Tibetan Mastiff

Canis lupus

Last updated: February 15, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Olga Aniven/Shutterstock.com

Tibetan Mastiffs don’t shed all year long; they blow their coat in one big shedding each year.


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Tibetan Mastiff Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Tibetan Mastiff Conservation Status

Tibetan Mastiff Locations

Tibetan Mastiff Locations

Tibetan Mastiff Facts

Fun Fact
Tibetan Mastiffs don’t shed all year long; they blow their coat in one big shedding each year.
Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Tibetan Mastiff
Slogan
Originally bred in the Himalayan mountains!
Group
Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Red
  • Black
  • Tan
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 years
Weight
150lbs

Tibetan Mastiff as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
High
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Cold climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Poor
Pure bred cost to own
$2,000 to $4,000
Dog group
Working
Male weight
90-150 lbs
Female weight
70-120 lbs

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Tibetan Mastiffs are a very old dog breed, and no one knows much about their history. They were used as guard and herd dogs by nomads in Tibet and were also watchdogs for Tibetan monasteries.

While this breed has grown in popularity since the 1980s, they are still a less common dog breed. Based on a DNA study, it was learned that other large breed dogs, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweiler, Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees, are descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff.

These Mastiffs have an average lifespan of between 10 and 12 years. They are very independent and intelligent dogs. They can be very loyal and protective to their families, but this can also lead to aggressive behaviors if not properly trained and socialized. These dogs are best suited for experienced dog owners.



Owning a Tibetan Mastiff: 3 Pros and Cons

Pros!Cons!
Loyal: Tibetan Mastiffs are very loyal dogs.Challenging to train: Tibetan Mastiffs are very difficult to train and don’t respond well to typical training methods.
Easy to groom: Tibetan Mastiffs shed heavily once a year, but other than that they only require weekly brushing.Can be aggressive: If this dog feels like a member of their family is being threatened, the dog may display negative behaviors.
Love to work: Tibetan Mastiffs enjoy being given a task to complete.Can be destructive: If Tibetan Mastiffs become bored, they can become destructive.

Evolution and Origins

Tibetan mastiffs guarded monastries and livestock on mountainous heights for at least a thousand years or even more. There on the Himalayan heights, they kept scavenging snow leopards and wolves with intentions to help themselves to a yak or two at bay.

These giant canines which were originally bred by nomads in the region,  are capable of thriving at elevations which would prove challenging to the majority of other pooches, such as 16,000 feet, for example.

Health and Entertainment for your Tibetan Mastiff

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Scientists have found it is all thanks to the presence of a gene also found in wolves which  makes Tibetan mastiffs’ red blood cells function more efficiently at storing oxygen.

In spite of its ancient status, the large breed with its lionlike mane was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006.

Size and Weight

Tibetan Mastiff on the rocks

Male Tibetan mastiffs may take up to 4 or 5 years to reach full maturity

©Kat_marinina/Shutterstock.com

Tibetan Mastiffs are a very large dog breed. Males can weigh between 90 and 150 pounds and are at least 26 inches tall. Females weigh between 70 and 120 pounds and are at least 24 inches tall. Puppies take longer to mature than other breeds. Females don’t reach maturity until they are between 3 and 4 years old, and males can take an additional 1 to 2 years to completely mature.

Newborn Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 13 and 22 ounces. Early on, the puppies will only gain between 2 and 8 ounces a day, but as they get a bit older their growth should speed up a bit to the point that they are gaining between 1 and 3 pounds each week. While they are not fully finished growing by the time they are a year, they will be close to their full size by this point.

These dogs are often most active at night. They were originally bred to a be flock guardian dog and instinctively look to keep any potential predators away overnight. Training this breed can be a challenge due to their stubborn behavior. Since they are protective by nature, they need owners who are prepared to handle and train the breed properly to prevent aggressive behaviors or accidental injury to another person the dog is ‘protecting’ its owner against.

Height (Male)26 inches or greater
Height (Female)24 inches or greater
Weight (Male)90 pounds to 150 pounds
Weight (Female)70 pounds to 120 pounds

Common Health Issues

Tibetan mastiff isolated

Tibetan Mastiffs may suffer from hypothyroidism as well as hip and elbow dysplasia

©Svetography/Shutterstock.com

There are a few potential health concerns that you should be aware of if you’re going to own one of these mastiffs. Not all Tibetan Mastiffs will suffer from the health concerns below, but some will, and knowing what to look out for can help make sure you provide the best possible care to your dog.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are two potential health problems that these dogs may face. These result when a dog’s joints don’t develop properly. They can make it difficult and painful for the dog to walk and may require surgery to fix. These are hereditary conditions that are passed down from the previous generation.

