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Tibetan Mastiff: Guardians of the High Plateau

The Tibetan Mastiff, an ancient and powerful dog breed, has long been a symbol of strength and loyalty in Tibetan culture. Evolved in the harsh environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it has been an indispensable companion for local herdsmen. In the past, an outstanding Tibetan Mastiff could protect an entire flock of sheep from wolf and snow leopard attacks. For the Tibetan people who depended on animal husbandry, the Tibetan Mastiff was like a loyal guardian, safeguarding their property and safety.

What does a Tibetan mastiff look like?

Huge size

Regarding appearance, the Tibetan Mastiff is truly a giant among dogs. Adult Tibetan Mastiffs generally have a shoulder height ranging from 60 to 80 centimeters (23-31 inches) and can weigh between 45 and 70 kilograms (99-154 pounds), with some even larger individuals. They have strong bones and muscles, a broad chest, and thick limbs, giving people a mighty impression. Its head is large and square-shaped, in good proportion to its body. Deep-set eyes on the broad skulls are usually sharp and vigilant as if constantly monitoring the surroundings.

Our client is taking photos with Tibetan Mastiffs.

Thick fur

Their double-layered coats are also distinctive features. The outer coat is long and coarse, able to withstand the severe cold, sandstorms, and snow on the plateau. The inner coat is soft and thick, playing a big role in keeping warm. This fur structure enables the Tibetan Mastiff to survive in the cold environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Their fur colors are diverse, including common ones like black, brown, and “iron-coated gold” (black back and yellow belly). The “iron-coated gold” Tibetan Mastiff, with two copper-like yellow spots above its eyes, is especially stronger and rarer.

the “iron-coated gold” Tibetan Mastiff

What is the personality of the Tibetan mastiff?

Loyalty and Guarding Instinct

The Tibetan Mastiff is extremely loyal to its owner and family. It consider its masters as the entire world and recognizes only one owner in its lifetime. When facing danger, the Tibetan Mastiff will rush forward without hesitation to protect its owner. This loyalty is deeply engraved in its genes and extends to protecting the family’s livestock and property, making Tibetan Mastiff an indispensable part of Tibetan pastoral life.

Independence and Individuality

Unlike some dog breeds that constantly try to please their owners, they have their own minds and always act according to their judgments. This also makes training a Tibetan Mastiff require certain skills and patience. They won’t blindly obey commands, but once they recognize the owner’s leadership, they will cooperate very well. During basic obedience training, a Tibetan Mastiff may not quickly understand and execute instructions like a Border Collie. It might first observe the surrounding environment, consider whether the command is reasonable, and then decide whether to act. This independent thinking ability also reflects the intelligence of the Tibetan Mastiff.

Are Tibetan Mastiffs aggressive?

You might have heard the spine-chilling tales of Tibetan Mastiffs attacking people or fighting with a bull alone. These rumors have, over time, painted a rather intimidating picture of this magnificent breed. But the truth is more nuanced.

Tibetan Mastiffs have a reputation for being protective and territorial. Bred originally to safeguard livestock and property in the harsh Himalayan regions, they developed an instinct to be on high alert against potential threats. This natural guarding instinct can make them seem unfriendly or even hostile to strangers and unfamiliar animals intruding on their perceived territory.

However, this does not mean that they are inherently aggressive. A well-socialized and properly trained Tibetan Mastiff can be an absolute sweetheart, showering its family with affection and loyalty. Aggression in them usually sprouts from a lack of proper socialization during puppyhood, which can breed fear and mistrust, or from being mishandled by inexperienced owners. When given love, care, and consistent training from an early stage, and exposed to diverse people, creatures, and scenarios, they can master the art of discerning real perils from harmless situations and respond with appropriate and friendly behavior.

Tibetan Mastiffs are very loyal.

Where can you see Tibetan mastiffs?

