While Mastiffs often tip the scales at tremendous weights, some are smaller breeds. FAQ. var cid='9703634126';var pid='ca-pub-1543255454391684';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-dogbreedsfaq_com-box-3-0';var ffid=1;var alS=1002%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.style.maxHeight=container.style.minHeight+'px';container.style.maxWidth=container.style.minWidth+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true});But exactly how big was Zorba and how did he stand up against other Mastiff dogs? While we provide information, resources, and education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. It was difficult for people in these lands - long cold winters, constant blizzards, heavy rains, barren land and wild animals attacking cattle and people. In fact, an English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba holds the world record for heaviest dog with a recorded weight of 343 pounds. Watch. A Tibetan Mastiff is an incredibly rare and valuable breed of dog, and as such, it does not come cheap. May 19, 2015, 5:43 AM, by It is rare in Tibet and is slowly losing its popularity in the U.S. Write by: . The Blog Digger team is on a mission to open minds and ignite a love of learning in families all over the world. Thats the price a Chinese business tycoon paid for a purebred Red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash, now the most expensive dog in the world. Mastiffs have a characteristic that distinguishes them from other big dogs. All Big Dog Breeds Without proper training, things, like walking and jumping up on people, can become a huge issue very quickly. English Mastiffs are known to be one of the largest dog breeds in the world, and Zorba was no exception. Also known as Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, Zorba may still hold the record for heaviest dog in the world, regardless of species. [ Check Out Another Big Mastiff from Iran ]. Mastiffs are known for their loyalty, courage, and . David is passionate about quality-focused journalism and has worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years. This color to a large extent influenced the cost of the dog, since the number of red mastiffs in the world is negligible. How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be? On average, a fully grown Tibetan Mastiff reaches around 24-29 height and can weigh from 70 to 160 pounds. March 2011. The breed holds the record for the largest canine species in the world. The average English Mastiff weighs about 190 pounds, but many reach weights of up to 250 pounds once fully grown. 3. He told NBC : However, the buyer was not looking to turn a profit, but instead, wanted a pet for himself. This giant canine has been a guardian of livestock and family for centuries, with its imposing stature and fierce loyalty. These elements lead to differences in both height and weight. The eyes are almond-shaped and medium in size. Height: 70-95cm. Saint Bernards are significantly larger than Tibetan Mastiffs. Check your Tibetan Mastiffs paws and see whether there is a significant size difference. Theres no doubt that even the average English Mastiff is massive in size. However, Europeans could only see these giants with their own eyes in the 19th century. When standing on their hind legs, they are taller than most humans and can easily overpower their owners. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. To assure your familys safety, it is useful to know how big Tibetan Mastiffs are in comparison with other animals. The Pug shares many physical characteristics with Mastiffs, such as the wrinkled face, black muzzle, and muscular build. They are actually quite intelligent and have a strong sense of self-awareness, so they rarely resort to aggression unless it is needed. The young millionaire who purchased Yangtze River Number Two for R4,2 million is now the proud owner of the biggest Tibetan mastiff in the world. There are some differences between the two, starting with their main one: size. Between the two, Tiger Heads are larger. The secular reception dragged on, the mastiff got bored and simply broke the chain in one motion, after which with a slow walk he entered the master's house. A Tibetan Mastiff in its final size is enormous, resembling that of lions or bears. Scottish Deerhound. Zorba fulfilled his world record of the heaviest dog in the world in 1989 at the age of 8 years old. All this made the existence of the population so exhausting that the locals believed that even evil spirits had rebelled against them. Back in the day, these mountain dog breeds pulled carts of meat and dairy to the market. This dog features an especially droopy, wrinkly face and usually has a dark