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Tibetan Mastiff Temperament & Personality Traits

Dr. Cristina Vulpe
Reviewed by:
Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe
Veterinarian

Looking for a fun, intelligent and devoted dog? The Tibetan Mastiff breed is just that! And, with an average life span of 15 years, the Mastiff breed will bring joy and companionship to you and your family for years to come.

Let’s look at the temperament and personality of these amazing dogs so you can consider bringing a Tibetan Mastiff puppy home!

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Tibetan Mastiff Main Personality Traits

There are three breed characteristics that sum up the remarkable Tibetan Mastiff – protective, intelligent and loving. Let’s find out more about why this combination helps the Tibetan Mastiff steal hearts all around the world.

Protective

The Tibetan Mastiff dog is an exceptional guard dog when they have been aptly trained, although their natural instincts also play a big part in this. They are protective of those they love, and with that comes a lot of loud barking, which often requires early conditioning and socialisation around other animals and humans.

When kept as watchdogs, the breed’s guarding senses are heightened at night time. So, if you live with neighbours in close proximity, it’s important that these dogs are kept inside as they like to let loose vocally if they perceive any threat.

Intelligent

One of the main characteristics of the breed is its intelligence, which makes these huge dogs great at dog sports and general training. It takes an experienced owner to adequately train these dogs, however, as they can be somewhat headstrong and independent at times!

Loving

The Mastiff gets a bit of an unfair rep when it comes to being loving, with many believing them to be largely aloof and indifferent. But they couldn’t be more wrong! Even the American Kennel Club (AKC) rates their affection highly!

They thrive in the company of their family and love little more than being involved in household tasks!
 

Tibetan Mastiffs and Your Family

According to the American Tibetan Mastiff Association, in the right hands, this breed can be an exceptional family dog.

Can Tibetan Mastiffs Live With Other Dogs?

Yes, so long as they were socialised from a young age. Introducing Tibetan Mastiff puppies to dogs isn’t so much of a problem. Still, as adults, the breed can be aggressive, regardless of whether it’s two Tibetan Mastiffs or another dog breed.

Can Tibetan Mastiff Live With Other Pets?

Again, with the correct socialisation, these large breed dogs can live in harmony with other animals, including cats and other smaller animals.

Can Tibetan Mastiff Live With Kids?

The original guardian breed gets on great with kids and is often very protective over them. They shouldn’t, however, be left with young children unaccompanied, as they do have a tendency to get slightly fed up when they have had enough and vocalise their annoyance, which can scare youngsters.
 

Do Tibetan Mastiffs Have Any Behavioural Issues?

The purebred Tibetan Mastiff has a booming bark that can be difficult to control when they’re outside. They can also be overly independent and free-willed at times.

If a Tibetan Mastiff displays either of these behavioural issues, they can largely be remedied with the help of a dog trainer. As for the barking, this breed is relatively quiet when they’re inside.
 

FAQs

Can Tibetan Mastiffs be left alone?

It’s important to note that any dog left for extended periods on its own can begin to display symptoms of separation anxiety, and the Mastiff is no different. It’s recommended that you don’t leave the breed alone for more than 3-4 hours on their own.

Doing so can lead to some naughty behaviours such as chewing furniture and, yes, that barking again! (On a side note, Tibetan Mastiffs shed quite a bit, too, due to their double coat, so expect some dog hair on your soft furnishings, too!)

Do Mastiffs bark a lot?

Yes, in general, these dogs are notorious for barking quite a bit. Their bark is deep and threatening-sounding, and, coupled with their natural need to protect, they make impressive guard dogs.

However, if an adult dog of this breed is well-trained and socialised from an early age, this can eliminate much of the unnecessary barking. If noise continues to be a problem, an accredited behaviourist will be able to help diagnose why the dog is excessively vocal.

Are Tibetan Mastiffs active dogs?

As one of the large dog breeds, the Mastiff requires lots of exercise to keep healthy and happy, about an hour a day (along with high-quality dog food). This can be in the form of playtime with their favourite toys, chasing the kids around the garden or even a long ramble in the countryside. It’s not just physical exercise they require; mental stimulation is a must, too!
 

Final Thoughts on Tibetan Mastiff Temperament & Personality

The Mastiff is super-smart, loving and unwaveringly devoted to its family. The breed is perfect for you if you are an experienced dog owner with lots of love in your heart to give them back in return!

Learn more about: Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Information

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