Is the Tibetan Mastiff the ancestor of all flock guarding dogs?
Most sources state that the ancestor of large flock guarding and mastiff (molossus)-type dogs is the Tibetan Mastiff. However, there is no genetic research to support this claim. Tibet Tibet is an autonomous region connected to China. It is 1.2 million kilometres in area, with a population of approximately 3 million. Its borders are defined by the Karanlik Mountains in the north and the peaks of the Himalayas in the south. To the west are the Karakurum Mountains. Tibet is known as the ‘roof of the world’. Average height above sea level is over 4000 metres. For this reason the average temperature is -5 degrees centigrade. No other country has such harsh natural and climatic conditions. Life in Tibet depends entirely on the yak (Bos grunniens). These long haired cattle are accustomed to living in extremely low temperatures at heights of up to 6000 metres above sea level. The staple food of the country is all provided by the yak – meat, milk and butter. Clothing and tents are made from th