gray coat. However, the good news is that your dog is not completely handicapped, and you can treat it yourself. Theyve been popular since the Renaissance and were featured in period paintings, posing with their nobleman owners. Although when it comes to the drool factor, St. Bernards drool more than Mastiffs. Impressive! The Cane Corso is another large Mastiff breed with Italian heritage. Some examples of dogs that have been sold for this amount include the Tibetan Mastiff, a large dog . In the article below well dive into the largest Mastiff ever, and also take a look at some of the largest Mastiff breeds. August 29, 2015, 9:46 AM, by Going from the worlds tallest dog to the worlds smallest dog is Milly the Chihuahua. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Which is the biggest lizard in the world? Banana Ball Python All You Need To Know, A Comprehensive Timeline of the Magnificent Ottoman Empire. Some of the most popular Mastiff breeds today include the English Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, and the Tibetan Mastiff. According to the dog's owner, Chif has a truly unique ability - he can open any locks. All Big Dog Breeds What is the largest mastiff on record? A Tibetan Mastiff in its final size is enormous, resembling that of lions or bears. May 26, 2015, 7:57 AM, by In 1989, an English . The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Tibetan mastiff', is a rare breed of dog. A vet will perform a physical examination to diagnose the problem and prescribe appropriate prescription medication to relieve pain. All Big Dog Breeds They are also prone to separation anxiety when left aone for too long, so they should not be left unsupervised for extended periods of time. In addition, the lion is significantly larger than the Tibetan Mastiff, making it much more powerful overall. The beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog is 23-27.5 inches tall and 70-115 pounds. In Tibet, there is a very interesting legend about the origin of mastiffs. You can also consult a raw dog food calculator if you're unsure. The dog lives in Tibet and weighs up to 250 pounds. In this case, your Mastiff may have mild symptoms in early childhood. This giant of a dog was described by Marco Polo as being as tall as a donkey and with a voice of a lion. Mastiffs from Tibet are very independent dogs, and not a stupid puppy independence, but one that is caused by the need make quick independent decisions in a situation where the owner of the house is not, and you need to protect his house or a protected herd. The most expensive dog in the world is a Tibetan Mastiff - one of the largest dog breeds out there. They are considered to be the strongest dogs in this world. Zorba: the Largest Mastiff Ever Recorded The largest mastiff ever was Zorba, an Old English Mastiff that grew to around 345 pounds. As we discussed earlier, the tallest dog on record is a Great Dane. He lived another 5 years after that, until he passed away at the age of 13. Beth Littleford: From Spin City to Designated Survivor Villainess! However, these smaller dogs are relatives of the Mastiff breed and not always considered a true Mastiff.. The largest Tibetan Mastiff on record was discovered in Yushu, Tibet and weighed in at an impressive 250 pounds. The biggest Mastiff ever recorded is Zorba, an Old English Mastiff that weighed around 345 pounds. Hercules was recently awarded the honorable distinction of Worlds Biggest Dog by Guinness World Records. Due to their size, they make great guard dogs as they can be intimidating and put off any potential intruders. As for weight, Caucasian Shepards can be around 20 kg heavier than Tibetan Mastiffs. They can get almost as tall as humans. Tibetan mastiffs are powerful dogs that possess tremendous strength and physical endurance. The hair is thicker on the neck and shoulders, especially on males, giving them a majestic mane. There is an opinion that in the past century there lived a Tibetan mastiff named Lio Chang, and its dimensions were even more impressive than those of Hong Dong. But you can buy mans best friend for a cool $1.5 million. Some Tibetan Mastiffs can grow up to 29 inches. By one year of age, Milly stood only 9.65 cm tall and weighed a tiny 567 grams. On average, they are over 100 pounds heavier than their wild cousin, the wolf. How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? The coat may vary slightly depending on the climate, but a short-haired . Million dollar puppy: The Tibetan mastiff on the left was sold for more than $2 million, in what could be the most expensive dog sale ever. