Tibetan Mastiff

Author: Tang Xiuhua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-09-01
Features: It inherits the bloodline of the ancient mastiff, recognized internationally as the ancestor of many fierce dog breeds today. It is resolute, loyal, brave, powerful, and majestic. It can herd horses, cattle, and sheep, drive jackals, wolves, and tigers, cross snow-capped mountains and plateaus, and is adept at understanding its owner's intentions, making it a loyal companion to herders. It is an original and rare dog breed native to the special region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, hailed by international dog experts as the "Chinese Divine Dog." The legend of one dog fighting five wolves. In early winter of 1992, a journalist personally experienced the fierce and magical deterrent power of the Tibetan mastiff. While researching in Awang Township, Maqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, at an altitude of 4,000 meters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, a group of four found temporary accommodation. It was a simple shepherd's hut, half exposed above ground and half buried underground, surrounded by and a large Tibetan mastiff. That night, the journalist stayed with the shepherd in the hut, not daring to come out because wolves were outside. Thus, they witnessed a miraculous scene—the Tibetan mastiff began barking fiercely outside the hut, and not far away, green lights flashed continuously, the eyes of wolves. Five greedy wolves approached the defenseless yaks without restraint. Enraged, the Tibetan mastiff charged forward like a sharp sword, fearless, and bit the throat of a male wolf. At this moment, anger transformed the Tibetan mastiff into a lion. It threw the wolf into the air and landed it heavily on a large rock, killing the wolf instantly. The mastiff's retaliation provoked an attack from the pack of wolves. Several wolves rushed at the Tibetan mastiff together. The mastiff targeted each attacking wolf, opening its massive jaws and securing a kill with each attack. The mastiff's roar awakened its owner, who hurriedly arrived at the cattle pen to find the mastiff severely injured. Around them lay five twisted and fallen wolf corpses, while the mastiff calmly licked and cleaned its bleeding wounds. Seeing the owner, its serene gaze revealed fatigue and a sense of accomplishment, as if telling the owner, "I have fulfilled my duty." The legend of one dog fighting five wolves spread across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Maqu grasslands. This book contains extensive and new content, featuring over 100 pictures of Tibetan mastiffs. It covers topics such as how to identify a Tibetan mastiff, breed classification, scientific breeding techniques, the development trends and market prices of mastiffs, 119 answers to mastiff knowledge, 22 practical tips for raising Tibetan mastiffs, and "A Journey to Find Mastiffs in the Plateau." The author has written this book based on nearly 16 years of experience in raising Tibetan mastiffs, sharing their insights with fellow mastiff enthusiasts. It aims to help beginners truly understand, acquire, and raise Tibetan mastiffs early, avoiding unnecessary detours. This is a truly specialized book created by those who raise mastiffs, offering not only abundant knowledge but also simple and highly practical advice. Therefore, whether for beginners or those operating mastiff breeding facilities, this book will greatly enhance technical understanding and skills.