WebMD Offers Advice for Those Looking to Raise Two Dogs, Including One Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff – The Most Expensive Dog Breed in the World for Many Years
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, agile, and strong breed known for its thick fur around the neck, resembling a lion’s mane. This breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, having been domesticated thousands of years ago to protect vast lands, and it still retains this instinct today. They are loved for their extremely loyal nature, providing absolute protection to their owners and their belongings.
In 2011, a red Tibetan Mastiff puppy named Big Splash (11 months old) was purchased by a Chinese businessman for $1.5 million. This sale marked the highest price ever recorded for a dog, allowing this breed to maintain its record as the most expensive dog in the world for many years.
CBS NEWS reported in 2011 that Tibetan Mastiffs had become popular among the Chinese elite. This special breed has replaced sports cars and jewelry as the new symbols of status and wealth.
The title of the most expensive dog breed in the world has belonged to the Tibetan Mastiff for many years. In 2009, a Chinese woman set a record when she spent over $500,000 for a Tibetan Mastiff named Yangzte No. 2. In 2010, another Tibetan Mastiff was valued at nearly $1.47 million.
Tibetan Mastiff stands out due to its mane and large body size. (Photo: Kat_marinina/Shutterstock).
This breed originates from Central Asia, where they have lived for thousands of years. The earliest records of Tibetan Mastiffs date back to the 12th century BCE in China. The ancestors of today’s Tibetan Mastiffs were part of many medieval armies, including the Persian and Assyrian armies.
Tibetans refer to the Tibetan Mastiff as “celestial dog” because they are capable of doing many things: they possess the strength to intimidate leopards, can effectively guard a herd of 400 sheep, and easily take down hungry wolves.
It is believed that this breed has lived in the valleys of the Himalayas, allowing them to develop into the magnificent creatures they are today. In 1847, Tibetan Mastiffs were brought to Europe, with the first country to see them being England. It wasn’t until the 20th century, specifically in 1958, that this breed arrived in the United States when the Nepalese Foreign Minister sent two Tibetan Mastiffs to President Eisenhower.
Characteristics of Tibetan Mastiffs
The first thing you will notice about Tibetan Mastiffs is their majestic lion-like mane and their enormous size.
Adult male Tibetan Mastiffs can reach heights of up to 66 cm (over 26 inches) at the shoulder and typically weigh between 40 to 70 kg (88 to 154 lbs). Females are slightly smaller in weight and height.
Tibetan Mastiffs tend to mature more slowly than other dog breeds, with males reaching maturity around 4 to 5 years of age, while females mature around 3 to 4 years. The average lifespan of this breed is about 10 to 12 years.
Living in isolated regions for a long time has led to some unique personality traits in Tibetan Mastiffs.
Alert, aloof, dignified, and imposing: Ancient Tibetan Mastiffs are supreme territorial protectors. Their sense of territory is often limited to where they reside, and when outside these boundaries, they typically do not exhibit these traits.
These “giants” with thick fur are calm and gentle around the home, devoted to their family, and aloof with strangers (new people, unfamiliar animals). Once domesticated, Tibetan Mastiffs are extremely loyal and ready to protect their owners at all costs.
Therefore, if you plan to raise another dog alongside your Tibetan Mastiff, it is best to adopt a dog of the opposite sex. There are two reasons for this: first, they have a strong territorial instinct and do not like to share with strangers. Second, Tibetan Mastiffs can become more aggressive with same-sex dogs, as stated by WebMD – a U.S. organization specializing in publishing news and information online about human health and wellness.
Tibetan Mastiffs are more aggressive with same-sex dogs.
For example, if you have a male Tibetan Mastiff and want to adopt another dog, make sure to choose a female. This will improve the chances of harmony between your Tibetan Mastiff and the second dog. Tibetan Mastiffs are also known for their ability to dominate unfamiliar dogs, but they tend to become friendly with other dogs over time.
Tibetan Mastiffs are recognized as quick learners, intelligent, yet also quite stubborn. Their personalities are cautious, independent, and sometimes they may not show friendliness toward non-owners.
