Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are a very old dog breed, but little is known 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 of 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

Evolution and Origins

Tibetan mastiffs guarded monasteries 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, originally bred by nomads in the region, can thrive at elevations as high as 16,000 feet, which would be challenging for most other dogs.

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 lion-like mane was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006.

Size and Weight

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 old, they will be close to their full size by this point.

These dogs are often most active at night. They were originally bred to be a 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.

Common Health Issues

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 for 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.

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 to the nutrition they get from their diet.

Maintenance and Grooming

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

Puppies mature more slowly than other dog breeds and may 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 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 the 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