The Tibetan Mastiff
 Tasha |
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog, with females ranging from 80-130 lbs and males ranging 90-140+ lbs. The females are generally 22"-26" in height and males 24"-28" although larger animals have been reported, though their size was possibly exaggerated. The breed gained some mild popularity with the release of the movie "Man's Best Friend," a male Tibetan Mastiff playing the starring role. However, many still believe that dog was cross bred, a fact which may have so far saved this breed the fate of the lab and other popular breeds. The coat is based of two types, a long outer coat [2-4" long] and a dense woolly undercoat which is generally shed two times a year. Daily brushing and combing is needed to keep the coat in good condition. They come in a variety of colors, the most common being black-and-tan and solid black. Other less common colors include gold, gray, brown, tan, and blue. These may be solid or with tan markings upon the legs, muzzle, chest, eyes and belly.
Temperament has always been a subject of debate among Tibetan fanciers. In truth, it could be said that two temperments exist, yet both are correct. In the country of origin and other countries outside the US, the Tibetan is most often a fierce guardian who will protect what they must at all costs. They are usually not accepting of strangers. In the US and England, the breed has been mellowed out slightly from the guardians of Tibet. The temperment seen here is a dog of aloof nature, one who is not sociable with strangers, yet not outwardly aggressive either. They will accept those accepted by their master, but strangers will bear close scrutiny by the dog, who will not hesitate to act if they feel the family is being threatened. They are instinctively protective, becoming gentle pet to fierce nightmare in the blink of an eye. Because the guarding instinct is still so high in the Tibetan Mastiff compared to other mastiff breeds, they are in need of INTENSE training and socialization. Without it, they are a law suit waiting to happen. The breed needs to be socialized with people as well as animals, for animal-aggression is not that uncommon. With other dogs, they do best with opposite sex animals or those they have been raised with from puppies. They do have a dominant nature. Despite their size, they are very athletic. They make nothing of leaping a six-foot wall WITHOUT a running start. They are in fact, very gentle and patient with children when taught to be so from a young age. They are intelligent yet very stubborn and they will test you throughout most of their lives. This is NOT a breed for meek or mild individuals who cannot take control.
The breed is very active, and require daily walks [though actual runs are most preferred] for at least two hours daily to keep fit and be happy.
They are currently registered by the American Kennel Club in the Miscellaneous Class. They are recognized worldwide by the FCI and they do well in conformation sports. They have been known to do well in weight pull, as well as protection sport.
Tibetan Mastiffs will bark if left outside through the night- they're known as "night barkers". Tibetan Mastiff females tend to only have heat cycles once per year, unlike most breeds who have two per year.
Health concerns with this breed include hip dysplasia, thyroid disorder and elbow dysplasia.
