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Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Introduction
Tibetan Mastiff is a large guardian dog from Tibetan Plateau. It was originally bred By Tibetan Nomads to protect the herd, flock, family, and tent or home as well as guard the great monasteries of Tibet. Therefore, most Tibetan Mastiffs are highly protective and aloof of strangers. Naturally a guard dog, the close relationship between man and Tibetan Mastiffs has given the breed an almost uncanny understanding of people in ways other breeds cannot.
This is also a natural nocturnal breed that is active at night keeping intruders and predators at bay. It also barks at unidentified sounds throughout the night. A Tibetan Mastiff that is left out at night is not recommended with neighbors close by. However, during the day, the dog is quiet often sleeping making it more alert, active, and aware at night.
Tibetan Mastiff Origin | History
Tibetan Mastiffs were bred as flock guardian dogs in the altitudes of the Tibetan Plateaus and Himalayas. However, it is impossible to tell how the breed came to be since it has always been isolated. It is believed that Tibetan Mastiffs are the progenitors of modern Mastiffs. In its native country, this breed is known as the Do-Kyi(tied dog) as they were tied at the gates of the temples and homes they guarded. These dogs were also given to the high Lamas to protect the great monasteries of Tibet.
The first dog of this breed was imported to England and gifted to Queen Victoria by Lord Hardinge of Viceroy, India in 1847. Prince of Wales, George who later became King Edward VII imported two more mastiffs to England in 1874. Tibetan Mastiffs became prevalent enough to be shown at the Crystal Palace Show. Unfortunately, during the first and second World Wars, the bred lost favor and focus nearly been wiped out in England.
In the United States, the first pair was imported in 1958 as a gift sent to President Eisenhower from the foreign ministry of Nepal. However, they caused quite a commotion in the White House and were shipped off to a farm in the Midwest. The foundation dogs of Tibetan Mastiffs were imported from Nepal and India in 1970. The breed was welcomed into the AKC working group in 2006.
Tibetan Mastiff Lifespan
The Lifespan of Tibetan Mastiffs is 10 to 12 years according to the American Kennel Club. However, breeders claim most of them live up to the age of 16 years. However, this claims are unsupported.
Tibetan Mastiff Grooming
A Tibetan Mastiff is a double coat with a coarse guard outer coat and a wooly undercoat. This breed sheds at moderate levels all-year round and heavily once a year while blowing of its coat. All-year round, brush the coat on a weekly basis using a long pin or slicker brush to remove dirt and loose hair. The mane, tail, and breeches are prone to tangles and should be brushed using a wide-tooth comb. During the heavy shedding season, use a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to remove the dead hair.
The coat of Tibetan Mastiffs lack the unpleasant big-dog smell that is common in many large breeds. The Tibetan Mastiff needs an occasional bath every 4 to 6 weeks unless the dog rolls in something stinky. Use a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner while bathing a Tibetan Mastiff. Before bathing the dog, always brush the coat to remove the dead hair and visible dirt. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products using lukewarm water to prevent skin irritation.
Dry off the coat using a dry towel. Brush the coat especially where it is profuse around the mane, legs, and breeches to prevent tangling. Wipe the face using canine friendly wipes or a clean damp washcloth instead of soapy water that irritates the eye. Brush the teeth of a Tibetan Mastiff at least twice a week if not daily using a canine toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the ears once a week using cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution. Clip the nails every 3 to 5 weeks using nail clippers or grinders. Overly grown nails affect the gait of your pet.
Tibetan Mastiff Haircut
A Tibetan Mastiff has a double coat that protects it against extreme heat and cold. According to the standards of the breed, these dogs should be shown naturally with no clipping or trimming except for shaping the feet for a cleaner appearance to the hocks. Owners may also trim the fur around the rear end for sanitary purposes.
Tibetan Mastiff Shedding
Tibetan Mastiffs shed at moderate levels all-year round and heavily once a year while blowing off their coats in late Spring or summer. Neutering and spaying of this breed may drastically affect the texture, shedding pattern, and density of the coat.
Tibetan Mastiff Coat
A Tibetan Mastiff has a double coat with a wooly undercoat and a fairly long, coarse, and thick guard hair. Generally, Male Tibetan Mastiffs have a more noticeable coat their their female counterparts.
Tibetan Mastiff Hypoallergenic
This is one of the pure breed dogs that is non-hypoallergenic. Tibetan Mastiffs shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily once a year. Shedding allows the spread of dander and fur around the house which triggers allergic reactions. Apart from dog’s dander and fur, urine, saliva, and mucus contain a protein allergen that aggravates allergies.
Tibetan Mastiff Training | How To Train A Tibetan Mastiff
Although Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and fast learners, they are not the best pets for novice owners. They are stubborn and strong-willed. Owners must understand canine psychology and be able to willingly spend a lot of time training this breed. Lack of consistency in training can lead to a creation of unpredictable dog. Naturally, Tibetan Mastiffs have guardian instincts and are aloof of strangers. Therefore, the protectiveness of this breed also requires planning and alertness by the owner to prevent mishaps when the dog is merely reacting as a guardian.
