A coal baron in Northern China purchased a red Tibetan Mastiff for 10 million Chinese yuan. That comes out to 1,587,680 in US dollars. The 180-pound dog is named Big Splash (Hong Dong in Chinese) and breeder Lu Liang called him the “perfect specimen” according to the Daily Mail. Liang also stated the price was justified and that breeding with Big Splash could cost as much as $16,000 for just one time, but why is this dog really so valuable?
Tibetan Mastiffs are highly valuable in China, as they are considered “a holy animal, and legend has it that Tibetan mastiffs provide their owners with a blessing to their health and security”, according to an article from the Huffington Post. The Tibetan Mastiff has also become a status symbol, with the upper class trading cars and jewelry for the coveted dog. Also, because Big Splash is red, he is considered more valuable due to the symbolism for luck.
With a history that dates back to 1100 BC, the Tibetan Mastiff started out life as an isolated dog that guarded property at night. Today, they are part of the Working Group breed and can live up to fifteen years. In the family, the breed is quiet and intelligent, and enjoy protecting their families. Because they are so smart and have a tendency to be aloof, these dogs need an abundance of socialization and training to be at ease with other dogs and strangers. Tibetan Mastiffs are also known to be gentle with children.
Tibetan Mastiff Rescue, Inc., is the only Tibetan Mastiff rescue in the United States. Their mission statement reads:
TM Rescue is the only rescue organization in the US dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of Tibetan Mastiffs. It is the only organization that actually pulls TMs from shelters and other situations, houses them, trains them for family living, deals with any and all of their medical issues, and, most importantly, evaluates their temperaments prior to placement.
TM Rescue has a wonderful list of reasons to adopt, and not to adopt this breed. The number one reason they stress to NOT get a Tibetan Mastiff is for breeding. All of their dogs are spayed and neutered. TM Rescue is also dedicated to providing loving homes for these dogs, and the knowledge that this is a demanding breed that takes time to adjust to their new families. The rescue also stresses that they do not place the dogs as “trophy dogs”. Like any dog, the Tibetan Mastiff requires breed research and preparation to adopt.
Do you think the United States and other countries will see a demand for Tibetan Mastiffs as the story and legends from China are published and become well-known?
This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
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Shame on them. That could save the lives of thousands upon thousands of shelter dogs