-Yu Yang and Ga Qin.
The team received support from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health under grant No. HL087216.
NEWS.UNL.EDU
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