Originally bred in Tibet as guard dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs are gentle giants known for their size, lion-like mane, and tenacity. Once protectors of livestock, palaces, and monasteries in the Himalayan mountains, today, this sizeable dog enjoys life as a great family pet. If you’re looking into getting a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, you might be wondering how big they get and how much space will they need.
Tibetan Mastiffs are large breed dogs, ranging in size and weight depending on their gender, and possess a thick long double coat that contributes to their mammoth size.
On average, they’ll stand at around 60-70 centimetres and weigh between 54-68 kilograms. Like many other dogs breed, males will be larger than females.
With female Tibetan Mastiffs standing at 61-71 centimetres and weighing in at 34-54 kilograms, male Tibetan Mastiffs will stand between 66-76 centimetres and weigh a whopping 41-68 kilograms.
As a giant dog breed, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy needs more time than other large dog breeds to grow and will only reach physical maturity at around 12 months old.
You’d think this is where it ends, but most Tibetan Mastiff puppies will continue growing in size and weight till they’re around 18 months old. Some will reach their full size here, while others may continue growing slowly until they’re five years old.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the breed standard for a fully mature male Tibetan Mastiff should be between 40-68 kilograms, and for a female, it’s 31-54 kilograms.
Excessive weight gain can be a significant health problem with this breed. They require a good deal of exercise and high-quality dog food to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy weight.
You should be weighing your Tibetan regularly to ensure they’re within the optimal range for their weight. If you’re above the standard range, always consult your vet for advice on how to manage your dog’s weight better.
Like all dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs thrive best with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a good routine.
As puppies, Tibetan Mastiffs have a faster growth rate in terms of length and height in the early months; weight only follows when they’ve reached an adolescent age.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs will reach their full size before males – some females can take up to 3-4 years to be fully grown, while some males can take 4-6 years. It is all a matter of genetics, nutrition, health, and physical activity.
Male Tibetans’ growth spurts are as follows:
For females, their growth spurts are approximately:
The best way to ensure your Tibetan reaches their full potential is to understand their diet and exercise requirements for their age.
Tibetans have a life span of 12-15 years.
Tibetan Mastiffs are a relatively healthy breed, but they can suffer from minor ailments like hip dysplasia, thyroid deficiencies, and canine inherited demyelinating neuropathy. Due to their fast growth rate, they can also suffer from panosteitis (growing pains).
These are large dogs, so it’s important to note that your puppy will grow to take over much of your home. This breed is not recommended for those with minimal space inside and outside their home.
The ancient Tibetan Mastiff was once a guardian of great monasteries, and today, it sits among the top picks for popular family dogs and performers in the show ring.
Although intimidating in size, the Tibetan Mastiff temperament is anything but. They’re highly intelligent dogs with a calm disposition and protective nature.
Their coat contributes to their size, and as you may have guessed, Tibetan Mastiffs shed heavily. So, be prepared for not only your personal space being taken up by the sheer size of this gentle giant but also their hair.
If you wish to know more about this breed, look at the American Tibetan Mastiff Association – the official American Kennel Club Parent Club for this breed.
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