The latest craze in China is the Tibetan Mastiff. The dog has become a symbol of affluence sought by wealthy Chinese. One wealthy Chinese woman paid $600,000 for an 18 month purebred male.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog associated with nomadic cultures of Central Asia. It is considered a holy animal that brings good health and security to its owners. Two types can come from the same litter. The monastery type and the nomad type. The monastery type is bigger and has more facial wrinkling.

Males can reach a height up to 31 inches and a weight up to 180 pounds. The coat color can be black, black and tan, gold, blue/gray, chocolate brown and rarely solid white. It has a long double coat that has an unpleasant smell and sheds throughout the year. It is a primitive breed having the instincts to survive in the wild.

The dog can be very temperamental and exhibit ferocity, aggressiveness and unpredictability. It is an intelligent, strong willed breed but can be an excellent family dog if the owner does not allow it to take control. It is used to guard flocks and is not afraid to confront predators.

It can live up to 14 years. Although it has less genetic health problems than most breeds, it can suffer from hip dysplasia, nerve disease affecting its ability to walk, thyroid problems, skeletal defects and serious ear infections.

The dog starting gaining popularity after 1980, but was considered an uncommon breed. In 2008, it competed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the first time. Dog shows in China are being held more frequently exhibiting the breed.