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. The heaviest dog ever recorded was an English Mastiff named Aicama Zorba. Medium-sized Mastiffs are popular, such as the Cane Corso or the Tosa Inu, which usually weigh in at just over 100 pounds. The man . Copyright 2023 DOGBREEDSFAQ All rights reserved. Tibetan Mastiffs are banned or restricted in Malaysia, the Maldives, the Bermuda Islands, parts of the United States, Australia, and France. A pair named Siring was presented to Queen Victoria in 1847. It was once described by Marco Polo as being as tall as. That being said, prices can vary widely depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the age of the pup, and its bloodline. 6-inch Saint Bernard, which would be the longest dog ever recorded. The Guinness World Record for the heaviest dog is held by an English Mastiff named Zorba. Due to their size, Kangals are not apartment-friendly dogs. . Newfoundlands weigh more than Tibetan Mastiffs, but they are around the same height. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Also known as Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, this massive pup has gone down in history as the heaviest dog ever recorded, regardless of species. The biggest weight for a dog ever recorded was an English mastiff named Aicama Zorba, who weighed in at 343 pounds. Your email address will not be published. The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog with an intimidating demeanor. People also compare them to other dog breeds, like Newfoundlands and Caucasian Shepards. They have a thick coat of fur that is usually black, brown, or red, and they have a lifespan of 10-12 years. While she learns about animals, she writes about how they behave, what they look like, and other facts that most people don't know about. The weight difference between the two is around 45-90 lbs. It is believed that Tibetan Mastiffs have the souls of Tibetan nuns and monks. With that being said, its important to remember that Mastiffs do best with gentle training. Record dog was sold at auction at the age of 11 months. You may have noticed limping in your puppy or noticed a lack of barking. The biggest weight for a dog ever recorded was an English mastiff named Aicama Zorba, who weighed in at 343 pounds. It is highly sought-after by Chinese buyers, who view it as a status symbol. Tibetan Mastiffs can be aggressive under certain circumstances, but this is usually only when they perceive their family or farm livestock to be threatened. Very little is known about this dog, because at that time the Guinness Book of Records has not yet received much distribution, the only thing that indicates the impressive size of this dog is the record holder's photos stored in the Main Archive of China. Living in Belgium, Keons tail measures over 30.2 inches in length so lookout when he swings it! They are also known to be very intelligent and independent-minded. Here are some other noteworthy record-breaking dogs: While Zorba long held the World Record for the Worlds heaviest dog, Zeus the Great Dane surpassed him when it came to height. When he's not writing or spending time with his family, David enjoys playing basketball and golfing. So, Tibetan Mastiff named Chif gained fame in 2012 when it was presented at an exhibition in China and sold for $ 1.2 million. With that being said, if you are to own an English Mastiff it is important that you are willing to put the time and effort into training them at an early age. Born in 2017, Euphrates is an American Molossus, which is a cross-breed between the English and Neapolitan Mastiffs. Because of its size, a Tibetan Mastiff can survive a confrontation with a wolf, but it wont win the fight. The English Mastiff is officially the largest dog in the world. While English Mastiffs are still considered one of the largest living breeds of dog in the world, there is one breed that surpasses them in size . When not playing guard dog, this breed gets along well with all other members of the family, including other pets. In 1898, a couple of Tibetans acquired the Berlin Zoo, where they gave their first offspring. However, not all Tibetan Mastiffs are so expensive. Tibetan Mastiff: breed characteristics, secrets of education and care, Tibetan Mastiff Sizes by Month: Weight and Height. Zorba will always hold the official record of largest Mastiff ever, as the Guinness Book of Records stopped accepting submissions for largest pets after the year 2000 due to cases of animal abuse. August 17, 2015, 3:46 PM, by However, you should know that these countries can impose or lift bans at any time. August 23, 2015, 3:28 AM, by At that time, the dog was 2 years old, and the height of the animal at the withers was 80 cm, and the body length was 1.5 m. On its exterior, this dog resembled a black bear with a small amount of black tan. As a Great Dane holds