What other names does the Tibetan mastiff have?
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed native to Tibet. They were bred with the primal instinct to survive the freezing cold in the mountains. Being humungous in size, it would take a whole lot of food to sustain their nutritional needs. The Tibetan Mastiff goes by several names. One name is the “Do-khyi” which translates to “tied dog”. This refers to the breed that is placed on guard duty to protect the home from intruders.
They are not necessarily “tied” or leashed but are let loose to roam the grounds in the evenings. In Nepali they are called “Bhote Kukur” and in Madarin, “Zang ‘Ao”. Both are direct translations of Tibetan Mastiff. Known as the “Bankhar” in Mongolia, they are prized for their ferocious guard dog abilities. There is also the name “Tsang-khyi” meaning that the particular breed is from Tsang. This breed is considered to be the true Tibetan Mastiff.
