I found this on the web and I feel it is a very good description of the breed. quote: "But it is the dog's character that owner's talk about when they discuss their dogs. In this context, it has to be said that no breed is gentler or more kind with children and other baby animals. The breed is also known is "Heart Dog," and no breed is either greater of heart, or better at "reading" the hearts of others." unquote. With that being said; it is important to research breeders. Issues can surface with any line that is highly inbred for one purpose or another.
FINALLY, I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE PUPPY SALES WITH THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE. I AM NOT A BIG TIME BREEDER; NOR A THREAT TO ANY OTHER BREEDER. I AM NOT BREEDING FOR MONEY, OR THE SHOW RING. I AM NOT ABOUT "CONVINCING" YOU TO BUY A PUPPY FROM ME. PEOPLE WANTED ME TO BREED AND I DIDN'T. I JUST HOPE TO SAVE SOMEBODY ALL THE GRIEF AND HEARTACHE I EXPERIENCED WITH AKC SHOW BREEDERS AND TO BE CAREFUL OF THOSE NOW MIGRATING TO UKC TO BOOST THEIR PUPPY SALES. BUY WHAT YOU LIKE BUT BE CAREFUL. EVERYBODY WILL BE VERY NICE TO YOU. DO YOUR RESEARCH.
IT HAS BEEN WRITTEN THAT SOME OF THE MOST UNPLEASANT HUMANS ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO THE BREED TO PROTECT THEIR OWN AGGRESSIVE AND HOSTILE REPUTATIONS AND PROJECT THEM ONTO THEIR EXOTIC CHANGES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY TRUE AND SAD ASSESSMENT WITH THE TIBETAN MASTIFF. THESE ARE GOOD WORDS TO HEED; ESPECIALLY WITH LARGE AKC "corporate puppy mills". This brings to mind my former co-owner and his partner breeder; someone I have come to describe as an egotistical AKC judge/breeder. I did not realize I was being used because I made the mistake of thinking that AKC meant you were getting a good dog. Are you getting a good dog with the AKC breeder of merit? Based on my personal experiences; I truly believe AKC is nothing more than a big scam, a waste of time and money. I believe it is no different than Washington because I have seen how AKC backs it's large corporate breeders who use AKC promoted handlers, provide numerous registrations, and always seem to win; no matter what the health or structure of the dog is. I have also seen them go after breeders who "buck" the system. I think it is best to stay clear of AKC unless you have time and money to burn.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A GOOD TIBETAN MASTIFF BREEDER?
Avoid breeders who breed multiple breeds.
Avoid contracts where you owe puppies back in the future or require showing.
Person in possession of the dog should be listed as the owner.
Avoid highly inbred lines. This is called C.O.I. (co-incidence of inbreeding) Just search the subject and you can find many articles of explanation.
Avoid certain dogs in pedigrees. Certain dogs in some lines can be a problem.
Ask to see the results of hip, elbow and thyroid testing on the parents of the litter.
Do they keep their dogs or re-home them after they are done breeding them?