the record for tallest dog, an English mastiff holds the record for heaviest. Due to their rarity and high demand among wealthy owners, Tibetan mastiffs have become some of the most valuable dogs in the world with prices ranging from $4,000 up to the record-breaking $2 million sale price reported in China. At the time he only weighed 314 pounds, but he eventually grew to around 345 pounds and a total length of 8 feet 3 inches. The Bulldog features the characteristic wrinkled face and muscular body of Mastiffs, but in a much smaller form factor. Tibetan Mastiffs are well known for their large height and weight. August 25, 2015, 9:59 PM, by The Labrador Retriever holds the top spot, and this friendly favorite has been No. They can reach incredible sizes, like Yushu. February 27, 2023 alexandra bonefas scott No Comments . Tibetan Mastiffs are fully grown when they are 18 to 24 months old. There was even a report of a Tibetan mastiff being passed off as an African lion at a zoo in Chinas Henan Province, according to National Geographic. Kangals are taller than Tibetan Mastiffs, but they can reach the same weight. Every year the American Kennel Club releases our ranking of the most popular dog breeds based on AKC registration statistics for the previous year. The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful and dignified dog native to the Tibetan Plateau. The English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed with stark similarities to the much larger Mastiffs. Their size depends on gender and age. by In 2014, another Tibetan mastiff sold for $1.9 million in the same city. Because of its guarding heritage, a Tibetan Mastiff is the ultimate home security dog. Moreover, the breed has a single estrous cycle every year. The Siberian Husky is an expensive dog breed with purebred puppies costing from $1,000 to $2,500. The temperament of the Tibetan Mastiff depends on whether it has been bred as a working dog or a domestic dog. The Mastiff is generally bigger than a wolf, but not always by much. The Tibetan Mastiff was first imported to England in the mid-eighteenth century. The soft, heavy undercoat is thicker in cold weather and thins out in warmer seasons. How Friendly Are Tibetan Mastiffs? Turkish Mastiff (Aksaray Malaklisi) The Turkish Mastiff is a Molosser-type guard dog and originally came from the Anatolian city of Aksaray in Turkey. Even when these dogs become big, they still would not mind fooling around with the guys, allowing the master children to do whatever they want with them. On average, an English Mastiff will eat between 10-11 cups of food twice per day. Use of the . Remember that every dog is unique and it grows at its own pace. Originally bred as a guardian dog, this breed is considered the largest of all dogs as of 2020. Also known as Aicama Zorba of La-Susa, Zorba may still hold the record for heaviest dog in the world, regardless of species. Their ancestors roamed the highlands of Central Asia and are native to the mountain of Gonggar. Tibetan Mastiff As a Great Dane holds the record for tallest dog, an English mastiff once held the record for largest. Overweight dogs are less able to perform their basic tasks. In contrast, a wolf typically weighs between 40-175 pounds. Although connoisseurs of the Chinese breed need to be careful - Recently, experts began to notice a large number of "fakes" offered on the market. They do, however, cost a lot of money to own and require a lot of space for roaming. Despite their intimidating size, they are intelligent and loyal animals that can make excellent protectors with proper training and socialization. Height. At full maturity, Zorba weighed a total of 343 pounds. If this isn't shocking enough, rich individuals in China will sometimes pay up to $3 million for a Tibetan Mastiff as they are a highly-prized dog breed in the country. The Tibetan Mastiff was not . For the adult dog that typically feeds about 430 pounds a year, the average cost is estimated at $400, depending on the brand of dog food. Contrary to expectation, short-haired Mastiffs actually require more grooming that long-haired St. Bernards. Some previous experience with dogs is needed for both Newfoundlands and Tibetan Mastiffs. by All Big Dog Breeds Yes, Tibetan Mastiffs are considered the biggest dog in the world. Join today by entering your email below. A Tibetan Mastiff is prized for its hardiness and exotic beauty. It can refer to height, weight, or overall size. largest doberman on record. It is forbidden to use any materials without our prior written consent. According to one of the most famous mastiff trainers, Liu Jun Peng, the temper of these dogs is similar to that of a wolf; In the wild, such mastiff fights can sometimes