WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD ANYONE WANT A TIBETAN MASTIFF?
By Susan Ochsenbein
I was certainly experienced with dogs when I acquired my first Tibetan Masti ff in 1992. My family was not involved in showing but was devoted to our family dogs. I can only remember brief periods of time when I was without a dog and during those times I worked with rescue organizations and animal shelters. When my first Tibetan Masti ff entered my life I realized right away that I did not have an ordinary breed. Th e young male I brought home would forever change my life and I often told him that he was “the reason for the rest” who joined him and followed him. ordinary breed. THE YOUNG MALE I BROUGHT HOME WOULD FOREVER CHANGE MY LIFE...” “When my first Tibetan Mastiff entered my life I realized right away that I did not have an
T he most common rea- sons that prospective Tibetan Masti ff owners give me as a breeder are: they are beautiful, they are wonderful with chil- dren, they are livestock guardians and they are “gentle giants”. Hopefully I can dispel some of the misunderstandings that lead people to the Tibetan Masti ff and help others to appreciate this marvelous breed. After thousands of years in existence, the Tibetan Masti ff is still considered a rare breed. Not until 2005 when a par- ticularly zealous exhibitor became the
driving force behind getting the Tibetan Masti ff accepted into the American Ken- nel Club was there even much interest in AKC recognition by most breeders and fanciers. Th e Tibetan Masti ff came into the AKC in January of 2007 but it is still uncommon to see a large entry at AKC events. National Specialties typically only attract 15-20 entries and there are no regional clubs. As a breeder of Tibet- an Masti ff s and an AKC judge for the breed I am often asked why the breed is not exhibited more. To understand that requires that you appreciate the breed and the people who are attracted to it.
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