Tibetan Mastiffs are not responsive to traditional obedience training methods which involve use of harsh correction methods or forcing the dog to do something. According to Georgie Young, a certified trainer, this is a sensitive breed that don’t respond well to ideas imposed on them. To keep Tibetan Mastiffs interested and willing to learn, keep the training sessions fun and light. Use positive reinforcement methods such as petting, toys, treats, playtime, and verbal praise. Although, Tibetan Mastiffs are not food-driven and they may not reliably respond to treats as a training tool.
To raise a well-mannered and well-adjusted Tibetan Mastiff, start socialization training from the age of 8 weeks when this pup comes home until the age of 16 weeks. Although, this training starts from the age of 3 weeks while the puppy is with the breeder. Socialization helps a Tibetan Mastiff to be able to access a situation or a person better before exhibiting aggressive traits. Naturally, this breed is aloof of strangers. To socialize a Tibetan Mastiff, expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, experiences, surfaces, situations, smell, sight, and sounds like lawn mowers, washing machine, whistles, baby crying sounds, sirens, and vacuum cleaners.
Enrolling this breed in a puppy class also serve as a form of socialization. Puppy classes provide a controlled environment where dogs can interact. These classes also empower pet parents not only to identify and correct bad habits but also have access training information and assistance. Teach a Tibetan Mastiff basic obedience words such as come, sit, stay, down, heel, leave it, etc. one at a time until the dog understands before proceeding to the next command word. Basic command words training may be a bit difficult since Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent dogs that learn quickly and don’t feel the need to repeat what they already know.
Tibetan Mastiffs are also notorious for responding well to commands in a class setting and ignoring all commands when they are home. This breed should never be trusted off leash since they don’t have a reliable recall. To fully housebreak a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, crate training, potty training, and creating a feeding schedule is key. A crate is an indispensable tool that helps the owner to monitor the dog for signs that it wants to eliminate outside such as whining, restlessness, squatting, and circling.
Patience, consistency, and being firm are the essential qualities while housebreaking. For effective potty training, take a Tibetan Mastiff to the designated toilet area every 2 to 3 ours, immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, after naptime, before bedtime, and after an exciting activity such as playtime or car ride. The potty breaks may increase to a span of 6 to 8 hours from the age of 8 months once the bladder and bowel muscles strengthen.
Tibetan Mastiff Temperament | Traits
- Loving.
- Gentle.
- Patient.
- Protective.
- Intelligent.
- Reserved with strangers.
- Alert.
- Stubborn.
- Independent.
- Strong-willed.
- Loyal.
- Fearless.
- Understanding.
Tibetan Mastiff Exercise
A Tibetan Mastiff has moderate energy levels and should be exercised daily. However, an exercise may not be in a structured form such as organized play like playing fetch or chasing a flying disc. Tibetan Mastiffs prefer to focus on work related stuff such as patrolling their territory. They only exhibit short bursts of activity and tend to conserve energy until needed. This breed may also go for daily walks. Although, owners are cautioned against walking them on the same route daily to prevent territorial behavior.
Tibetan Mastiff Barking
Tibetan Mastiffs are nocturnal dogs that are highly active at night. If left outside, they produce a characteristic incredibly heavy baying bark much more.
Tibetan Mastiff Growling
Growling is a form of dog communication. A Tibetan Mastiff is likely to growl while in pain or giving a warning to an intruder since they are naturally guardian dogs that are aloof with strangers.
Tibetan Mastiff Height
The minimum height that a male Tibetan Mastiff should possess is 26 inches ( approx. 66 cm) while its female counterparts should have a minimum height of 24 inches ( approx. 61 cm).
Tibetan Mastiff Weight
Female Tibetan Mastiffs may have a weight of 70 to 120 pounds ( approx. 32 to 54 kg ) while their male counterparts have a weight range of 90 to 150 pounds ( approx. 41 to 68 kg ).
Tibetan Mastiff Size
This is a large-sized guardian dog. However, Male Tibetan Mastiffs are slightly larger in size as compared to their female counterparts in terms of height and weight. Female Tibetan Mastiffs have a height of 24 inches ( approx. 61 cm) and a weight of 70 to 120 pounds ( approx. 32 to 54 kg ) while their male counterparts have a height of 26 inches ( approx. 66 cm) and a weight of 90 to 150 pounds ( approx. 41 to 68 kg ).
Tibetan Mastiff Aggressive
A well-socialized Tibetan Mastiff may be easy going but still be reserved with strangers. However, a poorly socialized dog of this breed will manifest aggressive traits towards strangers such as growling or barking.
Tibetan Mastiff Bite Force
Reportedly, Tibetan Mastiffs have a bite force of between 500 to 550 PSI.
Tibetan Mastiff Health Issues
A Tibetan Mastiff is a generally healthy breed that is predisposed to fewer genetic health problems as compared to other breeds. Some of the health issues that a Tibetan Mastiff may suffer from include entropion, hypothyroidism, distichiasis, ectropion, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, malocclusion, allergies, demodex, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, cardiac problems, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, missing teeth, and cataracts.
Apart from Tibetan Mastiff, other breeds of dogs include:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Pug.