end in a serious injury - in this case, the dog simply goes to the mountains to die alone. The English Mastiff is officially the worlds biggest dog breed, weighing as much as 200 pounds. They are also prone to hip dysplasia. The coat is long and thick and can be either black, gold, or any other color you'd like. . If you are concerned that your dog could have this condition, you can find out if it's inherited or not. Tesla built a gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada in 2015. Pablo Pascua created dogbreedsfaq.com because of his interest in all the different breeds, and his desire to learn more. The Tiger Mastiffs usually have no mane or very short hair. They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, so they typically do best when they have plenty of room to roam or access to a large yard. Pit Bull vs Bobcat: Which Animal Would Win a Fight. 'Nomad-dog; chaining dog; lion-dog', THL: Do khyi, Wylie: 'brog khyi; 'dogs khyi; seng khyi) is a large size Tibetan dog breed.Its double coat is medium to long, subject to climate, and found in a wide variety of colors . Sweenyjane.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The Tibetan Mastiff is the guardian of flocks in the regions of China and Tibet and grows to an average of 80 centimeters in height and between 45 and 70 kilogams in weight. Dog owners in Beijing are required to show a photo ID and have their dogs registered. The highest price ever paid for a Tibetan Mastiff puppy was an astonishing $1.5 million for Big Splash, which is the highest price ever paid for a purebred dog in the U.S. Mastiffs need to be brushed every day during shedding season, while St. Bernards only need grooming once each week. They are large dogs, with males weighing up to 160 pounds and females weighing up to 120 pounds. The Molossus was an ancient breed of guard dog that may even be the ancestor of modern-day Mastiffs. One is the Lion Head Mastiff, also called the Tsang-khyi. 2.2k Views. The largest Newfoundland dog to have ever been recorded, weighed 260 pounds and was 6 feet long when measured from its nose to tail. All records listed on our website are . When born, Milly could fit into a teaspoon and weighed less than one ounce. With proper socialization and training, Tibetan Mastiffs can make excellent guardians without being overly aggressive. The Tibetan Mastiff is an impressive and intimidating breed of dog, known for its large size and beautiful mane. Cynologists have devoted considerable time to studying the history of the origin of the breed and the place that these dogs occupied in the culture of Tibet, but their origin has remained a mystery. Although these studies are limited to a few dog breeds, it is important to know that the Tibetan Mastiff is a relatively ancient breed. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Check Out The Smartest Dog Collar Ever Built! They have a small heads. Related: Wolf vs. Mastiff Comparison: Size, Strength & Other Differences. This makes them one of the largest breeds of dogs, and certanly gives them an impressive presence. They can get almost as tall as humans when standing on their hind legs. Tibetan Mastiffs are also taller than Siberian Husky by up to 6 inches. Female: Height: 70-90cm. In Tibet, to this day, the Tibetan Mastiff is used as a guard dog, tied to the gates of a monastery or home, or tied to a stake in the center of a nomad encampment. Check out more of the Mastiff vs the St Bernard here. The Tibetan Mastiff only sheds once a year. . Furthermore, English Mastiffs require a great deal of space. But why did he pay that much? The Tibetan mastiff is famous for its round mane, large size, and fierce loyalty. On Tuesday, a Tibetan mastiff, the breed of dog known for its mane-like fur, sold for $1.95 million in China, AFP Bejing reports. This breed of dog is very intelligent and can differentiate between good and bad people. It's FREE. The English Mastiff is bigger than the Tibetan Mastiff. English mastiff. Manage Settings His inspiration comes from the many dogs he has owned throughout his life. In the 1960s, due to a change in the farming system in Italy, the Cane Corso nearly went extinct. As Zorba the English Mastiff shows us, this breed can grow to weigh well over 300 pounds, so its important that you have the proper resources and space to treat one fairly before purchasing a puppy. People who arent familiar with the breed often expect their puppy to significantly increase in size in a short amount of time. Tibetan Mastiff Both one of the world's most ancient breeds and one of the . This breed is one of the biggest in the world. So while there may be individual cases were a wolf is larger than a Tibetan Mastiff, it is generally true that