| The Tibetan Mastiff is one of many breeds descended
from the Molossus, a fighting dog of ancient Rome.
It originated in central Asia, where it guarded flocks,
and it can still be found in the central Asian steppes
and around the Himalayan foothills performing the
same task for nomadic shepherds. There is mention
of the Tibetan Mastiff in the 13th-century chronicles
of the explorer Marco Polo, who referred to native
mastiffs "as large as asses." This was possibly an
exaggeration, but it is certainly an imposing dog.
This breed makes a fine companion, watchdog,
and guard. It is aloof, protective, and slow to mature,
reaching its best at 2-3 years in females and at least
4 years in males. The Tibetan Mastiff has a reliable
temperament unless provoked, and needs regular
vigorous exercise on hard ground and daily brushing.
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