Apollo (and Arty) enjoying the weather

[ruthcatrin]

Apollo has finally shed enough of his undercoat he can be comfortable outside as long as he stays in the shade (fricking weird weather, its MAY, not August!!)

Most of these were taken today, but a few were taken over the last couple weeks.

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[ruthcatrin]

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[ruthcatrin]

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[Duetsche_Doggen]

Ruth your dogs are beautiful! Apollo has a noble appearance to him. Arty is just pure awesome!

 

[Oak Hill Farm]

Love Apollo ! We are still working on Roccos coat, I wish it would fall out already!


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[ruthcatrin]

Theres still a bunch in his ruff that needs to come out, but his sides and belly are basiclly done and he's SO much more comfortable.

 

[LifeofDogs]

Hey ruthcatrin - you've got great looking dogs! Apollo's color is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

I've been quite fascinated with tibetan mastiffs; and I've got a random question..I noticed there are 2 different types of look when it comes to these dogs. Though I can't seem to find any information on an official distinction between the two, wonder if you guys know anything about this.
it seems to me there are these more "mane"ish looking ones

then there are these more athletic looking ones as well.

or maybe it's just the way they were groomed perhaps?

 

[angelbears]

Good looking boys.

 

[Bentley]

Impressive looking dogs!

 

[ruthcatrin]

Thank you guys!

LifeofDogs: what you're seeing is a combination of things. I'm at work so its harder to look at the pictures and respond, BUT, the first two pics are Chinese/Asian bred dogs, the 2nd isn't. I also suspect that the 2nd pic shows a dog in summer coat. Also there maybe some specific genetic differences. When I get home and I'm not trying to type on my ipad I'll try to explain better.....

 

[ruthcatrin]

Ok, some of the differences you're seeing is what happens when the dog lives in a colder climate at high altitudes for generations. Some of its genetics. Its generally understood that the first TMs that were brought out of Tibet/China for Europe and the USA weren't probly the cream of the litter. Plus I suspect with our less high altitude a less heavy coat has been inadvertantly bred for. I also suspect that in "recent" years the Chinese have been breeding FOR that heavier coated look. I do know that there are USA TM breeders who'd love to get some of the Chinese blood into their lines, but with the current studbook rules thats virtually impossible. Having said all of that I'm neither a genetics expert or a TM expert so its possible there are factors I'm not aware of, but thats the simplest breakdown I've got.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Those dogs from Tibet/China look like lions! Couldn't imagine brushing that much coat.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Me either, to be fair most of the year Apollo's coat requires very little work, but right now.....I'm happier with the lesser coat even if it is less dramatic looking.

For additional reference Apollo is olny 17months old and he WILL gain a heavier ruff as he matures, but I don't expect him to match the Chnese dogs.

 

[LifeofDogs]

hey thanks for taking your time with my question ruthcatrin, appreciate it! Yeah I did suspect it was a chinese/north american bred difference, as most breeders I've looked up had the shorter coated type.

Nonetheless, they all look amazing; for sure one of my favourite breeds.

 

[ruthcatrin]

For additional reference: http://www.tibetanmastiffinfo.com/pedigree/details.php?id=10870 this is one of Apollo's great grandfathers. The picture was taken when he was mature and in full winter coat, and you'll notice a much heavier, coated, look, though still not a match for the insane coats of the Chinese dogs.

To be completely fair to the 2nd, lesser coated dog you posted, I suspect thats a younger dog, in summer coat, in a warmer climate than even I've got (Cali maybe?), all of which does make a difference.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Those are some gorgeous dogs!

 

[ruthcatrin]

Barnes and his relatives? yes they are!

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Really interested to see how Apollo matures!

 

[ruthcatrin]

You and me both lol

 

[AKBull]

That mud has to be a treat to clean off! Haha
Great looking pack!