Million Dollar Tibetan Mastiff Not a Good Choice as a Family Pet

Tibetan Mastiff

I was just reading an article in the New York Daily News about the ancient dog breed, the Tibetan Mastiff. A Tibetan Mastiff puppy sold for $1.9 million dollars in China! The average weight of a Tibetan Mastiff is 100 to 150 pounds but the million-dollar puppy weighs 200 pounds. Although this breed is named mastiff, it is
not a true mastiff but was originally given the name because it was a “large dog.”

A wealthy land developer from Qindao, China bought the golden-haired puppy at an upscale pet fair in China’s eastern province of Hangzhou. Tibetan Mastiffs are very rare but they are the latest trend with the wealthy in China. Another Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash sold for $1.5 million dollars.

About the Tibetan Mastiff

If you’re contemplating getting one of these dogs, (if you have millions of dollars!) be aware that they are strong-willed and can be very aggressive toward strangers. The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as "Do-Khyi” is protective, as well as stubborn. They are certainly not for the casual dog owner and must have extensive obedience training. Sometimes, even obedience training does not work with the intelligent, powerful Tibetan Mastiff.

This breed is definitely not suited to apartment living but needs a large fenced area. Tibetan Mastiffs were bred as guard dogs for livestock and can easily take on wolves and even leopards. Because of its extensive guard dog breeding, the Tibetan Mastiff will bark at any sounds it hears during the night. This breed often sleeps during the day and stays awake at night to keep watch. Because of its nocturnal habits Tibetan Mastiffs are not always the right choice as a family pet, not to mention their aggressive temperament.