Tibetan Mastiff

History and Origin of the Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff’s history remains partially unclear, but it is widely believed that the dogs appeared somewhere around 1100 BC in China. The breed was developed into what we know today by being isolated in the Himalayan Mountains. This dog has always been bred and kept for protecting the home and family. In the dog’s native region, it is customary for the dogs to be confined (i.e. tied to a gate) during the day and allowed to run free at night to patrol the property. In addition, the dogs were commonly used to guard campsites when the families had to relocate to higher ground.

Over the past several years the breed has gained increased popularity throughout the United States and England. The Tibetan Mastiff was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2006 which makes this the AKCs 155th breed.

Appearance

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, strong dog of the Molosser type. These dogs stand between 25 and 28 inches tall while weighing anywhere from 140 to 170 pounds on average. Their body follows the typical Mastiff build with heavy muscle and a deep chest. These dogs also have a broad muzzle with exceptionally strong teeth and jaws. The Tibetan is a double-coated dog with a fairly long coat that is made up of thick guard hairs and a silky undercoat. The dogs can come in several colors including: blue/grey, brown, or black that can come with or without tan markings or various shades of gold. The AKC standard only allows patches of white on the dog’s feet or chest.

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament and Personality

Tibetan’s are highly intelligent, reserved, and independent. This breed is similar in temperament to the Chow Chow because both breeds accept strangers if they are “allowed” but when the dogs need to guard their home and family they are fully capable. This is a large breed and requires an experienced dog owner who is strong and consistent with training, but also gentle at the same time. These dogs should be well socialized from a young age so that the dog will grow into a respectable adult who gets along with other animals. This breed will make excellent family pets and love children; they are happiest when they have a human around to provide attention to them.

Health of the Breed

The Tibetan Mastiff is prone to fewer genetic health problems than other purebreds, but they still have a fair share of potential health issues. The dogs are prone to many disorders that affect their bone or movement such as: hip dysplasia, Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy, Osteochondritis Dessicans, and Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Other common health problems in the breed include ear infections, skin disorders, and thyroid problems.

Exercise and Other Care Requirements

Like most other mastiff puppies, you should avoid over exercising a young Tibetan. A daily walk or time in a fenced yard each day will be sufficient. The dogs can do well in any living environment, even apartment life, as well as it is given plenty of training and exercise. These dogs require a regular brushing because they have a thick coat. Although the dogs are not big shedders, they are known to “blow” their coat once a year. Tibetans are thought to be good for allergy sufferers since they do not shed or produce a strong dog odor.

Something you may not know about the breed…

Tibetan Mastiff females only come into heat once per year unlike most dogs that go into heat twice per year. They usually go into heat around late fall and produce the puppies in December or January.

Tibetan Mastiff