7/29/2019 He Tibetan Mastiff
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preserve and breed the larger, original, more protective Tibetan
Mastiff while Western breeders have sought to
stabilize the temperament, in both size varieties.
As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability
to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As
a socialized, more domestic Western dog, it thrives in a
spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is 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 andfamily
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.
Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and
stubborn to a fault, so obedience training are recommended
since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed. Socialization is
also critical with this breed because of their reserved
nature with strangers and guarding instincts. They are excellent
family dogs.
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."