These dogs may also develop hypothyroidism. This is a condition where the thyroid doesn’t function properly and can lead to weight gain, infertility, fatigue, and a lower quality coat.

Progressive Retinal atrophy is another potential issue to look out for. In this condition, the dog’s retina degenerates slowly over time, which can lead to blindness.

These dogs have a narrow ear canal which can cause them to get more frequent ear infections than other breeds. To prevent this from occurring, it is important to keep your dog’s ears cleaned.

To review, a few of the common health concerns faced by Tibetan Mastiffs include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Ear infections

Temperament and Behavior

These mastiffs are very independent and intelligent dogs. However, they also have a very affectionate personality towards the people in their family. They can also exhibit protective traits, which may make them more suspicious of strangers.

How to Take Care of a Tibetan Mastiff

As with other dog breeds, these dogs will require a unique care plan. Keep this breed’s temperament, dietary needs, exercise requirements, health concerns, and more in mind as you prepare to care for your Tibetan Mastiff.

The Best Dog Food for Tibetan Mastiffs

While they are a very large dog, these dogs typically only need between 2 and 4 cups of food each day. Always choose high-quality dog food and check with your dog’s veterinarian to ensure they are getting the right amount of food based on their age, weight, and any health concerns.

Because these dogs’ bodies are so big, they need extra attention on the nutrition they get from their diet.

Therefore, A-Z Animals says the best dog food for Tibetan Mastiffs is Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Large & Giant Breed.

Those joints carry around a lot of weight every day, so do them a favor with the glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids in this food from natural chicken. Also, your mastiff’s eyes, heart, belly, and immune system will thank you for the taurine, fiber, and digestive enzymes.

Here’s where you can buy Holistic Select Natural Large and Giant Breed dog food.

Best Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken
  • Features the finest ingredients like healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables
  • Formulated to provide healthy nutrition to large and giant adult dogs over 50 pounds
  • Contains digestive enzymes and dietary fiber for enhanced digestion
  • Added calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

Tibetan Mastiffs’ shed their coats yearly in spring or summer

©Sasni / Creative Commons

The coat of these dogs is relatively easy to groom. Brushing it once a week using a long pin brush or a slicker brush can help remove any dirt from their coat and keep it looking its best. You’ll need to use a wide-tooth comb to keep their tail and mane from getting too tangled. Once a year in the spring or summer, they go through their shedding season and shed a lot of their coat.

Don’t forget to also brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week and trim their nails so they don’t become too long.

Training

These dogs can be a challenge to train. They are intelligent and get bored with too much repetition. Unlike other breeds that respond well to food incentives, they aren’t as reliable in this respect. If they trust their owners, they are more likely to follow through with commands, but still may revert to their instincts at times. For this reason, this breed does best with an experienced owner.

Exercise

Make sure your dog gets exercise each day. They enjoy being given a job and can be more active if the weather is cooler. Having a large fenced-in yard is a good attribute of a home for a Tibetan Mastiff.

Puppies

Pretty Tibetan mastiff puppies in the open air

Tibetan Mastiff puppies reach their full size when they are about three or four

©Tatyana Kuznetsova/Shutterstock.com

Puppies mature more slowly than other dog breeds and make take three or four years to reach their full size potential. Younger puppies have a smaller stomach and will need to eat more frequently (see the section above for more information). Before you bring home a puppy, make sure your home is properly set up for a dog. Remove anything potentially hazardous or that you wouldn’t want to see destroyed by a puppy.

In addition to making sure your home is set up properly, you should also make sure you have all the food and supplies you’ll need for your dog. Find a veterinarian you can trust to care for your dog and schedule a checkup for shortly after you bring your new puppy home.

Children

These dogs can be a good family dog for homes with older children. When children have playdates, a Tibetan Mastiff may mistake their friends running around and yelling as being a threat to the child, which could lead to unwanted aggression. This breed may also become overprotective when parents discipline or yell at their children.

Dogs similar to Tibetan Mastiff

Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland Dogs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are three breeds that are similar to a Tibetan Mastiff.

