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Tibetan Mastiff Types and Conformation in Tibet
By Mayor Luo Go
Lhasa, Tibet
The Tibetan Mastiff is an original breed having substance and bone, four strong and sturdy limbs with powerful muscles, substance with no excess of body mass under the skin. All these traits are geared to the extreme high and frigid climates. They have strong reproductive capacity and immune systems, and are late to mature. They grow a profuse coat of weather-resistant hair, with heavy undercoat for insulation.
For thousands of years, the TM has thrived in the harsh natural environment of Tibet with minimal resources. People have not interfered with their breeding systematically, so there are not obvious outside influences or extreme variations. Therefore, this kind of dog has been preserved as an ancient and original breed. In spite of this, they can vary in type. To some degree, the difference of physical structure and type are a result of environment because of the terrain, ecology and management in rearing puppies, influenced by available resources and the social economy. The following explains the three different types of Tibetan Mastiffs in Tsingzang Plateau, according to their type, structure and function, etc.
The Valley Tibetan Mastiff in Tibet, known as the “Tsang Khyi”
In Tibet, the Valley Tibetan Mastiff or Tsang Khyi, is mainly found and produced in mountainous regions of the south, in Tibet’s Autonomous Districts of Cuomai, Jiazha Sanru, Cuona and Longzi, etc., all counties with high mountainous valley pastures. In the mid nineteenth century, in the book entitled THE VARIATION OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS UNDER DOMESTICATION by Charles Darwin, Darwin praises the “enormous black mastiff” living in southern Himalaya mountain regions of Tibet. Here he no doubt refers to the large TMs known to be found in that same region. Commonly, our Tibetan people call it the Tsang Khyi, referring to the very large size and particularly fine and preferred type of the variety. This kind of TM is prized for guarding and overseeing property, and for its beautiful, preferred type. Frequently, we tie them to the gate or both sides of tent to serve as a sentry or “do-khyi” when intruders approach. The size of the most outstanding adult male is over 75cm/29.5 inches, adult females averaging 70 cm/27.5 inches. They have a very big head and the pronounced occiput, thick and longer drooping ears, deeply set triangular eyes that show red haw when angry, with the upper lip hanging and pendulous, open flew at the back corners of the mouth, the obvious full mane to the withers and a broad straight back, gently rising to a tapering and narrowing rump, with a slight tuck up in the abdomen. The colors for this variety are black and tan (“Jiama”) and solid black (“Dongma”), allowing some white markings. The gold, parti-flower and dilute grey, others, etc., are colors that indicate blending with other types of TMs or cross-breeding with other Himalayan dogs.
The prevalent features of the Valley or Tsang Khyi Tibetan Mastiff
1. Special ability for property protection
Because of the Valley TM's larger and sturdy physique and longer time of domestication, Tsang Khyi's head and upper lip becomes more and more pronounced and pendulous with age, a phenomenon more evident with time, making it increasingly less able and suited to confront predators. Therefore, the Valley Tsang Khyi should not go with the flock and shepherd. For thousands of years, the Valley Tsang Khyi TMs have not belonged to the flock guardian variety. Their value is in domestic watchfulness, and to be enjoyed by the family. This type of TM is faithful to his master and the master's domesticated animals. They not only recognize and accept people, but will accept strangers interacting with their master’s family. However, they will not tolerate the any unknown animals near their master’s animal or home, particularly at night. They stay alert and watchful throughout the night, patrolling their home property. Once they encounter an intruder or new situation, the master can identify if the newcomer is a beast or a stranger according to the sound of the bark, and also detect the direction and distance so as to be prepared to take the most effective measures. Once the territory is breached, all of a sudden the Tsang Khyi will rush toward the stranger and sniff to identify. At that moment, if the stranger keeps still, they will be safe. Otherwise the Tsang Khyi will bite down and hold onto the stranger, with as much discretionary force as needed until the master comes.
2. A high value for enjoying the visual appearance and behavior
The peculiar voice of the Tsang Khyi type is sonorous, rugged and very deep. At any time, the Tsang Khyi uses different sounds to alert the master to the exact information and different distances between the TM and the stranger. The Tibetan experts hold the view that the Tsang Khyi’s bark has a strong rumble that other mastiff types don't have. Based on the study, the inheritance of special sound is very consistent and dominant in the Tsang Khyi. Although there can be degradation of the bark with the crossing of types of TM, the offspring of the pure Tsang Khyi will be evident to the ear with their sonorous deep and pleasing sound. Indeed, it is very important and most valuable to preserve this distinct type and sound.
It's is vital for us to value and preserve the pure Tsang Khyi Valley type of TM and to respect and protect their age-old traditions. Also, careful selection and using genetic data must be employed to make the best breedings come to fruition by constantly searching for the right combination of this type. With the changing world the TM must live in, and its changing role with mankind, this topic is a sparking point for necessary discussion.
