The Tibetan Mastiff (Tibetan: འདོགས་ཁྱི, Wylie: Dogs khyi; Chinese: 藏獒, Pinyin: Zàng áo) is a large Tibetan dog breed belonging to the mastiff family. Originating with the nomadic cultures of Tibet, China, Mongolia, India and Nepal, it is used by local tribes of Tibetans, Nepalis and Indians to protect sheep from wolves, leopards, bears, large mustelids and tigers. Initially, the breed suffered because of the limited gene pool from the original stock, but today's reputable breeders work hard at reducing the genetic problems through selective breeding and the international exchange of new bloodlines. However, some few breeders cling to the practice of inbreeding, do not perform health tests on their breeding stock, and do not support buyers of the puppies they produce. Many puppies and adult dogs end up in shelters and in rescue situations. May 25, 2011.
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