Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

41-68 kg

Height

66-74 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

Jump To

About the Tibetan Mastiff

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Tibetan Mastiffs are big guardian dogs from the Himalayan Mountains. In addition to being trustworthy guardians, they are also excellent friends and competent service dogs.

They are intelligent, strong-willed, and independent canines who, depending on their mood, alternate between obedience and independence. Learn more about adopting the Tibetan mastiff into your lifestyle.

What is the history & origin of the Tibetan Mastiff?

The Tibetan Mastiff is an old breed that emerged in Tibet’s Himalayan Mountains about 1100 BC. They were exclusively popular in their native country until the mid-1800s when they were transported for the first time to England.

For ages, Tibetan Mastiffs have served as guard dogs. To protect the whole community, the nomads of Tibet would let the Tibetan Mastiff wander freely at night. Therefore it is usual for a Tibetan Mastiff to sleep during the day and be very active and noisy at night.

Tibetan Mastiffs are very fiercely protective of their family and home. They need an owner with skills and patience who can give early and continuing socialisation and training to minimise aggression.

What is a Tibetan Mastiff breed?

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the larger dog breeds. They have a thick double coat with a strong mane, coarse guard hair, a big fluffy undercoat, and rich density. The lion-like furry mane and huge size are the most distinguishing features of this dog breed.

They may have silver to mahogany patterns around their eyes, nose, neck, legs, and tail. The coat’s top texture is thick and coarse, but the inside is soft and wool-like. The tail is feathery and curls over the dog’s back, relatively similar to the mane. The American Kennel Club officially recognised the breed in 2007.

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Colours

Who is a Tibetan Mastiff best for?

While their protective personality is appealing, the Tibetan Mastiff is not the greatest breed for a person new to dog ownership. This dog needs someone who can instruct them with kindness, firmness, and consistency, but never with force or brutality. Although they are independent thinkers, they still enjoy a routine.

It is not advisable to dispute in front of Tibetan Mastiffs or reprimand youngsters in their company since they dislike disharmony. They are prone to intervene to prevent disagreements or reprimands.

Also, it is not a good idea for the dog to supervise children’s play. It is much too simple for these dogs to misinterpret roughhousing as an assault and intervene to defend children of the family.

Tibetan Mastiff Grooming & Shedding

Grooming Tibetan Mastiffs is essential. Washing and regular brushing are necessary for purebred Tibetan Mastiffs, and you should bathe the dog regularly. This gigantic double coat needs adequate washing and drying to have a stunning coat and skin health.

When a dog’s coat gets dirty, the dog hair becomes coarse and finally splits, leading to severely damaged fur. Once every week, comb the dog’s coat to prevent it from getting matting and entangled. Inadequate care may lead to the growth of spider web mats close to the skin, and this kind of matting may cause a range of skin conditions if left untreated.

Tibetan Mastiffs shed a lot. Their primary shedding cycle happens once or twice a year, and they are minor shedders the rest of the year. There will be hair on your clothes, belongings, and flooring. Be prepared to vacuum after your dog all day.

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Tibetan Mastiffs bark a lot?

Tibetan Mastiffs have a powerful, thunderous bark and are mostly nighttime barkers. These large breed dogs are some of the worst barkers and howlers. The breed is well-known for its loud and booming bark, which will undoubtedly startle you the first time you hear it.

Generally speaking, your Tibetan Mastiff will only bark when he detects danger and wants to warn you. However, they are also known to bark out of pure boredom and when they are lonely or when they want to draw your and your family’s attention.

Therefore, train your Tibetan Mastiff puppy not to bark and hope that this habit continues until maturity. Eliminating this habit will be most successful with positive reinforcement.

What is the average weight & height of a Tibetan Mastiff dog?

Tibetan mastiffs are easily recognised by their physical characteristics. They have a lion’s mane and are pretty big, and male Tibetan mastiffs are larger than their female counterparts.

The maximum height of a female Tibetan mastiff is 27 inches (69 cm); females weigh around 70-120 lb (31.8-54.4 kg).
The maximum height of a male Tibetan mastiff is 29 inches (74 cm); males weigh approximately 90-150 lb (41-68 kg).