the Tibetans are bigger than wolves in size. The Mastiff does have a bite force of 552 PSI, so its important not to anger the dog or have it around strangers until it is fully trained. Zorba broke two Guinness World Records in 1987: both the longest and heaviest dog in the world. It should be noted that the owner Hong Dong made a good investment - The desire of dog breeders to tie their pets to the eminent giant is so great that they are willing to pay 15-20 thousand dollars for this. The Tibetan Mastiff (Tibetan: , romanized: Drok chi/kyi; 'Dok kyi; Seng kyi, lit. At home in China, mastiffs won the fame of sacred dogs, which are highly valued for their beauty, strength and fidelity. In conclusion, it is clear that the Tibetan Mastiff is a large breed of dog. This Mastiff is quite old and weighs up to 345 pounds (156 kilograms). Meet Big Splash, the worlds most expensive dog. Tibetan Mastiffs are some of the largest dogs on Earth. Even though they reach up to 160 pounds, English Mastiffs are larger. Dog Quiz - 28,362 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz. We believe that family edutainment should be engaging, inspiring and always on trend so that every member of the family can benefit from it! These lawsuits resulted from problems during the plastic surgery process. At the top of our list of big dogs is the English Mastiff. This impressive breed is often compared to lions due to their size and thick coats, which makes them perfect for colder climates such as Tibet. Information provided for reference purposes. With a massive trunk and limbs, this dog can weigh between 55 and 50 . They are highly sought-after, with several Tibetan mastiff pet fairs held several times a week during show season. Yes, a Tibetan Mastiff is a great family dog. They will do anything to protect their . Smaller Mastiff-type dogs also exist, such as the Bulldog (averaging around 50 pounds) and even the Pug (less than 20 pounds). When a puppy is still growing, its paws look bigger compared to the rest of its body. Biggest Tibetan Mastiff in the World YUSHU, Tibet: It weighs up to 250 pounds. They rarely get above 180 lb and are not usually larger than 33 inches at the withers. He was a rare red Tibetan, and the breeder described him as having lions blood. The height difference between male and female Tibetan Mastiffs[1] isnt significant. How to Predict My Tibetan Mastiff Puppys Size at Maturity? Those who are looking for an answer to the question How big is the largest tibetan mastiff? often ask the following . Most of these dogs average 120-160 lb and stand about 27-30 inches tall at the shoulders. However, in Russia there are other nurseries offering mastiffs at lower prices than Moscow. There are three ways to predict the fully grown size of a Tibetan Mastiff at maturity: You cannot predict exactly how much your dogs size will increase in time. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it. A Tibetan Mastiffs average height is 24-26 inches and it can weigh from 70 to 160 pounds. The typical Tibetan Mastiff will not allow strangers into the home. L?wchen. A lion will win in a fight against a Tibetan Mastiff. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the biggest dog ever recorded in March 1989 was a 7-year-old English Mastiff from England by the name of Aicama Zorba that weighed a whopping 343 pounds (155.6kg), 94 cm tall, and 251 cm in length - about the size of a small donkey. At that time, his height at the withers was 80 cm, and his body weight reached 90 kg, and the animal was still in the stage of active growth. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. They are also very loud snorers, so if you are a light sleeper or require a lot of sleep, the Mastiff might not be the best choice for you. No, Tibetan mastiffs are not illegal in most countries. Meet Zorba- the legendary, record-breaking Mastiff! The two-year-old pup . In any case, the Tibetan Mastiff still grows to massive proportions. i hope you enjoy our tips. The owner of the Tibetan mastiff, who chose to keep him as a pet, is not the first to shell out such a high price for a dog. At the same time, they are cat-like clever and very cautious, in Tibet they even say that the dogs of this breed take two steps back in order to then make one forward - and then to conquer or die. Full-grown females can be 24 inches or more at the shoulder, and male Tibetan mastiffs can be 26 inches at the shoulder. In the past, Chinese people were content with small animals, such as birds, as pets, but today, they can afford a Tibetan mastiff. Tibetan mastiffs are considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, which was bred to protect Buddhist monasteries. But how big is the Tibetan Mastiff really?