An important reminder again, unique and crucial to the type, the sounds the Tsang Khyi makes changes when the distance between the dog and stranger changes from far to near. The sounds of the Tsang Khyi change and progress with intensity while seated and when standing, then while walking and while running. When a stranger passes by the Tsang Khyi, a tethered Tsang Khyi will lunge and strain at the end of the chain, the neck compressed and choking, the eyes showing blood red, the gnashing of teeth, and in the moment we only hear the ragged, hoarse voice and panting breath. All of this an indication of the ferocity. While the whole process is heart-pounding, ultimately the result is that we can enjoy feeling secure, relaxed and carefree. It is exhilarating to watch.
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The Plateau Tibetan Mastiff or “Dro-khyi” (commonly misspoken as do-khyi, the common term for any tied guard dog of any breed or street dog in Himalayan regions).
The Plateau Tibetan Mastiff, or as some people say the Pastoral Dro-khyi TM can be found in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous State, Tsinghai Province and Cichuan Zang district. The TMs of Hequ are some of the most typical representatives of the outstanding variety known as Plateau Dro-khyi TMs. According to the study of Mr.Cui and Mr. Yang from the Agricultural College of Gansu, this kind of TM is found primarily in the Hequ area. The Tibetan people call them Dro-khyi meaning “TM living on the prairie or grassland.” The main features are the following:
1. Large size, sturdy strong body and bone with coordinated and balanced moment. An excellent adult male is a minimum of 73cm/28.75”, and should be much taller. The adult female is well over 65cm/25.5”. It has a large head and a prominent peak to the skull. Its ears are smaller than that of Valley Tsang Khyi. The upper lip is hanging, pendulous, dragging. In the neck and face a minimum of two prominent wrinkles. The back is broad and level, rising to an evident point of the shoulders. A moderate tuck up. The tail is spiral and up over the back.
2.The colors are mainly black and tan, black, and golden. Other colors such as grey or white are found, but more often in cross-bred dogs.
3. The coat should be of high volume and length in places, strong quality, cold weather resistant.
4. On the prairie, the character of TM is formidable and always alert. He is very loyal to his master and does his work. He will display very strong protectiveness and can be violent against intruders, daring to fight against wild animals. He has a keen ability to watch the flock. He can be on duty the entire night, walking around the house and property, protecting and maintaining the security of humans and livestock.
5. The Dro-khyi or Plateau TM is has a thinner and higher pitched bark than the Valley or Tsang Khyi TM. While penetrating, it is not as resounding or pleasing to the ear. It is a sturdy dog, with thicker wrinkles on neck and face than those found on the Valley or Tsang Khyi TM. This indicates that there exists complementary traits to be blended between the two Tsang Khyi types in a breeding program, a strategy for the selection of future generations of breeding.
There is no great functional difference between the Plateau/Prairie/Drokhyi TM and the Valley/Tsang Khyi TM except the sound of the Dro-khyi's voice, which is not as sonorous. The types are both best suited for guarding and watching, to be enjoyed and bred, and preferred over other types and local shepherd dogs.
The Zhongyuan TM Research Center has made great contributions to the restoration and preservation of the Tibetan Mastiff. Many ideal Plateau/Prairie/Dro-khyi TMs appear in this center. However, it is still urgent to establish and develop a high profile genetic base of the finest Tibetan Mastiff bloodlines.
Above all, the Tibetan Mastiff, as primarily known to Westerners refers to the general description of both the Tsang Khyi Valley TM and the Dro-khyi Plateau TM. Both are large and fine types of Tibetan Mastiff with hanging, pendulous lips.
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The Lion Tibetan Mastiff
It 's difficult and scarce in Tibet now to find the lesser known and pure, long coated Lion TM, although it has wide distribution in some places. It mainly originates from Shangnan, A'li, Changdu, Tibet and is found with Diqing Shepherds in Yunan, China etc. (It is also more common in some Western kennels). This type is very alert, can be aggressive and is conscious of guarding for shepherds, and is usually a tied guard/do-khyi at the gate or at both sides of the nomad tent. The outstanding adult male Lion TM has a maximum to 70cm/27.5” at the withers, females a maximum to 65cm/25.5”. They have a rounder head, a big and short muzzle with tighter lips, a broad back and longer body. The point of the shoulder withers is not evident due to the excessive long hair (like the Chow Chow). The hair covers the entire body. The color is mainly grey, grey and tan, black and tan, and black. The Lion type in white and yellow colors are usually crossbred Lion dogs with the Dro-khyi type or other Himalayan dogs.
(Translation in 2008 by Chen Li, Zhongyuan Tibetan Mastiff Research Center, Gong Yi City, Henan Province, China)
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The author, Mr. Luo Go, a lifetime resident and former Mayor of Lhasa, Tibet, is the most longstanding Tibetan Mastiff authority in the world today. At 70+ years of age, he has lived his entire life with Tibetan Mastiffs in his home. His unique and learned perspective, a result of many decades of experience as an owner and breeder, are of the breed in its native land; before, during and after the Chinese occupation of Tibet that began in the 1950’s.
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