The Viewing Platform of Yarlung Zangbo River Valley: It is located on Provincial Road S307 in Gongga County, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region. You will pass by it on the way from Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake. There are Tibetan Mastiffs for tourists to take pictures as souvenirs. Here, the Tibetan Mastiffs are usually trained to be relatively docile and can cooperate with you to pose in various postures.

The Viewing Platforms near Yamdrok Lake Scenic Area: Yamdrok Lake is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. On two or three viewing platforms near it, local Tibetans bring Tibetan Mastiffs, white yaks, and so on to provide photo-taking services, allowing you to leave commemorative photos while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Yamdrok Lake. If you’re interested in getting close to these lovely animals, join our 5-day Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake tour, where you can not only take pictures with them but also experience the beauty of Tibet.

You can take photos with Tibetan Mastiff by the Yamdrok Lake.

The lakeside of Namtso: As the second largest lake in Tibet, the third largest saltwater lake in China, and the highest lake in the world, Namtso has beautiful scenery in all four seasons. By the lake, there are often domesticated Tibetan mastiffs roaming leisurely. Join our 6-day Lhasa to Namtso Lake tour, and you’ll get a chance to see them.

Tibetan Mastiff can be seen by the Namtso Lake.

Lhasa Norbulingka Zoo: It is one of the zoos with the highest altitude in the world. More than 230 animals of over 30 species including Tibetan Mastiffs are exhibited here. In the zoo, people can observe the living habits of Tibetan Mastiffs and learn knowledge about them.

Why is Tibetan Mastiff so expensive?

Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their high cost, and several factors contribute to their expensiveness:

Rarity: Tibetan Mastiffs are relatively rare, and breeding them can be challenging. Their scarcity in some regions can drive up their price.

Breed Standards: Reputable breeders adhere to strict breed standards, which means selecting breeding pairs carefully and investing in the health and well-being of the dogs. This involves health testing, vaccinations, and quality care, which can be expensive.

Guardian Dogs: Tibetan Mastiffs have a long history as guardian dogs in Tibet and other regions. Their protective and territorial nature adds to their desirability, especially among individuals and families seeking a guardian dog.

Size and Appearance: Tibetan Mastiffs are a large and majestic breed with a distinctive and impressive appearance. This makes them highly sought after for those who want a unique and imposing dog.

Import Costs: In some cases, potential owners may need to import Tibetan Mastiffs, which can incur significant expenses in terms of transportation, quarantine, and legal requirements.

What role does the Tibetan mastiff play in modern society?

In modern society, the Tibetan Mastiff has taken on new roles. As a pet and companion animal, despite their large size, their loyalty and unique charm have attracted many dog lovers. In non-restricted areas, some families with sufficient space and time choose to keep Tibetan Mastiffs and provide them with good care. Nowadays, there are specialized Tibetan Mastiff clubs and enthusiast organizations where people share their experiences of living with Tibetan Mastiffs, exchange breeding knowledge, and showcase their dogs. Some well-socialized Tibetan Mastiffs can get along harmoniously with family members, accompanying their owners on walks and playtime, becoming a special part of the family.

Moreover, the Tibetan Mastiff also holds significant symbolic meaning in the cultural realm. It represents strength, loyalty, and courage. In many literary works, films, and paintings, the image of the Tibetan Mastiff frequently appears. At the same time, in some art exhibitions, paintings with the theme of the Tibetan Mastiff also attract much attention. Painters use their brushes to depict the majesty and nobility of the Tibetan Mastiff, conveying their admiration for this ancient dog breed.

There are many oil paintings of Tibetan mastiffs.

Conclusion

If you’re enchanted by powerful Tibetan Mastiffs and want to get up close and personal with these gentle animals, Tibet Horizon has got you covered. We offer a variety of tour packages designed to fulfill your dreams. Especially our itinerary that passes by the stunning Yamdrok and Namtso Lake not only allows you to soak in the breathtaking scenery but also provides a rare opportunity to take photos with friendly Tibetan Mastiffs. Come and join us, and let’s embark on an unforgettable Tibet tour together!

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