Mastiff Or Mountain Dog? Defining Tibetan Mastiff Breed Type by Richard W

Mastiff or Mountain Dog? Defining Tibetan Mastiff Breed Type By Richard W. Eichhorn, Drakyi Tibetan Mastiffs

In this two-part series, we will unravel varieties within a breed. At the very Historically there are documented the nuances of Tibetan Mastiff breed least, we are talking about two, perhaps separate varieties/sub-varieties of type. This is a subject that has been the three or more distinct varieties in the Tibetan/Himalayan dogs (Tsang Khyi, source of decades of internal conflict breed, defined by size, type, color and Do-khyi, Lion, Tiger, Snow, Himalayan and controversy in international Tibetan coat differences, which could (or should Sheepdog, Bhotia, Bangara Mastiff, etc.) Mastiff communities. It is also the reason ?) compete for separate breed ribbons. that have come to be identified as the why this most ancient of breeds did not This presents a confusing and frustrating varieties used to resurrect this breed and enter the AKC until 2007. situation for judges, who are forced to save it from extinction after the Chinese either put up a homogenized and safe occupation of Tibet in the 1950s. All While each breed of dog has variations, working dog that somewhat incorporates those influences appear in contemporary the differences in the Tibetan Mastiff the best of the varieties present, or to Tibetan Mastiff studbooks and are now world could be described almost select the best of his or her preferred all classified under one “Tibetan Mastiff ” as breed differences, not just type. umbrella. In its native land, the Tibetan Mastiff – now known throughout FCI When mentoring, the countries as the “Do-Khyi,” in China number-one question I am and Tibet as the “Zang-Ao” (Tibet asked is: Why is there such a Dog), and in Taiwan as the “Ao-Chen” great variation in size and (Dog of Tibet) – was not found to be breed type in this breed? that standardized breed in appearance/ phenotype as we have come to expect in Simply stated, it is a Western dogdom. collision between the Eastern/native need The reason for this is simple: Traditional for function versus the Tibetan dog breeding was the result Western need for a of geographic patterns and subject single, identifiable breed to climate extremes, rather than the type. Native breeders and intentional, thoughtful breeding process owners prized and bred we associate with dog breeding today. for function and a flock The nomadic life of herdsmen was not guardian character, with less conducive to developing a breeding regard for consistency in size, program, and breed type (appearance) type, color and coat. And was not the main concern of the nomads. with the extreme isolation Function, based on physical soundness, of breeding populations of and a strong guardian disposition were dogs in Tibet due to the harsh the two most highly sought after and climate and treacherous terrain, prized traits in the dogs. Genetics were hidden villages would often neither completely understood nor each have their own version of readily employed by the early Tibetans a Tibetan Mastiff. in their production of dogs; therefore, they failed to arrest the tendency of

Wi n t e r Is s u e Modern Molosser - January 2010 Page 1 considered to be the finest, often found in the monasteries serving largest and most prized dogs, the as stationary guardians, gifts to the latter the more commonly found monks so that the owner might find smaller working variety. The best favor in God’s eyes. Others were sold description of the mastiff Tsang- to the wealthy as courtyard guardians, Khyi variety was given by Mr. W. as few people could afford to feed Gill in his narrative of a journey such a large animal, while the smaller, through China and Eastern Tibet more common shepherd-like Do-Khyi to Burma in 1880: remained in the villages, in the pastures, with the caravans and on the trail “The chief had a huge dog, kept in with the nomads functioning in more a cage on the top of the wall at the of a livestock/flock guardian capacity. entrance. It was a very heavily The first imports that reached U.S. built black-and-tan, the tan of shores some 40 years ago were from a very good colour; his coat was this wide, overly diverse gene base, ------Need caption here ------rather long, but smooth; he had a varying in type, quality, authenticity bushy tail, smooth tan legs, and and even purity depending upon their type variation that can be controlled an enormous head that seemed area of origin and the influence of by selective breeding programs now out of proportion to the body, very much other environmental factors. While practiced in the West. Thus, dissimilar like that of a bloodhound in shape with these early U.S. imports represented the types and varieties developed in overhanging lips. His bloodshot eyes myriad of varieties referenced by Mr. different regions. were very deep-set, and his ears were L. Jacob in his narrative, the majority flat and drooping. He had tan spots over of present day TMs can now begin to Those differences (mastiff vs. shepherd/ the eyes, and a tan spot on the breast. He be classified in the two distinct types of mountain dog) are still plainly seen measured four feet from the point of the dogs historically known as the Tibetan in different breeding programs and nose to the root of the tail, and two feet Mastiff: the mastiff-like Tsang-Khyi regional populations today. To better ten inches in height at the shoulder [34”!]. and the mountain/shepherd-like explain this discrepancy, in 1901, Mr. L. He was three years old, and was of the Do-Khyi. Although the gap between Jacob spoke of his most recent trek into true Tibetan [Mastiff ] breed.” the two types was often blurred and Tibet: is bridged through the blending of This presents a very clear, descriptive contemporary bloodlines, a wide range “A group of twenty Thibetan (Mastiff ) picture for us today in reference to of differences can still be seen in size, dogs might be taken at random, and type and specific cross-referencing breed type, coat, color and at times, if arranged in line, the most mastiff- pertaining to giant size and extremes temperament. like animal at one flank and the most associated with mastiff type. The sheepdog-like at the other, the rest being largest Tsang Khyi type of dogs were It was during my 2007 trip to judge sorted in between by gradation, it would be absolutely impossible to say where the one variety ended and the other began.”

