The descriptions of the Tibetan mastiff breed given in different references allow us to believe that such an animal is perhaps the best life partner. People have been aware of this since ancient times. Mastiffs have been bred for centuries and millennia. As can be seen from the name, traditionally this was done in Tibet and nearby regions. Today, dogs of this breed are considered extremely valuable not only for their beauty, but also for unsurpassed character traits that go well with the mind. Let's consider in more detail.
How it all began
Usually the appearance story is what the breed description begins with. Tibetan mastiff is a large variety of dogs. Traditionally, the breeding of such dogs was done by Tibetan residents, Nepalese and Indians. It is known that mastiffs were used to guard cattle, human homes. The main objective of the dogs was to protect against predatory animals. Often mastiffs lived in monasteries. As can be learned from the description and characteristics of the breed, Tibetan mastiffs here not only carried a watchdog function, but also were real life companions, companions to people who had escaped from the worldly bustle.
Modern scientists have tried to determine the genetic age. The exact numbers are not yet known, but no one doubts that the breed appeared a very, very long time ago. This happened in such ancient times that it is practically impossible to establish exact dates with modern technologies. Moreover, it is impossible to identify exactly where the mastiffs first appeared. From the works of Aristotle and the notes created by Marco Polo, modern man knows that even then they were surrounded by dogs that are similar to modern mastiffs. Some scientists believe that this breed is the progenitor of all Molossians known to the modern European resident. However, the studies of genetics have not yet made it possible to say with absolute certainty that the theory is correct. There is not enough information to refute it.
Animal spread
To find out when the dogs in question appeared in Europe, you should turn to well-known descriptions of the breed. The Tibetan mastiff, according to researchers, was brought in the 19th century. Initially, puppy dogs were brought to the UK - they served as presents for the royal family. Not only in this century, but throughout the next century, mastiffs in Europe were poorly distributed. Quite rarely, such dogs were found in America. But by the end of the 20th century, they gained relatively great popularity. Today mastiffs are loved by people, but they are not very common. In our country there are several tens (maybe hundreds) of purebred specimens. According to experienced breeders, the number of such animals is exactly less than a thousand, although there are no specific numbers.
In China today, mastiff is an elite species of animal. In 2009, a puppy of this breed was purchased for 4 million yuan (about 600 thousand dollars). At the moment, this puppy cost is the highest in history. However, one can understand why the buyer was willing to pay such a price for a purebred animal. An adult mastiff looks great, perfectly built, strong and heavy, has a powerful skeleton. Outwardly, it is a very harsh animal, which by nature is hardy and can work in almost any climate. Mastiff is an impeccable security guard who copes well with presentations at exhibitions. Such an animal becomes an excellent companion for its owner. It is independent, respects the owner and causes reciprocal self-respect. Mastiff is known as loyal to his master and his entire family, loyalty to the place in which he lives. In short, the nature of this animal is considered to be practically flawless.
Curious moments of history
To learn about how the variety of dogs appeared, you should turn to specialized descriptions of the breed. The Tibetan mastiff is believed to be first mentioned in written sources in the Shu King work. This Chinese creation dates from the 1122th year before the beginning of the current era. Some believe that a mastiff is a direct descendant of the first dog that appeared on our planet. Certain observations about mastiffs can be found at Gosphene. True, the scientists who dealt with this issue note significant differences in the description in comparison with the no less thoroughly studied works of Aristotle. But Marco Polo in his notes left information about a large and vicious dog - this is how he saw a mastiff in 1271. This created the image of a wild beast. When the mastiffs first arrived in London, they were locked in a zoo, where animals soon died due to intolerance to climate and living conditions.
In the 20th century captured Tibet. This caused the mastiff breeding crisis. Many animals died, this fate did not bypass the dogs of the breed in question. In fact, in Tibet, mastiffs were completely destroyed. Separate specimens survived only among the Nepalese. In 1996, the mastiff protection program was launched. After some time, they were brought to North America. Animal breeding took up Anna Roar. She initiated the creation of a club dedicated to these animals.
Amazing and unusual
As you can see from the description of the breed, reviews of Tibetan mastiffs from those who first saw these animals centuries ago were unflattering. Modern people have a different opinion, admiring the unique dogs. However, those who bred mastiffs in ancient times, dogs also caused genuine admiration and love. It is believed that the Assyrian ruler Ashurbanapal, for example, was a great lover of mastiffs. Legends say that he had innumerable animals of this breed. From historical sources it can be assumed that mastiffs were extremely common not only in Assyria, but also among the Babylonians.
