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The Tibetan Mastiff (Do-khyi) is a very ancient breed and type of domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia.
[edit] Names and etymologyThe Tibetan Mastiff also known as Do-khyi meaning 'home guard', reflects its use as a home guard, much as the old English ban-dog (also meaning tied dog) was a dog tied outside the home as a guardian. However, the Do-khyi is traditionally allowed to run loose at night. 'Bhote Kukur' in Nepali means Tibetan Dog. In Mandarin Chinese, the name is 藏獒 (Zang'Ao), which literally means Tibetan Mastiff or Tibetan big ferocious dog. In Mongolia it is called "bankhar", meaning "guard dog". The molosser type with which the modern Tibetan Mastiff breed is purportedly linked was known across the ancient world by many names. [edit] Description[edit] Appearance Currently, some breeders differentiate between two "types" of Tibetan Mastiff: The Do-khyi and the "Tsang-khyi". The "Tsang-khyi" (which, to a Tibetan, means only "dog from Tsang") is also referred to as the "monastery type", described as generally taller, heavier, more heavily boned, with more facial wrinkling and haw than the "Do-khyi" or "nomad type". Both "types" are often produced in the same litter. Males can reach heights up to 31+ inches (80+cm) at the withers, although the standard for the breed is typically in the 25 to 28 inch (61 to 72 cm) range. The heaviest TM on record may be one weighing over 110 kg[citation needed] but dogs bred in the West are more typically between 100lb (45kg) to 160lb (72kg) - especially if they are in good condition and not overweight. Certainly, the enormous dogs being produced in some Western and some Chinese kennels would have "cost" too much to keep fed to have been useful to nomads; and their questionable structure would have made them well-nigh useless as livestock guardians. The Tibetan Mastiff is considered a primitive breed. It typically retains the instincts which would be required for it to survive in Tibet, including canine pack behavior. In addition, it is one of the few primitive dog breeds that retains a single oestrus per year instead of two, even at much lower altitudes and in much more temperate climates than its native climate. This characteristic is also found in wild canids such as the wolf. Since their oestrus usually takes place during late fall, most Tibetan Mastiff puppies are born between December and January.[2]  Its double coat is long, subject to climate, and found in a wide variety of colors including solid black, black & tan, various shades of gold, blue/gray, chocolate brown, any of which may also have white markings. Some few TMs appear to be "white" but are actually a very pale gold. The coat of a TM lacks the unpleasant "big dog smell" that affects many large breeds. The coat - whatever its length or color(s) - should shed dirt and odors. Although the dogs shed somewhat throughout the year, there is generally one impressive "molt" in late winter or early spring and sometimes another, lesser molt in the late summer or early fall. (Sterilization of the dog or bitch may dramatically affect the coat as to texture, density, and shedding pattern.) Tibetan Mastiffs are shown under one standard in the West, but separated by the Indian breed standard into two varieties[citation needed] - Lion Head (smaller in size, exceptionally long hair from forehead to withers, creating a ruff or mane) and Tiger Head (larger in size, shorter hair) [edit] Temperament The native type of dog, which still exists in Tibet, and the Westernized purebred breed can vary in temperament - but so can dogs of identical breeding, within the same litter, raised in the same household. Elizabeth Schuler states, "The few individuals that remain in Tibet are ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train. But the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters." However, other observers have found the dogs remaining in Tibet to be quite approachable under the right circumstances - and some Western-bred dogs to be completely unapproachable. Some Western and Asian breeders are seeking to create a replica of the legendary dog which they identify as the "true Tibetan Mastiff" or "Tsang-khyi". Some breeders appear to select primarily for appearance (great size, profuse coat, heavy wrinkling, jowls, haw) while others also select for "soft" temperament (in the West) and fierce temperament (in Asia where the dogs' "ferocity" is much vaunted and encouraged). As a flock guardian dog in Tibet and in the West, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As a socialized, more domestic dog, it can thrive in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is generally not an appropriate dog for apartment living. The Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. Leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not recommended. They often sleep during the day to be more active, alert and aware at night. Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience training is recommended (although only mildly successful with some individuals) since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guardian instincts. They are excellent family dogs - for the right family. Owners must understand canine psychology and be willing and able to assume the primary leadership position. Lack of consistent, rational discipline can result in the creation of dangerous, unpredictable dogs. (Although this is true of virtually every dog breed, it is more likely with a large, primitive breed.) Newspaper reports have suggested that a pair of these Mastiffs have killed tigers while guarding sheep in the highlands of Nepal. [edit] Health Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur bone does not fit into the hip joint tightly and becomes dislocated, causing a lot of pain. Look for any change in the dog's gait. There can be two causes of hip dysplasia in Tibetan Mastiffs: genetics or rapid growth and weight gain. Watch the puppy and make sure it does not put on weight too fast, and use a feed that is specially formulated for large breeds. The vet has both medicinal and surgical options available. Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy is an inherited condition that affects Tibetan Mastiff puppies, usually by the age of six weeks. It affects the animal's nervous system, and the first symptoms include weakness and eventual paralysis in the hind legs. There is no cure, but breeders have been able to selectively breed the animals to reduce the occurrence of the condition. Auto Immune Hypothyroidism is very common in all large breed dogs, not only in the Tibetan Mastiffs. Symptoms include decreased activity and playing, increased sleeping, weight gain, poor skin and coat condition such as flaking and scaling, and constant ear infections. Fortunately, it is one condition that is easily treated by the use of daily thyroid supplementation. Osteochondrosis Dessicans is a bone defect in which the cartilage lifts off the bone, becomes thickened and cracked, causes inflammation and pain, and in severe cases degeneration of the joint. This conditions strikes males more than females. Keep the puppy from gaining weight, but this is an inherited condition and the dog should not be bred. Panosteitis is inflammation of the bones that strikes young dogs. The animal will become lame in one leg and then the inflammation will shift to a different leg. This is one condition that corrects itself over time, and only pain medication is needed. Ear Infections can be serious and the dog should be taken to the vet if you see it shaking its head or scratching more than normal. Tibetan Mastiffs have floppy ears, which is what makes them more prone to ear infections. The vet needs to determine the cause, and will probably prescribe antibiotics and/or ear drops. Be careful, though, as some of these infections are contagious to other dogs. Unlike most large breeds, its life expectancy is long, some 10-14 years. The breed has fewer genetic health problems than many breeds, but cases can be found of hypothyroidism, entropion or ectropion, skin problems including allergies, low immune system including demodex, missing teeth, malocclusion (overbite or underbite), cardiac problems, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataract, and small ear canals with a tendency for infection. As with most giant breeds, some will suffer with elbow or hip dysplasia, although this has not been a major problem in the Tibetan Mastiff. Another concern includes canine inherited demyelinative neuropathy (CIDN), a rare inherited neural disease that appeared in one bloodline in the early 1980s. However, it is believed that this problem has been all but eliminated in contemporary breeding lines. [edit] History This is an ancient breed, descended from very early large Tibetan dogs. It is alleged that this early Tibetan dog is the ancestor to all Molossuses breeds but there is no proof of this and this theory is falling out of favor. The first known record of a Tibetan mastiff was in 1121 BC, when a dog trained for hunting was given to a Chinese emperor.[3] Marco Polo encountered the large Tibetan dogs in his travels and described them as "tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion." They were used as guard dogs outside the sacred city of Lhasa. In the early 19th century, King George IV owned a pair, and there were enough of the breed in England in 1906 to be shown at the 1906 Crystal Palace show. However, during the war years, the breed lost favor and focus and nearly died out in England. Gaining in popularity worldwide, there are more and more active breeders, although the breed is still considered somewhat uncommon. Initially the breed suffered because of the limited gene pool from the original stock, but today's reputable breeders work hard at reducing the genetic problems through selective breeding and the international exchange of new bloodlines.
In 2008, the Tibetan Mastiff competed for the first time in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In recent years, more wealthy Chinese are buying Tibetan Mastiff as a means to show off their status. It was reported in Sep 2009[4] that a rich Chinese woman spent more than USD 600,000 or 4 million yuan to buy an 18 month old purebred female Tibetan Mastiff which has not been spayed, which she named Yangtze No. 2. This is - purportedly - the most ever paid for a dog. [edit] See also[edit] References
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