March 20, 2014 - 2:49AM
Beijing: A Tibetan mastiff puppy (click here) has been sold in China for more than $2 million in what could be the most expensive dog sale ever.
A property developer paid 12 million yuan ($A2.09 million) for the one-year-old golden-haired mastiff at a "luxury pet" fair on Tuesday in the eastern province of Zhejiang, the Qianjiang Evening News reported.
"They have lion's blood and are top-of-the-range mastiff studs," the dog's breeder Zhang Gengyun was quoted as telling the paper, adding that another red-haired canine had sold for 6 million yuan.
Enormous and sometimes ferocious, with round manes lending
them a passing resemblance to lions, Tibetan mastiffs have become a
prized status symbol among China's wealthy, sending prices skyrocketing."Pure Tibetan mastiffs are very rare, just like our nationally treasured pandas, so the prices are so high," he said....
To the right: Artwork depicting a Tibetan Mastiff from the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty existed from 1644 to 1912.
It is considered a member of The Working Group with the American Kennel Club. The markings are interesting. The history states a large dog similar to this mastiff can be traced back to 1100 BC. The color and markings are similar to the Chow-Chow as is the composition of the dog. But, some of the colors and markings are very similar to Rottweilers and Dobermans. Rottweilers are fairly large as well. The longer and more dense fur would be consistent with the cold weather of it's homeland. That type of fur is also found in Chow-Chows. It's interesting how adaptations actually create genetically sound breeds.
There is also two varieties of this mastiff and each variety can be found in one litter. That is not unusual for breeds that might actually be hybrids. There is a modern breed considered to be an excellent family dog called the Labradoodle. The Labradoodle is a cross between Labradors and Poodles. They come in three heights when fully grown and each one can be found in one litter. It is not a matter of birth order either. I can't help but wonder if this is a hybrid from a Chow-Chow and another breed like that of a Rottweiler. Their history is very diffuse.
They are a pretty cool dogs.
Extremely independent and intelligent, (click here) the Tibetan Mastiff may have its own agenda, so for safety, they should be kept contained when exercised. Although active while out of doors, they are usually fairly quiet in the house. Prospective owners should note - the breed is highly protective of their family and property, so it may be difficult to bring people into your home. Finally, they shed their coat only once a year, but regular brushing is still required.
