The Tibetan Mastiff is slowly disappearing from Ladakh

Ladakh, known as the “Land of High Passes,” is a unique region in northern India, known for its stunning landscapes, high-altitude deserts, and deep cultural heritage. The people of Ladakh, especially the nomadic Changpa herders, have lived in harmony with the land, relying on livestock like yak, goat and sheep for survival.

Among Ladakh’s many remarkable traditions is the Tibetan Mastiff — a strong, fearless and loyal guardian that has been an essential part of life in the region. These majestic dogs have protected livestock from predators like wolves, lynx and snow leopards for generations, while also protecting homes and monasteries from strangers and intruders. However, as Ladakh undergoes a significant transformation, the Tibetan Mastiff is slowly disappearing. This article explores the history of Ladakh, the deep bond between its people and these legendary dogs, and the challenges that threaten the future of this incredible breed.

It was given its name by the first Europeans visiting the mountainous Himalayan region, and the Prince of Wales (later King George V) took a pair of Tibetan Mastiffs to the United Kingdom, where they were greatly admired. It was soon recognised by kennel clubs in Europe and the USA by the early 1900s and is now very widespread around the world. They are one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with some unique adaptation to the harsh climates, particularly their thick coat. They have higher levels of haemoglobin, and can stay active and working in low oxygen conditions. They go through only one oestrus cycle and litter of pups a year, unlike most dogs with two litters/year. 

The Changpa families rely on the strength and bravery of the Tibetan Mastiff for their livelihood and even survival. Since ancient times, they have been trained to work closely with the herders to protect their livestock. The training starts young, forming a deep bond with the herder family, being not only workers but also loyal friends and family members. Each family usually keeps one to three of these dogs, depending on the size of their livestock herd. They are known to be independent, yet very protective of their family and livestock, but aggressive toward strangers and predators. The mountains are home to many carnivores like Tibetan wolves, snow leopards and Eurasian lynx that often attack livestock. The unique Tibetan Mastiff is possibly one of the few breeds that can ward off these carnivores, generally being much more vigilant at night when the herders are resting.

The Changpa herders live in a cold and challenging environment, depending entirely on their livestock for survival, especially Pashmina goats, sheep and yak. The soft wool from these animals is very valuable, and a vital source of income from the outside world, that helps support their way of life. The livestock are vital to the herders, and their dogs in turn are vital in keeping the livestock safe. 

In addition to the guarding duties, the Tibetan Mastiff played another vital role with farming communities in eastern Ladakh. Their manure was collected and used as fertiliser for fields. While dog manure is not common in most parts of the world, in the harsh cold climates it’s a different story. The extreme cold does not allow for much vegetation, leaf litter or humus, leaving soils impoverished. The cold also kills most of the pathogen load that is generally higher in carnivore faeces compared to herbivores. The higher levels of protein and nitrogen, when mixed with manure from other domestic herbivores, such as goats, sheep, cows and yak, work very well in fertilising their fields, with the larger dogs producing significant volumes of manure.

The dogs also protect farmers’ crops from getting damaged by animals like marmots, pika and other wild ungulates. Most homesteads in Ladakh were located close to the mountains, and spread out from each other, vulnerable to crop loss because wild ungulates can come easily from the mountain to crop fields. Farming was more prevalent in eastern Ladakh; these systems were practiced until the 2000s, where the dogs were a vital part of famer cultures as well.

Dying tradition?

Over time, as lifestyles changed, people in Ladakh have started keeping fewer dogs. Farming became less viable and remunerative, and many families began moving from villages to Leh city to give their children better education and find other jobs. Most development infrastructure is better in the cities, with almost no other employment in the rural areas. Dogs were no longer needed for guarding their homes and fields when in a city, and they began to lose their significance. Many of these dogs were sadly left to roam freely, and they adapted to life in the wild. They form packs, leading to the rise of a large mixed breed population of feral dogs, which presents a significant challenge for both residents and wildlife. There are many cases of attacks on people, and hunting of wildlife and livestock by feral dogs. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach, including understanding the underlying drivers of the problem in terms of lack of opportunities in rural areas and changing livelihoods. Authorities and conservation organisations are working on strategies like sterilisation and education programs to prevent future abandonment. But perhaps a lot more needs to be done.

There are also deeper changes at play that further threaten the Tibetan Mastiff. Traditionally, Ladakhi society included large extended families, who managed extensive areas of land and livestock. Fraternal polyandry, where brothers shared one wife, was also practiced, which provided practical benefits. One husband would stay back to handle livestock, farming and household duties, while another would travel to trade or gather supplies from far off regions, undertaking arduous multi-month trips on foot. These large families could keep a few of these large dogs, without overburdening the family to feed and care for the dog.

With fewer joint families, modern job opportunities, and reduced dependence on livestock or agriculture, the tradition of keeping Tibetan Mastiffs is gradually diminishing across Ladakh.

While the Tibetan mastiff is very popular across the world, its future in its native range is uncertain. The people most affected by this are the vulnerable Changpa herders, who still heavily rely on dogs for protection. It is very important to protect the Tibetan Mastiff to ensure that this special breed may not disappear completely. Keeping the Tibetan Mastiff alive is essential for preserving the herding culture in Ladakh and maintaining an important part of the region’s history.

Sherab Lobzang and Rigzen Dorje are alumni of the Coexistence Fellowship at the University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), and the Coexistence Consortium

Views expressed are authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect that of Down To Earth