44 weeks!

An unknown breed
When owning a Tibetan Mastiff (or being owned by one, whatever fits) it's inevitable to NOT get attention when out taking a walk. This is especially true when visiting a big town or a place with lots of people.
It's always fun to listen to peoples theories on what kind of dog Zodd could possibly be. From day one he's managed to be the following breeds (some may have been overlooked):
*Saint Bernhard (this one is especially common due to all those velvet-soft lips, but really - who ever saw a black and tan Saint Bernhard??)
*Bernese Mountaindog (not as common as you would think, these two breeds have some points in common after all)
*Labrador (don't even ask about that one... The person must've been blind ;)
*Leonberger (this was more common while he was still a pup, now people are more eager to ask instead of making their own assumptions)
*Newfoundland (this one actually makes some sense, but only a little - a TM looks like a TM, right?)
*Chihuahua (yes, it was said as a jest, but still worth mentioning "Oh look, isn't that one of those Chihuahua-dogs??" It was quite funny =)

This week he was called a Hovawart. This was the first time hearing that and it surpriced me a bit since they are some sizes smaller and really only have the color in common with TM. But when people get something into their heads it's hard to change their minds. I have to accept that I own a multibreed dog ;)
But Zodd has been a TM on several occasions too and those stay in my mind since the people knowing that often are filled with awe when looking at him. They have read about the breed, seen it online, heard the stories and most of them never ever saw one in real life.
When meeting Zodd they get a shine in their eyes that stays in my mind for days, weeks, months. It's probably the same shine I got the very first time I laid my eyes on him.
Something of the ageless spirit of the Tibetan Mastiff is seen there in those deep brown eyes and he makes people remember the mystery and magic hidden beneath the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
And that one glance from him is enough proof for anyone that he is truly a true Tibetan Mastiff...