Some dog handlers are convinced that mastiffs appeared in Tibet, others believe that dogs appeared for the first time in China, in the part adjacent to the east of Russian Siberia. True, such a theory has a minimum of reinforcements; therefore, it is reluctantly considered by the scientific community. But the features of what happened in the 20th century are well known. The Chinese military attacked Tibet and relatively successfully captured new territories, but simply did not have enough food to feed the mastiffs - these animals are large and require a lot of food. For this reason, the breed almost disappeared from the face of the earth. His contribution was made by the Nepalese ruler Mahendra - he saved the Mastiffs, initiated a breeding program and allocated funds for it, despite the country's poverty. Nowadays, love for mastiffs is largely spreading around the world thanks to tourists who have visited Nepal and fell in love with beautiful animals, wished to have the same. It is known that the Tibetan mastiff returned to Chinese lands in 2005. This year, a law was passed that allowed dogs of this variety to be kept at home.
Beautiful and impressive
As the supplemented photos of the breed description allow us to understand, the Tibetan mastiff is a beautiful, impeccably built animal that will not only protect the house and serve its owner faithfully, but also will become a source of aesthetic pleasure. True, choosing a companion, you need to sensibly evaluate numerous photographs. It is necessary several times to think thoroughly about how much a person is able to get a really large animal. No less responsibly choose a breeder in order to get in possession of a healthy purebred animal. It is necessary to take animals only from a good nursery.
Puppies of this breed both in photographs and in real life attract attention with their charm. These are incredible, charming, exceptionally cute animals. As they grow older, they lose their children's charm, turn into strict and serious. From the side to them you admire, respect. This is not surprising, because the mastiff is one of the largest breeds among all dogs known to modern man.
Time runs - an animal grows
As the accompanying photos describe the breed, the Tibetan mastiff is one of the dogs that grow relatively slowly. This occurs only at the age of two. You can talk about how big the animal has grown after it reaches the age of three or even four years. The average height of the male is 66 cm, the female is 5 cm less. An adult male weighs about 72-80 kg. Female specimens are slightly lighter - 60-75 kg.
Sometimes mastiffs are produced very large. As they grow older, such a dog can weigh 90 kg. Its weight can even reach up to 100 kg. From officially recorded information it is known that the heaviest mastiff, measured by a person in relatively recent times, weighed 110 kg. Some news outlets report even larger animals, but experienced breeders do not always believe such reports without accurate evidence of their veracity and the animal’s pedigree. However, in any of the options, the potential owner should understand: this is really a very large animal, which means you need to think twice, about to start it. Particular attention will have to be paid to feeding - such a large animal needs a large amount of high-quality feed.
Is it worth it to start?
As can be concluded from the reviews describing the breed, the Tibetan mastiff arouses admiration, pride, love among its owners. At the same time, many recognize the complexity of its content. The animal needs an abundance of high-quality feed and a sufficiently large physical load. Mastiffs have some serious illnesses. The animal has a life expectancy of about 15 years, and it is very difficult to part with such a large dog, which actually becomes a member of the family. Separately, the activity of the dog is noted. Sometimes mastiffs are playful or even restless, and furniture in the house can suffer from this (if the animal is kept in a human dwelling). For breeding in the apartment, such dogs are categorically not recommended.
Animal character
Descriptions of the Tibetan mastiff, dedicated to the nature of the breed, give a detailed idea of how such a large, amazing beast behaves. It is known that this is an understanding dog, which is strongly attached to a person and loves his master. Mastiff is among the most patient varieties. For hundreds and thousands of years near a person, such an animal has learned to perfectly understand human nature. At the same time, the mastiff does not know fear and is ready to faithfully protect his master at all costs. This is a very large animal that will never attack the owner, but put his life to save him from the threat.
However, many breeders pay attention: the character of the Tibetan mastiff is not always presented in sufficient detail in the breed descriptions. Others believe that the beast is too deified. In fact, a mastiff is an animal whose character, although good, is pronounced. This is an amazingly loyal companion who loves to be near the owner, but he is not inclined to obey in the first word. The greater the confidence of the animal in its correctness, the higher the likelihood that the dog will not obey the owner. The breed is considered stubborn, dogs are known for their independence. Mastiffs are surprisingly smart, they are characterized by a pronounced awareness of their own dignity. Such a beast expects to be treated as equals. Considering a dog as a simple pet is a key mistake of the owner building a relationship with a mastiff.
Character: Nuances
As you can learn from the descriptions of the breed with a photo devoted to the varieties of Tibetan mastiffs, an animal belonging to this genus has a tendency to please the person whom it loves. At the same time, it is noted that mastiffs like to make their own plans. The owner, asking the dog to do something, may find himself in a situation where you need to remind him of this over and over again, because the beloved dog suddenly instead of completing the task goes somewhere where it is interesting here and now. However, despite such independence, the mastiff is a quiet breed. If the needs of the animal are satisfied, if the living conditions are normal, the neighbors will probably not even notice that a guard has appeared in the house. But if you leave the dog accustomed to the human house to spend the night on the street, he will begin to bark and will not stop until he reaches his goal.