Yet, in his words, the difference between the most “mastiff-like” and most “sheepdog-like” types of Tibetan Mastiffs he describes are no doubt great, to say the least, with tremendous differences in type and size, and even color and temperament. The same holds true today, more than 100 years later! The two most often seen and historically documented varieties of Tibetan Mastiffs that Mr. Jacob spoke of are known today as the Tsang- Khyi and the Do-Khyi, the former

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Page 2 Modern Molosser - January 2010 Wi n t e r Is s u e Straight from the Source Tibetan Mastiff Type and Conformation in Tibet

By Mr. Luo Go Translation by Wu Chengmin, Tibetan Mastiff Research Center, Gon Yi, China

Rick Eichhorn, Mrs. Lou Go, Carolyn Alexander and Mr. Luo Go.

a Tibetan Mastiff Specialty in Anyang, China (my Best of Breed/BIS was actually awarded a car!) that I had the great pleasure to meet the former Mayor of Lhasa, Tibet, Luo Go. At some 70 years of age, he had been born in Tibet, lived there all his life, and had owned and bred Tibetan Mastiffs before, during and after Chinese involvement there, even to this very day. And while my 30-plus years of breeding, owning, handling and importing every major bloodline in the world today gave me a broader and more global base and perspective on the breed, this was the Holy Grail for me, a man who had actually The Tibetan Mastiff is an original breed with lived his life in the presence of the “true” breed in the heart of substance and bone, four strong and sturdy its native land. limbs with powerful muscles and substance, with no excess of body mass under the skin. All No more opinions or mere conjecture, these were the facts. I these traits are geared to the extreme high and just needed my stone tablets to record his words of wisdom. frigid climates. They have strong reproductive I gladly became the student as we spent that week together capacity and immune systems, and are as honored VIPs, and then again another week in 2008 as late to mature. They grow a profuse coat of invited guests to the opening of a new, multimillion-dollar weather-resistant hair, with heavy undercoat for kennel, exclusively featuring dogs from Tibet proper or from insulation. populations bred by Tibetan Nationals on the Qinghai Plateau in China. My views on the breed and what I had known were For thousands of years, the Tibetan Mastiff challenged, redefined and affirmed all at the same time. has thrived in the harsh natural environment of Tibet with minimal resources. People have not Here, in a world premiere exclusive to Modern Molosser, interfered with their breeding systematically, so is the article he entrusted to me to share with the Western there are not obvious outside influences, nor world, along with supporting photos that represent the dogs he extreme variations. Therefore, this kind of dog has been preserved as an ancient and original describes. breed.

I sincerely hope the Mayor’s article begins to give you In spite of this, they can vary in type. To some understanding as to what constitutes a true Tibetan Mastiff, degree, the difference of physical structure and but also that it helps you to know how to prioritize what you type are a result of environment because of the might be seeing in your ring. In part two of this series, I will terrain, ecology and management in rearing go into more depth about the Tsang Khyi Valley, the Tsang puppies, influenced by available resources and Khyi Plateau and the Do-khyi Lion types. And as you read, the social economy. The following explains the please note your questions pursuant to type and send them to different types of Tibetan Mastiffs in Tsingzang me at [email protected] so that I can address them in the Plateau, according to their type, structure and next installment, and most anticipated issue. In the meantime, function. happy judging!

