The majestic Do Khyi: Tibetan Mastiff – origin, history and character.
The Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing guard dog with a fascinating history. For centuries, it has guarded shepherds in the Himalayas and protected Tibetan monasteries. From Aristotle to Marco Polo, myths have grown up around this breed, emphasizing its natural strength and impressive appearance.
**History of the Tibetan Mastiff: From the Himalayas to Europe
The origins of the Tibetan Mastiff date back to early history, making it the progenitor of modern dog breeds. The first reports by Aristotle describe them as muscular, with a large head and broad muzzle. They arrived in Europe in ancient times and influenced the development of mastiffs and guard dogs.
The decisive moment for the West was in 1847, when Lord Hardinge, then Viceroy of India, sent a Tibetan Mastiff to Queen Victoria. In the 1980s, Edward VII, later Prince of Wales, brought two of these impressive dogs to England. One litter was even born at Berlin Zoo in 1898.
**Tibetan Mastiff in culture: function and areas of use
In Tibet, two types of Mastiff served the inhabitants and lamas. The “Bhotia” was an agile herd guard dog, while the “Tsang Kyi” was considered a great watchdog. These dogs were chained early on to increase their aggressiveness. Despite their impressive defensiveness, they behaved peacefully towards other dogs and domestic animals.
**The Tibetan Mastiff in modern times: distribution and use
The Tibetan Mastiff arrived in Europe towards the end of the 19th century. In the 1930s, the English breed standard was established and even the then US President Eisenhower received two of these dogs as a gift.
In the 1970s, some specimens made their way to the USA via drug smugglers, where they were used as family dogs, guard dogs and sled dogs. They are now also recognized as an independent breed in Germany.
**Character and upbringing of the Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is courageous, persistent and protects its family with strong instincts. Early socialization and training are crucial in order to turn them into loving housemates. The dogs are patient with children, but are suspicious and aggressive towards strangers. Consistent and sensitive training is necessary to control their natural independence.
**Breed characteristics of the Tibetan Mastiff
With a shoulder height of 66-76 cm in males and 61-71 cm in females, the Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing dog. The weight varies between 34-68 kg for females and 41-68 kg for males. The coat colors range from black to blue-grey to brown and red-gold.
**Conclusion: The fascinating world of the Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is not only an impressive sight, but also a fascinating dog with a rich history.
From the rugged mountains of Tibet to European and American homes, it has made an impressive journey. Its character, characterized by courage and a protective instinct, makes it a unique companion for experienced dog owners who appreciate the challenges of this majestic breed.
New dog breed descriptions in a quick overview