The dog that ate Cujo . . .

[gm_wil]

Tibetan Mastiff

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[damnedeyez]

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/1932...-in-the-world/

"1. they have nice teeth..
...
9. They're the closest thing to Chewbacca that exists in reality"

...interesting list, then again, interesting dog (and I don't like dogs).

[trunolimit]

Are they really that big?

[damnedeyez]

a lot of it seems to be hair and skin...would have to see one either wet or shaved to know.

[gglynn00]

I read an article a few months ago about how the nouveau riche in China are buying these dogs as status symbols...and are giving a large sum for them. I think the belief is that the Tibetan Mastiff is the only domesticated dog to come out of the Asian continent.

They were bred to act as guard dogs for temples and are supposedly very gentle with children.

On a side note, if you are a reader of The Dresden Files, Harry's dog is said to be a derivative of the Tibetan Mastiff.

I would love to have one some day when I finally build my house on my land, but right now its not feasible out here in the burbs.

I don't think the neighbors would take kindly to seeing a dog the size of a small elephant with equal size poop!!!!

[gm_wil]

Originally Posted by gglynn00

I don't think the neighbors would take kindly to seeing a dog the size of a small elephant with equal size poop!!!!

One good thing about that is it would make it awfully hard to mistakenly step in it when its a tripping hazard

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[darth-ed]

Originally Posted by gglynn00

I think the belief is that the Tibetan Mastiff is the only domesticated dog to come out of the Asian continent.

Does Japan not count as part of Asia or is the Akita not Asian enough to qualify? Just wondering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_(dog)

My family had an Akita. Great dog. Very muscular, friendly, and loyal.

[gglynn00]

Originally Posted by darth-ed

Does Japan not count as part of Asia or is the Akita not Asian enough to qualify? Just wondering.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akita_(dog)

My family had an Akita. Great dog. Very muscular, friendly, and loyal.

I'm sure you are correct, but I think it is more of an elitist statement from the young and upcoming Chinese upper-middle class. A point of pride in that growing segment in their society.