There has been no other breed appear to be as mysterious and mythical as the Tibetan Mastiff ever. Tibet itself, is nicknamed of “the roof of the world” or “the land of snows”. Tibet used to be occupied and claimed to be the land of China in the history. At that time, only limited people from European are allowed to visit the protective area. According to the source, some part of Tibet is still sealed by China till today.

1. Early Chinese Manuscript about Tibetan Mastiff

There has been a record in the Chinese manuscript about this breed. In 1121 BC, a western Chinese provice, “Liu” sent this dog to the Emperor Wou-Wang, and the name of the dog is “Ngau”. It is said that the dog is 4-feet high and trained to attacked men of a strange race.

Also found that, Ktesias (416-399BC), healer and writer of ancient Persia ever mentioned about a mythical animal, half dog and half bird who lived on top of the mountain. The description and characteristic of this animal mentioned, was very much alike of a Tibetan Mastiff.

2. “A dog as tall as a donkey and with a voice like a lion”

First Western records of the breed are dated back to Marco Polo in 1270’s where the breed accompany him in his travels.

The creatures have a bite to match their bark and are noted as ferocious, faithful and fearless guard dogs. They were domesticated thousands of years a go by nomads as guard dog for their tents while they tended to their flocks.

3. Only 100 pure breed left of the breeds

According to the ShortNews.Com, a wealthy Chinese citizens are paying up to $594,000 to acquire the pure breed Tibetan Mastiffs. There are reportedly only 100 purebreeds left of the breed and facing extinction. The female TM only come into season once a year between October and December which is winter time.

4. TM is the founding stock of today’s giant breeds

TM is believed to be the founding stock of giant breeds like Newfoundland and St.Bernard and other guardian breeds.

5. Strong Religious and Cultural Significance to the Tibetans

They believe in the spirit eyes of the dog, which protect the owner from evil even as the dog sleeps. Tibetans revere the breed for their devotion to their master and his family and their defense of home and property.

6. TM in Tibets

In Tibet, these dogs are employed for different purposes. Some dogs would be left to guard flocks of llama, yak or sheep from such formidable predators as wolves and snow leopards. It is also said that 2 TM can fight a lion. Traders, traveling through villages, would sometimes sit a dog on top of particularly valuable cargo, to further ensure its protection, or the dogs would walk with the caravan. In Tibet, villages and monasteries had a Tibetan Mastiff as protection. TM were sometimes kept on a short chain in doorways of homes during the day and were seen at entrances to monasteries also. For this reason, the Tibetans refer to the dogs as do-kyi, gate dogs.

7. Characteristic Of The Breed

This breed have a thick, free coat,which, while looking very impressive, requires very little grooming. Their thick undercoat is shed each Spring, which requires grooming. The Tibetan Mastiff has no “doggy” smell. They are hypoallergenic, making it a wonderful pet for those who are allergic to dogs. The tail, carried curled over the back, is heavily plumed. In the cold weather, the dogs will lie down and curl their tail around them to cover and protect their noses. The TM also has a dry mouth which avoids freezing of any secretions and subsequent damage to the lips and mouth in Tibet.

Tibetan Mastiffs come in various color, blacks and black and tan are the most common in Tibet. These dogs can weigh from 70 - 100kg. The temperament of this breed is as important as any physical characteristics. Intelligence, courage, self-confidence, self-awareness, curiosity, and a sense of fun characterize the TM. Tibetan Mastiffs can live between 12 to 14 years, unusual for a large breed.

The breed’s natural reserve with strangers heightens their majesty and dignity. In their native The TM is sometimes credited with a trait of night barking. They are also credited with very good night vision, which would enable them to see predators or prowlers.