This strong well-built dog is found in the foothills of the Himalayas and the borders of Tibet. He is primarily a guard dog, used to protect the flocks from preying wildlife and the home from intruders.

Though the actual origins of the breed are lost in time, it is known that Tibetan villagers originally had two types of mastiff: a guard-dog for livestock and another to protect their territory. The modern Tibetan Mastiff has been known outside its native country for well over 100 years and there has been a British standard for the breed since the 1930s.

A powerful dog, without the massive frame of the Mastiff, he is well coated, with a bushy tail. Usually black, or black and tan, he can also be found in gold and shades of grey. In his native environment, he is very distrustful of strangers, and can be quite ferocious. However, dogs bred in Europe and America are generally amenable.