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Size & Weight Chart

Are Tibetan Mastiffs easy to train?

Begin training your dog immediately after bringing them home. Even at eight weeks of age, most Tibetan Mastiff puppies can absorb all of the information you give them. Never wait until he is six months old to begin training; otherwise, you will be dealing with a bigger, more obstinate adult dog.

If feasible, enrol them in puppy obedience training between 10 and 12 weeks of age, and socialise them as soon as possible. Be aware, however, that many puppy training sessions demand current vaccinations (such as kennel cough).

Many vets advise limiting a puppy’s exposure to other canines and public areas until vaccinations are complete. In place of professional training, you can teach your puppy at home and socialise them with family and friends until they have received all of his vaccinations.

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Tibetan Mastiffs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Tibetan mastiffs are best suited to people with patience and expertise with dogs. The Tibetan mastiff has an independent, stubborn, headstrong, and intellectual nature. They do not seek guidance from their peers, a common problem among many individuals. They take their role as protectors of people and property extremely seriously.

Even with good obedience training, which is essential for all breeds, Tibetan mastiffs will continue to behave as they want. Their intelligence may allow them to perform flawlessly in the classroom, but their independence may cause them to disregard the exact instructions at home.

Tibetan mastiffs aren’t known for being extremely cuddly, and they don’t like excessive attention. They are very protective of their families, though.

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Tibetan Mastiff have any common health issues?

Tibetan Mastiffs are generally a healthy breed; however, they might be susceptible to some typical health conditions in big dogs. The Tibetan Mastiff is susceptible to several health problems. They need moderate exercise in daily walks for their physical and mental well-being since they are prone to obesity.

Tibetan Mastiffs are sensitive to the following health conditions:

Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Persistent pupillary membranes
Canine inherited demyelinative neuropathy

Other common conditions of this breed range from heart complications, ear infections, and cataracts, to dental disease, seizures, and epilepsy. They are also prone to obesity if their owners do not practice portion control.

The American Tibetan Mastiff Association participates in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) Program as the American Kennel Club parent organisation for the breed in the United States.

For a Tibetan Mastiff to acquire CHIC certification, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) must evaluate his hips and thyroid. The Canine Eye Registration Foundation must clear his eyes (CERF). An OFA assessment of the elbow is advised but not essential.

Learn more about: Common Tibetan Mastiff Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff?

The lifetime of a Tibetan mastiff is 10 to 12 years.

How much does a Tibetan Mastiff need to be fed?

These large dog breeds require four to six cups of food each day. As a pet, they are not especially active, so they will not need much more. Be careful to adhere to the recommendations on the packaging and feed them following his age and weight since they may become obese pretty quickly.

Be sure to offer your dog kibble that is high-quality dog food and provide them with a balanced diet. The list of ingredients should include protein from meat, fat, fibre, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Because this is a giant breed, you must give it kibble specially formulated for such animals.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Tibetan Mastiff? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Tibetan Mastiff in Australia?

In Australia, the price tag for a one-year-old Tibetan Mastiff typically ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, but elsewhere, these breeds may reach exorbitant sums.

Before you bring your Tibetan Mastiff puppy home, ask your breeder for a certificate according to which the puppy’s parents were not suffering from any genetic health problems at the time they were used for reproduction.

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Prices In Australia

Tibetan Mastiff FAQs

Are Tibetan Mastiffs rare?

Tibetan Mastiffs are expensive dogs and are a rare breed. One breed variant that is exceedingly rare and quite expensive is the Red Tibetan Mastiff.

Do Tibetan Mastiffs suffer from separation anxiety?

The Tibetan Mastiff can suffer from separation anxiety, and although they are independent enough to be alone, they fare best with a companion dog.

Can Tibetan Mastiffs be left alone?

Like other dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs dislike being alone for extended periods. If they are left alone for a long time that exceeds their comfort level, they may wreak havoc on your furnishings or tell your neighbours by barking up a storm.