Wi n t e r Is s u e Modern Molosser - January 2010 Page 3 The Valley Tibetan Mastiff in Tibet solid black (“Dongma”), allowing some Valley (abbr. “Tsang Khyi”) white markings. The gold, parti-flower Tibetan Mastiff and dilute gray, as well as others, are In Tibet, the Valley Tibetan Mastiff, or colors that indicate blending with other Tsang Khyi, is mainly found types of Tibetan Mastiffs, or cross- and produced in mountainous breeding with other Himalayan dogs. regions of the south, in Tibet’s Autonomous Districts of The prevalent features of the Valley or Cuomai, Jiazha Sanru, Cuona Tsang Khyi Tibetan Mastiff are: and Longzi, all counties with high mountainous valley 1. Special ability for property protection pastures. Because of the Valley Tibetan Mastiff’s In the mid-19th Century, in larger and sturdy physique and Charles Darwin’s book “The longer time of domestication, Tsang Variations of Animals and Khyi’s head and upper lip becomes Plants Under Domestication,” more and more pronounced and Darwin praises the “enormous pendulous with age, a phenomenon black mastiff” living in southern more evident with time, making it Himalaya mountain regions of increasingly less able and suited to Tibet. Here he no doubt refers confront predators. Therefore, the to the large Tibetan Mastiffs Valley Tsang Khyi should not go with known to be found in that same the flock and shepherd. For thousands region. of years, the Valley Tsang Khyi Tibetan Mastiffs have not belonged to the Commonly, our Tibetan people flock-guardian variety. Their value call it the Tsang Khyi, referring is in domestic watchfulness, and to to the very large size and be enjoyed by the family. This type particularly fine and preferred of Tibetan Mastiff is faithful to his type of the variety. This kind master and the master’s domesticated of Tibetan Mastiff is prized animals. They not only recognize for guarding and overseeing and accept people, but will accept property, and for its beautiful, strangers interacting with their master’s preferred type. Frequently, we family. However, they will not tolerate tie them to the gate or both the any unknown animals near their sides of the tent to serve as master’s animal or home, particularly a sentry, or “do-khyi,” when at night. They stay alert and watchful intruders approach. throughout the night, patrolling their home property. The size of the most outstanding adult male is more Once they encounter an intruder or than 75 cm (29.5 inches), new situation, the master can identify if with adult females averaging the newcomer is a beast or a stranger 70 cm (27.5 inches). They according to the sound of the bark, and have a very big head and the also detect the direction and distance pronounced occiput, thick and so as to be prepared to take the most longer drooping ears, deeply effective measures. Once the territory set triangular eyes that show is breached, all of a sudden the Tsang red haw when angry, with Khyi will rush toward the stranger and the upper lip hanging and sniff to identify. At that moment, if the pendulous, open flew at the stranger keeps still, they will be safe. back corners of the mouth, Otherwise the Tsang Khyi will bite the obvious full mane to the down and hold onto the stranger, with withers and a broad straight as much discretionary force as needed back, gently rising to a tapering until the master comes. and narrowing rump, with a slight tuck up in the abdomen. 2. A high value for enjoying the visual The colors for this variety are appearance and behavior black and tan (“Jiama”) and

Page 4 Modern Molosser - January 2010 Wi n t e r Is s u e The peculiar voice of the Tsang Khyi as “do-khyi,” which is a common term type is sonorous, rugged and very for any tied guard dog of any breed or Plateau deep. At any time, the Tsang Khyi uses street dog in Himalayan regions) Tibetan Mastiff different sounds to alert the master The Plateau Tibetan Mastiff, or as to the exact information and different some people say the Pastoral distances between the Tibetan Mastiff Dro-khyi Tibetan Mastiff, can and the stranger. The Tibetan experts be found in the Gannan Tibetan hold the view that the Tsang Khyi’s Autonomous State, Tsinghai bark has a strong rumble that other Province and Cichuan Zang mastiff types don’t have. Based on district. The Tibetan Mastiffs of the study, the inheritance of special Hequ are some of the most typical sound is very consistent and dominant representatives of the outstanding in the Tsang Khyi. Although there can variety known as Plateau Dro-khyi be degradation of the bark with the Tibetan Mastiffs. According to the crossing of types of Tibetan Mastiff, the study of Mr. Cui and Mr. Yang offspring of the pure Tsang Khyi will be from the Agricultural College of evident to the ear with their sonorous Gansu, this kind of Tibetan Mastiff deep and pleasing sound. Indeed, it is found primarily in the Hequ is very important and most valuable to area. The Tibetan people call preserve this distinct type and sound. them Dro-khyi, meaning “Tibetan Mastiff living on the prairie or It’s is vital for us to value and preserve grassland.” The main features are the pure Tsang Khyi Valley type of the following: Tibetan Mastiff and to respect and protect their age-old traditions. Also, 1. Large size, sturdy strong body careful selection and using genetic and bone with coordinated and data must be employed to make the balanced moment. An excellent best breedings come to fruition by adult male is a minimum of 73 constantly searching for the right cm (28.75 inches), and should be combination of this type. With the much taller. The adult female is changing world the Tibetan Mastiff well over 65 cm (25.5 inches). It must live in, and its changing role with has a large head and a prominent mankind, this topic is a sparking point peak to the skull. Its ears are for necessary discussion. smaller than that of Valley Tsang Khyi. The upper lip is hanging, An important reminder again, unique pendulous, dragging. In the and crucial to the type, the sounds neck and face a minimum of two the Tsang Khyi makes changes when prominent wrinkles. The back the distance between the dog and is broad and level, rising to an stranger changes from far to near. The evident point of the shoulders. sounds of the Tsang Khyi change and A moderate tuck up. The tail is progress with intensity while seated spiral and up over the back. and when standing, then while walking and while running. When a stranger 2. The colors are mainly black passes by the Tsang Khyi, a tethered and tan, black and golden. Other Tsang Khyi will lunge and strain at the colors such as gray or white are end of the chain, the neck compressed found, but more in cross-bred and choking, the eyes showing blood dogs. red, the gnashing of teeth, and in the moment we only hear the ragged, 3. The coat should be of high hoarse voice and panting breath. All of volume and length in places, this an indication of the ferocity. While strong quality, cold-weather the whole process is heart-pounding, resistant. ultimately the result is that we can enjoy feeling secure, relaxed and 4. On the prairie, the character of carefree. It is exhilarating to watch. TM is formidable and always alert. He is very loyal to his master and The Plateau Tibetan Mastiff, or Dro- does his work. He will display khyi, in Tibet (commonly misspoken very strong protectiveness and