If the house has a yard, about to start a mastiff, you need to check all the fences. If the fence is low, the dog can climb over it. As the descriptions illustrated by photographs say, the Tibetan mastiff is a breed of dog that requires attention from the owner. It will not work to let the animal out into the courtyard and just forget about it. Such a dog needs a man and is demanding in communication. If the owner neglects the animal, it acquires bad habits. Surely the dog will dig a lot of land. Moreover, a mastiff can become aggressive. A well-bred dog is tolerant of young children and is best suited to those with whom it grows together. However, in the general case, specialists caution against introducing a mastiff into the family if there are children or replenishment is planned in the future. Active children's games, screams can be perceived by the dog as aggressive manifestations. It is possible that the mastiff will try to prevent the child from playing with peers.
Territory and socialization
As the supplemented photos of the description of the dog breed allow us to understand, the Tibetan mastiff is a breed that is very responsible for its innate habit of guarding. Territoriality can affect all people living with a dog in the same house. If the owner often invites guests, if he is a sociable person who loves noisy companies, he should refrain from choosing in favor of a mastiff. The dog will probably try to limit the number of people allowed in the house.
One of the important features of raising a dog is its socialization. In order for it to proceed successfully, the owner should constantly spend time with the animal on the street. Mastiffs are taken for walks in the parks. They can keep company with the owner by visiting the store and any other place where you can take the beast with you, without breaking the laws and regulations. It is necessary to give the animal the opportunity to meet different people, carefully monitoring the process. Most mastiffs are wary of strangers. If the animal does not want to get acquainted with any person, you need to protect him from the attention of an unpleasant person. Mastiffs have a strong intuition, especially expressed in relation to people. If a dog for some reason treats a person badly, it is almost impossible to overcome.
I like to walk!
According to experienced dog breeders, if the owner walks with a mastiff, he should carefully choose the routes. You should constantly change them. If a place becomes too familiar for a mastiff, he will begin to perceive the territory as his own.
It is noted that such a beast is ideal for someone who owns his own large house and a piece of land next to him. As can be concluded from negative reviews of Tibetan mastiffs, the description of the breed in this aspect does not lie - it is almost impossible to keep a dog in a small area, especially when the owner has almost no time to walk with him. Although the animal is known for its wonderful character traits, loyalty and devotion, not every human lifestyle is combined with the possession of this wonderful companion. When planning a dog purchase, you should consult with an experienced breeder who will coordinate how much the mastiff fits into the life and living conditions of the family. If a specialist advises you to refuse to buy, no matter how you would like to have your own mastiff, it is better to leave this idea unfulfilled.
Health and life
As can be learned from the descriptions of the breed devoted to the Tibetan mastiffs, the size of this dog is quite large - at least 60 cm tall, at least 65 kg in weight. These features of addition impose certain restrictions on the nutrition and content of the animal, and also explain why mastiff is sick with certain diseases more often than others. Breeders talk about two key indicators of health: the condition of the skeleton and ligamentous apparatus.Up to two, sometimes three years, the dog is actively growing and developing, quickly gaining kilograms. For such a breed, a balanced diet is very important, providing enough calcium, phosphorus, protein. Experts advise choosing specialized feeds created for especially large breeds. True, they are quite expensive. On sale there is food for giant breeds, specimens under the age of two years and after two years. Preference is given to those options that are enriched in easily digestible protein.
For an animal to be healthy, it must move a lot. Every day you need to walk with the dog for at least two hours, and preferably three full. Mastiffs are not afraid of cold and frost, which means that in winter, walks should be as long as on a fine summer day.
Day after day: mood and life
We can conclude by studying the description of the breed accompanied by photos: the character of the Tibetan mastiff is pleasant, but has its own characteristics. This is a calm animal, which will be a great companion to the owner, if you train him qualitatively. As the illustrated photos describe Tibetan mastiffs, any large breed must be trained, the mastiff will not be an exception. The owner’s task is to learn to perfectly control the dog’s behavior. This is implemented at the stage of growing up of the animal.
Raising a dog, one must take into account its dimensions, character, and power of the animal. It is necessary to pay maximum attention to how the behavior and nature of the animal are formed. By the way, almost any material devoted to the description of the character and characteristics of the breed draws particular attention to this. Tibetan mastiffs - dogs that are strictly forbidden to beat, punish by the absence of food or water. The only way to raise a big beast is to be patient, loving, attentive. You can turn to experienced dog handlers to help train the animal.
Daily care
Giving ideas (from the photo) about the size of the Tibetan mastiffs describing the breed make it possible to understand how important it is to constantly care for the animal. However, everyday care is much easier than necessary for other large varieties. It is important to provide the dog with the opportunity to bathe while warm. On average, this is necessary four times a year. As the descriptions from the photo say, the character of the Tibetan mastiff is flexible and sociable. Breeders talk about the need to constantly comb the animal - at least once a week. Owners note: due to the nature of the dog, this procedure is pleasant and brings pleasure to both the person and the dog.