Tibetan Mastiff has a Strong Survivor Instinct

 

An increasing popular breed of dog is the mighty Mastiff. They are known for their power, agility, and most of all, loyalty. Although there are different types of Mastiffs, depending mostly on what country they originated, each has an impressive history. As dogs of power, they are all strong work animals. Some of them fought right alongside their masters in times of war. Others are known for their hunting ability. All of them make great guard dogs. Originating in Tibet, as its name implies, the tibetan mastiff is a very ancient breed. Translated from the Tibetan word, Do-Khyi, it differs from most other Mastiffs with its long thick hair, suited for the climate in the Himalayan mountains.

 

In Tibet, the breed has actually become rare. The ones that do exist still have characteristics of their primitive ancestors, making them prone to be vicious and forceful. They are expected to guard livestock from wolves, leopards and other ferocious predators. Their ancestors were often tied up as puppies to cause them to be tough and aggressive. As a result, the native tibetan mastiff  is hard to train. They have a strong survivor instinct, which makes it nearly impossible for them to give up the pack leader position.

 

America and Great Britain breeders have managed to tone down the native gene. The Western tibetan mastiff  has a temperament closer to that of the Italian and French Mastiff. It becomes very attached to its owner and makes a good family pet. However, it still needs to be put through an intense socialization program as young as possible. As the case with all mastiffs, this breed of dog has to learn to be submissive to its human family. The owner must train it to know that it does not hold the alpha position in the household.  

 

Once trained, the dog will be a valued member of the family. The tibetan mastiff is great with children. It will guard them from any harm, or perceived danger. With the frequency of child abductions in recent years, a mastiff makes a fantastic constant companion to the children in a family. One drawback, or plus side, depending on the owner's preference, is that this breed of mastiff is naturally nocturnal. This is a trait acquired from years of guarding during the night hours while nomadic herders slept. For this reason, the dog should be kept indoors at night so it doesn't wake the neighborhood with its warning barks every time it detects motion. Overall, this is a beautiful pet that will earn its keep.