Tibetan Mastiff breed information

Tibetan Mastiff and Tibetan Mastiff pictures

The Tibetan Mastiff is dignified, even-tempered, calm and thoughtful. It is patient and loving with children but distrusts and is reserved with strangers. This breed makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. It comes naturally to this dog to guard its family and their property. This breed is an outstanding sheepdog and is ferocious against wolves or leopards that try to approach its flock. This dog is highly intelligent it was bred to take initiative. It is brave and fearless when properly socialized. It is somewhat strong-willed and very determined, but with a desire to please. It is easy to housebreak. It must be thoroughly socialized and trained to become a fine family guard and companion. Socialization at an early age is a must. It needs firm, consistent, but patient and gentle obedience training. Harsh, strong words and readiness to hit the dog will only cause it to ignore its handler even more. The objective in training this breed is to achieve a bond of mutual respect, which can only be accomplished by showing respect. If you wish to add a second dog to the household, a mellow individual of the opposite sex, spayed or neutered, preferably of a non-dominant breed, is recommended. The few individuals that remain in Tibet are ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train, but the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters. Bitches usually only have one heat per year, between October and December; in most other breeds, two heats are the rule. This breed comes to adulthood somewhat later than other breeds. This dog requires daily walks, but should not be over-exercised. Due to the breed's size jogging is too hard on the joints. The Tibetan Mastiff has an average demand for exercise and will enjoy going with you for a walk in the woods, but it is not particularly enthusiastic about playing with a ball or anything like that. Be careful that the bones, muscles, and joints of the dog are not overworked during the growing stage by not overdoing the physical side of its life.

Tibetan Mastiff

Life expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Color:It is usually black, sometimes with gold or tan markings, chocolate, blue & tan, sable, gold, cream, or red, with or without tan markings. Some also have white markings.
Eyes: mid-size, brown shade, deep set, set well apart, almond shape, slightly slanting
Coat type: double coated, fairly long, thick, coarse, soft undercoat, fine, hard, straight
Size: males at least 26 inches, females at least 24 inches
Health issues: Prone to hip dysplasia, skin conditions, thyroid problems, ear infections, and an unusual genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN). CIDN symptoms usually appear at 7-10 weeks; if a puppy has this condition, it will die before 4 months of age. There is no test currently known for the disease and carriers can only be identified through mating.
Living conditions: This breed is not recommended for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and does best with at least a large fenced yard. It likes to climb and dig. The Tibetan Mastiff has a tendency to wander; a six-foot fence, with an undiggable surface below, is the minimum requirement for safe confinement. Since it was bred to be a nocturnal barker, make sure you bring your dog indoors at night; in the house it is fairly quiet.

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