Page 280 - Showsight April 2013

Why in the World
Would anyone Want a
tibetan Mastiff?
By Susan Ochsenbein
The most common rea-
sons that prospective
Tibetan Mastiff 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 Mastiff and help
others to appreciate this marvelous breed.
After thousands of years in existence,
the Tibetan Mastiff is still considered a
rare breed. Not until 2005 when a par-
ticularly zealous exhibitor became the
driving force behind getting the Tibetan
Mastiff accepted into the American Ken-
nel Club was there even much interest in
AKC recognition by most breeders and
fanciers. The Tibetan Mastiff 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 Mastiffs 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.
I was certainly experienced with dogs
when I acquired my first Tibetan Mastiff
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 Mastiff entered my life
I realized right away that I did not have
an ordinary breed. The 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.
“When my first Tibetan
Mastiff entered my life
I realized right away
that I did not have an
ordinary breed.
the young
Male i brought
hoMe Would
forever
change My
life...”
280 • ShowSight Magazine, April 2013