Wi n t e r Is s u e Modern Molosser - January 2010 Page 5 can be violent against intruders, daring general description of both the Tsang LION to fight against wild animals. He has a Khyi Valley Tibetan Mastiff and the Tibetan Mastiff keen ability to watch the flock. He can Dro-khyi Plateau Tibetan Mastiff. Both be on duty the entire night, walking are large and fine breeds of mastiff around the house and property, with hanging, pendulous lips. protecting and maintaining the security of humans and The Lion Tibetan Mastiff livestock. It’s difficult and scarce in Tibet to find 5. The Dro-khyi, or Plateau the lesser known and pure, long- Tibetan Mastiff, is has a coated Lion Tibetan Mastiff, although thinner and higher-pitched it has wide distribution in some places. bark than the Valley, or It mainly originates from Shangnan, Tsang Khyi, Tibetan Mastiff. A’li, Changdu, Tibet and is found with While penetrating, it is not as Diqing Shepherds in Yunan, China. (It resounding or pleasing to the is also more common in some Western ear. It is a sturdy dog, with kennels.) thicker wrinkles on the neck and face than those found This type is very alert, can be on the Valley or Tsang Khyi aggressive and is conscious of Tibetan Mastiff. This indicates guarding for shepherds, and is usually that there exist complementary a tied guard/do-khyi at the gate or traits to be blended between at both sides of the nomad tent. The the two types in a breeding outstanding adult male Lion Tibetan program, a strategy for the Mastiff has a maximum to 70 cm selection of future generations (27.5 inches) at the withers, females of breeding. a maximum to 65 cm (25.5 inches). They have a rounder head, a big and There is no great functional short muzzle with tighter lips, a broad difference between the Plateau/ back and longer body. The point of the Prairie/Drokhyi Tibetan Mastiff shoulder withers is not evident due to and the Valley/Tsang Khyi the excessive long hair (like the Chow Tibetan Mastiff except the Chow). The hair covers the entire body. sound of the Dro-khyi’s voice, The color is mainly gray, gray and tan, which is not as sonorous. The black and tan, and black. The Lion in types are both best suited white and yellow colors are usually for guarding and watching, crossbred Lion dogs with Dro-khyi or to be enjoyed and bred, and other Himalayan dogs. preferred over other types of local shepherd dogs.

Zhongyuan Tibetan Mastiff Research Center has made great contributions to the restoration and preservation About the Author of the Tibetan Mastiff. Many ideal Plateau/Prairie/Dro-khyi Mr. Luo Go, lifetime resident and Tibetan Mastiffs appear in former Mayor of Lhasa, Tibet, is the this center. However, it is still most longstanding Tibetan Mastiff urgent to establish and develop authority in the world today. At more a high-profile genetic base than 70 years of age, he has lived his of the finest Tibetan Mastiff entire life with Tibetan Mastiffs in his bloodlines. home. His unique perspective, a result of many decades of experience as an Above all, the Tibetan owner and breeder, are of the breed Mastiff, as primarily known in its native land – before, during and to Westerners, refers to the after the Chinese occupation of Tibet that began in the 1950s.

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