Tibetan Mastiff the Most Expensive Dog in the World

The Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic breed that's known for its impressive size and loyal nature. It can weigh up to 230 pounds and stand as tall as 26 inches.

This massive dog is also one of the most expensive breeds in the world. In 2011, a Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash sold for a whopping $1.5 million.

The breed's high price tag is due in part to its rarity and the time-consuming process of breeding them. Tibetan Mastiffs are a natural breed, meaning they haven't been heavily cross-bred with other breeds like some other dogs have.

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The Tibetan Mastiff is a massive breed, with some dogs weighing between 60 and 90 kg (133 – 198 lb). However, the upper end of this range is actually considered overweight.

They come in two main varieties: Do-khyi and Tsang-khyi, with the latter being taller and heavier, and having more mouth folds.

Dogs bred in the West are generally on the smaller side, but the breed's original purpose was to be a working dog in harsh conditions.

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The Tibetan Mastiff's massive size makes it difficult for them to fulfill their original role, and in China, large dogs of this breed are not as useful as smaller ones.

They are, however, extremely resistant to low temperatures, which is essential for their survival in the high altitudes of the Himalayas.

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds, with a fascinating history that dates back around 58,000 years, according to genetic analyzes.

This breed was originally bred to guard herds grazing in the Himalayas and protect Tibetan monasteries. The Tibetan Mastiff is still considered a rare breed, but it has gained popularity worldwide since the 1980s.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful and protective dog, known for its bravery and aggressiveness. It's a dominant and strong-willed breed that requires a strict owner and early socialization.

Here are some interesting facts about the Tibetan Mastiff:

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds, with a rich history that dates back a long time.

The breed's origin is not well understood, but it's fascinating and unique, as both Aristotle and Marco Polo wrote about it.

The Tibetan Mastiff became a separate breed approximately 58,000 years ago, according to unreliable genetic analyzes carried out by the Nanjing Agricultural University's Laboratory of Animal Reproductive Genetics and Molecular Evolution in Nanjing.

The breed's tasks were to guard the herds grazing in the Himalayas and guarding the Tibetan monasteries.

After 1980, the breed began to gain recognition around the world, and the AKC and FCI registered it, creating a standard for the breed.

The Tibetan Mastiff's temperament is quite unique. They're naturally protective of their territory and family, but they're not typically aggressive unless provoked.

In fact, they're often used as a night watchman to scare away potential attackers with their loud barking. This means they need to be kept indoors at night, as leaving them in the yard can lead to unwanted noise and potential problems.

Socialized mastiffs do best in homes with a large garden and another dog, as they can get lonely and destructive if left alone for too long. Living in a block of flats is not recommended for this breed.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an intelligent breed, but they can be stubborn at times, making obedience training a must. Consistency and clarity in training are crucial to avoid raising a potentially dangerous and erratic animal.

Their dominant character requires a strong personality from the owner, who must be able to establish themselves as the pack leader. Without this, the dog may become overprotective and aggressive.

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