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Regarded as the forerunner of many mastiff breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff has been around for many centuries. In the 13th century when Marco Polo was touring the Far East, he claimed to have seen native mastiffs as large as asses. This claim is not farfetched. The Tibetan Mastiff approaches the Saint Bernard in size. This dog was bred in the Himalayan foothills to guard flocks, and it has remained relatively unchanged because of its isolation and the need to produce a large, strong working animal. Because of its inborn protective instincts, the Tibetan Mastiff was also used as a guardian for mansion and monastery. The TM sports a noble head with a solemn and wise expression, a thick double coat, a longer outer coat and an insulating undercoat, in shades of black, black and tan, blue-gray, blue-gray and tan, brown, brown and tan, and various shades of gold. It carries its thick, bushy tail curled over its back, Chow-style. Brush the coat weekly to keep it free of mats, and increase to daily during the TM’s annual moult. The coat seldom needs bathing and does not carry a doggy odor. You can count on this breed to protect its family and home and be wary of strangers. Begin training and socialization early so that your TM learns to obey before it gets bigger than you. The breed will inherently patrol the boundaries of its yard. A strong, six-foot fence is a must and the TM is not appropriate for apartment living..