Chic Looking Mastiff Muzzle with cones and studs

To start reading this article from the beginning please click here What do you know about the history of Tibetan Mastiff?
Tibetan Dogs were formed in conditions of geographical isolation, that greatly contributed to safeguarding them in their homeland to present days. This applies, first of all, to the dogs from mountainous regions located far from the caravan routes. Tibetan dogs from those regions, through which passed trade routes, could be imported to other parts of Asia, and then - in Europe, where many breeds of herding and guard dogs have been developed. The movement of the dogs could occur, in contrary, from west to east. In any case, the historical pattern of origin of this breed will never be solved to the end.
The fact of existence of large mountain dogs was confirmed at the beginning of the 14th century by Marco Polo, who met these dogs during his travels in Tibet and the Himalayas. This breed was meant for hunting on wild animals and had height the same as donkey’s. Mastiffs were also mentioned by Ippolito Desideri who has traveled to Tibet. In his letters, that were published only in 1904, he wrote: "Unusual local dogs, black with thick fur, big and strong, put everyone in fear ..."
Tibetan Mastiffs are still preserved in their home country (Tibet Plateau) as working dogs to protect livestock from predators.
General characteristics of the breed.
Tibetan Mastiff is quite a large dog with deliberate movements and sullen gloomy view. These dogs have horny build and powerful bones.
What sizes can they be? Height at the withers for males is not less than 66 cm, females - 61 cm. Their weight usually achieves about 60 kg, but bigger representatives of this breed are often mentioned in literature. For example, in China and Taiwan, the standard of Chinese Mastiff stipulate that the height of an adult dog shouldn’t be less than 70 cm for males, and not less than 65 cm for females. Weight of an adult male is about 65-70 kg, female - about 50-55 kg.
Head. Huge and deep with wide rounded and well-marked skull, but still with gradual transition to the muzzle. Muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. Later on there appear wrinkles on the forehead.
Ears. Pendant, heart-shaped, set at eye line and close to the cheeks. Eyes are usually dark and of medium size. Neck. Powerful, with small hanger on the throat. Chest. Very deep, with rounded edges.
Tail. Curled up in the form of the ring on its back or thigh. Limbs. Thick, with moderate angles of joints.
Hair growth. Consists of direct, rough, wiry and thick overhair of moderate length, and thick and soft undercoat of shorter length. On the front of the head and front sides of the legs the hair is short. The hair on the body is longer and thicker and the tail is thick as well. Chinese and Taiwanese dogs hair can be of two types: smooth and disheveled (both with a thick undercoat). Preference is given to the dogs with thick, rough and disheveled hair.
Color. The pure-black, black or blue-black (ash grey) with spots and golden-red hair.
What is the origin of the names of Tibetan Mastiff?
There exist many names of this breed in its historic homeland. Do-Khyi means "dog-porter", which is hold on a chain in the afternoon and released at night to protect the house, or it may be also called Zang-Khyi that means an excellent dog. Close relatives of Do-Khyi are shepherd’s dogs, called Bho-thia. Apparently, in Europe first came relatives of shepherd’s dogs of small sizes. In any case, in the nurseries of China and Taiwan the dogs are larger, heavier and impressive, with a big skull and small, deep-set eyes and folds of skin on the head. Special collars made from yak’s "ke-khor" hide make these dogs look like lions. Most likely, these dogs are descendants of  "Buddha’s gatekeepers", which were bred in the cloisters.... to continue reading this article please click here...