They resemble a cross between a ferocious lion and a cuddly teddy bear due to their large size and abundant amounts of fluff.
Independent and reserved, Tibetan Mastiffs have a propensity to be apprehensive of strangers yet, are devoted to their masters. These dogs tend to be stubborn guardians who frequently believe they know what is best and see themselves more as equal partners than pets, despite the fact that personality can differ from dog to dog.
Tibetan Mastiffs may appear to be imposing giants at first, but don’t let that fool you—they’re not quite as frightening as they seem. They resemble a cross between a ferocious lion and a cuddly teddy bear due to their large size and abundant amounts of fluff. Their powerful necks and shoulders, which have a dense mane of hair, give them a lion-like appearance. They appear to be prepared to face a yeti, thanks to their expressive eyes which also show intellect and alertness; they are constantly on the lookout for danger. They absolutely would, to be clear!
A Tibetan Mastiff will grow hostile toward people and other dogs, if they are not properly socialised as puppies. Although they will remain distant and aloof, they will become more accepting as they are exposed to a variety of people, animals and environments throughout their life. They will reserve their affection for close friends and family, and their hostility for danger.
To prevent biting tendencies spurred on by resource guarding, territoriality or over protection, pet parents must be attentive in working with their puppy. Even a playful bite could do serious harm due to their 500-pound biting force, which is stronger than that of an American Pit Bull Terrier or German Shepherd. Tibetan Mastiff adults may be less welcoming of new canines or other people’s children, so you probably won’t be able to host many house guests with one of these dogs around. However, Tibetan Mastiff puppies can be trained to get along well with children and other pets when nurtured with them. Furthermore, even allowing Tibetans who have been well-socialised to be around young children, cats or small dogs is dangerous due to their sheer size and power.
Physical Characteristics
Height: Male: 26–28 inches
Female: 24–26 inches
Weight: Male: 90–150 pounds
Female: 70–120 pounds
Eyes: They have almond-shaped, deep-set, slightly slanted brown eyes with a black or dark grey rim that are vigilant in nature.
Ears: Medium-sized, V-shaped, and perched high on the skull are Tibetan Mastiff ears. In order to hear prospective predators who are up to no good, they droop forward while the dog is relaxed and stand at attention when the dog is vigilant.
Nose: The nose is broad with open nostrils, and can be black, dark gray or dark brown, depending on the colouring of the coat.
Coat length: Tibetan Mastiffs have a thick top coat of long, straight and coarse hair that is double coated. In the cold winter months, the soft, heavy undercoat is thicker; in hot summer months, it becomes thinner. Particularly in males, the hair is thicker around the neck and shoulders, giving them a regal mane. A short-haired Tibetan Mastiff is neither conventional nor consistent with the breed standard, though the coat may vary significantly according to the climate.
Coat colour: Tibetan Mastiff colours include black, brown and blue or gray. An all-red Tibetan Mastiff is extremely rare and not considered standard. Black Tibetan Mastiffs are more usual. Those of any colour may be solid or have markings that include tan, mahogany, gold, red-gold or white.
Tail: The tail of Tibetan Mastiff is covered with a thick plume of feathered hairs. It is usually carried high and curves over the hindquarters.
The lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff is between 10 and 12 years, and they are generally healthy dogs. Knowing these potential health issues beforehand will help you keep your dog healthy for a longer period of time.
Ideal environment to raise a Tibetan mastiff
This breed is best suited to a farm or ranch with plenty of open space to roam and cattles to look after. If you don’t have it, then a sizable yard that is fenced in is essential. They thrive in colder environments and higher elevations and may be less active in warmer environments, particularly during the hottest times of the day. If your neighbours are not too far away, you might need to bring your dog inside at night since these dogs prefer to bark at night.
The Tibetan Mastiff needs an experienced pet parent who has the time and energy to devote to regular obedience training and socialisation, which are essential throughout the breed’s lifespan to prevent troublesome behaviours like territorial and resource guarding.
Tibetan Mastiffs can be trained to get along well with children and other animals with a lot of socialisation, especially if they are raised with them. They should, however, always be under supervision while playing with young children or other dogs due to their size and power. This breed may be startled and activate their protective instincts by screaming and shouting at children. Additionally, they probably won’t get along well with cats or toy dog breeds while playing.
Children who scream and shout may frighten this breed and trigger their protective instincts. Thus, they will activate the breeds protective instinct and in return the dog will get ferocious and start barking at them.
You will have your work cut out for you if you want a Tibetan Mastiff as a pet. They are kind and devoted to their family, but they are shy, wary guardians who don’t like meeting new people. They don’t typically get along with younger kids or pets, and they require a lot of socialisation and training to help them fit in. When given ample space to patrol and animals to keep an eye on, these canines perform best as guard dogs—doing what they were designed to do.