Tibetan Mastiff Names
Pet parents may decide to get a name for the pet before it them home from the shelter or a few days after settling home to understand the personality of the particular dog. Tibetan Mastiffs owners may get name inspiration from the Tibet origin, guardian nature of the dog, coat color, celebrity Tibetan Mastiffs, nature, food, music, movies, books, and historical figures.
Regardless of where they get their inspirations, they should ensure that the name chosen freely rolls off their tongues without making them embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places. Names that rhymes with command words may be confusing for your pet. Parents that settle with a long name should find a cute nickname for their Tibetan Mastiff.
This breed better understands names that have vowels. If a Tibetan Mastiff shares a name with any family member or guests who frequent your household, it may be a source of confusion. Some of the names that Tibetan mastiffs have include Tucker, Missy, Harley, Oscar, Maggie, Nikki, Molly, Sable, Pepper, Mac, Dream, Romy, Max, Lace, Zeus, Dylan, Candy, Bella, Rambo, etc.
Tibetan Mastiff Litter Size
After conception, Tibetan Mastiff dam has a gestation period of 63 days before whelping a litter size of 6 to 12 puppies. Although, some may have a litter of 5 puppies.
Tibetan Mastiff Speed
Over shorter distances, a Tibetan Mastiff may run up to a speed of 20 miles per hour ( approx. 32 km/h )
Tibetan Mastiff Food
The amount of food that a Tibetan Mastiff feeds on depends on its age, metabolism, activity level, body build, and size. Puppies tend to have a higher metabolism as compared to adult or senior dogs. Therefore, a pup should feed a total of 3 or 4 times a day between the age of 1 to 6 months. From the age of 6 months, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy should feed a total of 2 meals in a day for the rest of its life. Tibetan Mastiffs are also large deep-chested dogs that may be prone to bloat. Therefore, they should not eat one large meal a day, drink large volumes of water after eating, or exercise vigorously one hour before or after meals.
Consult a vet on the right amount of food to feed the pooch depending on its weight. The budget and time preparation needed by the owner determines whether a Tibetan Mastiff will feed on dry, wet, raw diet, or home-made food. Regardless of the food chosen, pet parents should ensure Tibetan Mastiffs feeds on the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, water, and fatty acids. Owners who choose to feed their dogs with commercial food should ensure that the first three listed ingredients are proteins from a known source.
The purchased food should not have additives, chemicals, fillers, preservatives, and meat by-products. Dry or wet food should be formulated for medium to large sized puppies, adults, and seniors. Check the physique of a Tibetan Mastiff to know whether it is overweight or underweight. If you can see the ribs, chances are the dog is underweight. However, if the ribs are not visible but you can feel them without pressing hard, the pet has an ideal weight.
Although, if you cannot feel the ribs, the dog is overweight and needs regular exercise. After getting a puppy from a breeder, the owner is likely to switch to another quality food. They should gradually do this over a span of one month by mixing both new food and old food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food reduces as the new food increases until the Tibetan Mastiff is only feeding on new food during the fourth week.
Tibetan Mastiff Colors
A Tibetan Mastiff may have a wide variety of colors including black and tan, solid black, bluish-gray, various shades of red varying from pale gold to deep red, and sometimes the dog may have white markings around the legs, chest, and neck.
Types Of Tibetan Mastiff
According to the Indian Breed Standard, there are two varieties of Tibetan Mastiff: Lion head and Tiger Head. The former has is relatively smaller with exceptional long hair from the forehead to the withers creating a mane while the latter is slightly larger in size with a shorter hair.
Tibetan Mastiff Tail
A Tibetan Mastiff has a medium to long well-feathered tail that is always curled over the back while alert and carried down when the dog is in repose.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs Dangerous
Yes, if poorly socialized. Tibetan Mastiffs have a guarding instinct and are naturally wary of strangers. Therefore, when poorly socialized, Tibetan Mastiffs will perceive any stranger as a threat exhibiting aggressive behaviors which is dangerous.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs Good Pets
Yes. Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal, understanding, patient, and loving to their human families.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs Good Guard Dogs
Yes. Tibetan Mastiffs were bred as guard dogs. They are natural active and alert to any sound and movement at night which causes barking. They are naturally wary of strangers which is plus in their role as guard dogs.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs Hypoallergenic
No. Tibetan Mastiffs shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily once a year while blowing off their coats. Shedding allows spread of dander and fur around the house which triggers allergic reactions. Dog’s saliva, mucus, and urine also aggravates allergies.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs Aggressive
Well-socialized Tibetan Mastiffs are likely easy going but will still be aloof with strangers. However, if poorly socialized every stranger is accessed as a threat hence the dog will manifest aggressive behaviors such as barking and growling.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs Friendly
Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal, patient, gentle, and understanding with their human family. However, even if they are properly socialized they are still reserved with strangers.
Tibetan Mastiffs Quick Facts
- Tibetan Mastiff dams go on a heat season once every year.
- This is an ancient breed that has worked closely with humans for centuries making this breed sophisticated in the ways it understands people.
- Avoid leaving Tibetan Mastiffs outside during the night if the neighbors are at a close range since they tend to bark a lot at night.