  • Great Pyrenees: Great Pyrenees and Tibetan Mastiffs are both very large dog breeds with a weight of over 100 pounds and a height of at least 25 inches. Both breeds can also be quite territorial. The great Pyrenees make a better family pet than Tibetan Mastiffs, though.
  • Newfoundland Dog: Newfoundland Dogs and Tibetan Mastiffs are both working dogs. Both breeds are very large with a weight of well over 100 pounds. Newfoundland Dogs are heavier shedders than Tibetan Mastiffs and are easier to train.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog: Bernese Mountain Dogs are another breed of working dogs like the Tibetan Mastiff. Both breeds can also be very protective. Bernese Mountain Dogs are less likely to bark than Tibetan Mastiffs and do better with children or other dogs.

Famous Tibetan Mastiffs

Over the years, many celebrities have owned a Tibetan Mastiff. Here are a few famous owners:

  • Vin Diesel
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Bob Dylan
  • Jon Bon Jovi
  • Gayle Kin
  • Dwayne Johnson

Look over the list below with some of the most popular names for Tibetan Mastiffs if you’re looking for a good name for your new dog:

  • Bruno
  • Harry
  • Fluffy
  • Rambo
  • Ranger
  • Lucy
  • Zara
  • Buffy
  • Bebo
  • Sultana

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Tibetan Mastiff FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Tibetan Mastiffs herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Tibetan Mastiffs are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Tibetan Mastiffs belong to?

Tibetan Mastiffs belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum to Tibetan Mastiffs belong to?

Tibetan Mastiffs belong to the phylum Chordata.

What class do Tibetan Mastiffs belong to?

Tibetan Mastiffs belong to the class Mammalia.

What family do Tibetan Mastiffs belong to?

Tibetan Mastiffs belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Tibetan Mastiffs belong to?

Tibetan Mastiffs belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do Tibetan Mastiffs have?

Tibetan Mastiffs are covered in hair.

What genus do Tibetan Mastiffs belong to?

Tibetan Mastiffs belong to the genus Canis.

What is an interesting fact about Tibetan Mastiffs?

Tibetan Mastiffs were originally bred in the Himalayan mountains!

What is the scientific name for the Tibetan Mastiff?

The scientific name for the Tibetan Mastiff is Canis lupus.

What is the lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff?

The average lifespan for a Tibetan Mastiff is between 10 and 12 years.

How much does a Tibetan Mastiff cost to own?

The price to purchase a Tibetan Mastiff from a breeder is typically between $2,000 and $4,000. If you can find a Tibetan Mastiff from a shelter or rescue organization, the price will be a lot less, likely somewhere around $200 to cover fees and vaccinations.

Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs and will also need a lot of food. They will also need regular veterinary care, training, and supplies. As you think about the cost of owning this dog, keep the prices for these items in mind as well. Budget at least $1,000 to $1,500 for your first year owning the dog and between $500 and $1,000 for each subsequent year. Keep in mind that a Tibetan Mastiff has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, so you’ll need to be prepared to care for your dog for a long time to come.

Is a Tibetan Mastiff good with kids?

Under some circumstances, a Tibetan Mastiff can be good with kids, but they are best suited for families with older children. Younger children (especially their friends) running around and yelling may be seen as a treat to a Tibetan Mastiff.

How big is a Tibetan Mastiff?

Tibetan Mastiffs are very large. Males are at least 26 inches tall and weigh between 90 and 150 pounds. Females are at least 24 inches tall and weigh between 70 and 120 pounds.

Are Tibetan Mastiffs dangerous?

Tibetan Mastiffs have the potential to be dangerous if they aren’t properly trained and socialized. They are very large and protective dogs who may attract a person or another animal that they perceive as a threat. They can also be very unpredictable and do best with experienced owners.

What is the difference between a Caucasian shepherd and a Tibetan mastiff?

While the Caucasian Shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff may look similar, they’re not the same. First, there’s no doubt that both breeds are rather large dogs. However, the Caucasian Shepherd is around 15 percent larger than the Tibetan Mastiff. The Caucasian Shepherd also has a distinct appearance, with lighter coat colors and a sharper, more angled head shape. As for trainability, both can be easily trained for experienced owners but may give first-time dog owners a hard time by pushing their boundaries.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/tibetan-mastiff/
  2. Dogtime, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/tibetan-mastiff#/slide/1
  3. Wikipedia, Available here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Mastiff
  4. Petfinder, Available here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/tibetan-mastiff/
  5. Tibetan Mastiff Info, Available here: http://www.tibetanmastiffinfo.com/tm/Growth-Tibetan-Mastiff-Info.shtml
  6. Dog Breeds List, Available here: https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/Tibetan-Mastiff.html
  7. Dogell, Available here: https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/newfoundland-vs-tibetan-mastiff

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