A number of wealthy Vietnamese have began to imitate the Chinese billionaire who bought a Tibetan mastiff for USD1.5 million. 

Ky and Dong Dong, the Tibetan mastiff

Nghiem Xuan Ky, one of the first people who bought Tibetan mastiff in Vietnam, said that a 2-month Tibetan mastiff will cost a minimum of VND15 million (USD714.3), but could reach as high as VND35-40 million (USD1,666-1,900). The price for a mature dog can reach into the hundreds of millions.

“The money value placed on a Tibetan mastiff is not fixed. One with good breeding can be sold for prices that can reach up to the hundreds of millions. It all depends on the buyer's willingness,” Ky said.

According to his experience, Ky said, that Tibetan mastiffs are valued for their lion-like manes.

Kieu Van Hoang, who is an owner of a Tibetan mastiff farm in Dong Trieu District, Quang Ninh Province, said the value of a Tibetan dog depends on its breeding.

Hoang added that each Tibetan mastiff that comes from a kennel should come with a certificate, provided by China’s famous player associations. If the dog a thoroughbred that comes from award winners, he said, of course it will cost a lot more, with prices commonly reaching as much as VND150 million (USD7,100).

According to Ky and Hoang, passion, financial capacity and time are the most important factors in raising this breed.

Tibetan mastiffs must be fed only raw meat, such as chicken neck pork bone. The cost for the owner is about VND2 million (USD95.23) each month. Some owners even build separate rooms for their dogs, which require air conditioning in the summer. 

Hoang's pet is named Phuong Hoang