Tibetan mastiff / Do-Khyi, Tsang-khyi, Zang Ao

Breed history:

 It is considered to be the ancestor of all Mastiff breeds. It was raised to guard the herds and houses of the Tibetan people. In 1877 Queen Victoria received as a gift a specimen of this breed, as president Eiserhower did.

Description:

It is a large-sized, strong dog, with a rectangular body. It has a big, wide head, with a square muzzle. The lips are big and drooping on the sides. The eyes are medium-sized, slanting and dark hazel. The ears are triangular, medium-sized, round-ended and drooping. The tail is long, bushy and arched on its back. The fur is double-layered, with a fluffy, thick inner layer and an outer layer with straight, rough hair. The fur can be black, black with fawn, brown-golden, grey with or without brown areas around its eyes, the lower part of the legs, under the tail and on the muzzle. 

Personality:

 It is a calm, reserved and slightly stubborn dog. Well-balanced, brave, dignified, very devoted to the family, it loves children, but can become overprotective and can misinterpret some harmless actions. It is cautious with strangers. If it is socialized from an early age with other dogs or other household animals, there will be no problems.

Grooming:

 This dog's fur needs regular brushing and during the shedding period it should be more intense and done daily.

Living conditions:

 It feels best in the open with a firm master, with experience in raising dogs. It needs training and socialization. 

Training:

 The training of this dog must be done by a person with a lot of experience in training dogs, it must be firm, without being harsh, without beating the dog, it should be calm and well-balanced to ensure that the dog will trust and respect its master. It likes long walks, but not other activities, having a medium level of activity.

Usefulness:

 It is a good watchdog and a devoted companion.