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Having the features of a lion and the size of a giant, the Tibetan Mastiff is determined, intelligent, and obedient – at times. Other times, they will do as they please. As they are very strong-willed, the Tibetan Mastiff would make a great companion for a breed expert that can understand their particular personality and needs.
It would also be highly recommended for Tibetan Mastiffs to live on a large property and not have to interact with close neighbours or unknown visitors.
Tibetan Mastiffs are generally a very robust breed but can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Ear infection
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
A giant dog, slightly longer than he is tall, the Tibetan Mastiff dog is a powerful, muscular breed that is athletic and agile, with a dignified composure. The dense coat is quite long and there is a 'mane' around the neck and shoulders, which is more obvious in male dogs.
The Tibetan Mastiff colours and markings can vary from black, golden, and brown, to more unusual colours such as blue.
A guard dog through and through, the Tibetan Mastiff is not a breed to take on lightly. He is wary of strangers and naturally protective of his family and property. Experienced handling, socialisation, and training are needed, as with all guarding breeds. In the right home, he is a calm, affectionate, and loyal companion. This is a dog recommended for an expert only as it would need to be handled and trained properly.
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 2/5 |
| Easy to train: | 1/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 5/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
Thought to date back 3,000 years, the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the world’s oldest breeds and was used as a guard dog in his native country, protecting properties (including monasteries) as well as entire villages and livestock. They are often chained up to act as early warning systems and as very effective deterrents to would-be intruders.
The Tibetan Mastiff was first brought to London in 1847, and it was fully recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club only in 2006. Even though it’s a very popular breed across the Western world, some cities in China have banned them along with other breeds that have a height of 35 cm or above.
Marco Polo reported that the Tibetan Mastiff was as “tall as a donkey with a voice as powerful as that of a lion.” The breed is relatively new to the rest of the dog-loving world, only coming to the attention of breeders in the West a century ago.
This huge breed needs very sensible owners who have a lot of experience with giant breeds, and particularly with the more aloof, less generous ones at that. You will be ready to manage your dog carefully so that they need not meet other people or dogs that they do not like, and prepared to train your dog sensitively to a high standard, so that they, and others are kept safe.
Ideal owners will have a large house, no (or remote) neighbours, very securely fenced garden and access to quiet walks where few other people are seen - or where it is possible to remain distanced from others. Only suited for those with older teenagers or the child free home.
An hour of daily exercise is required for a Tibetan Mastiff, though he will happily accept more if you can offer it. A Tibetan mastiff puppy should not be overexercised, as it is important to avoid putting strain on the muscles and joints of such a large, growing breed.
As a guarding breed, they are generally happiest outdoors on their properties keeping an eye out for potential intruders.
As the Tibetan Mastiff size is quite large, this breed would need a very large house where they can live comfortably. A well-fenced property with plenty of space to roam around would also suit them so that they can exercise and move freely whenever they want.
Giant-breed dogs, as well as having giant appetites, benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. The Tibetan Mastiff is prone to bloating and stomach problems. Try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk. Check out our dog feeding guidelines for more information. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Tibetan Mastiff lifespan reaching 15 years.
The Tibetan Mastiff's double coat consists of a dense, woolly undercoat, which sheds in warmer weather, and a thick topcoat that is straight and hard-textured. The tail and back legs are well feathered. A brush through a couple of times a week is advised, with daily grooming when the coat sheds.
When it comes to bathing, Tibetan Mastiffs require bathing as frequently as weekly, or up to no longer than every 6 weeks, depending on their environment and on how dirty they get. You should also be aware that bathing and drying a Tibetan Mastiff is no easy task, due to their considerable size and thickness of their coats, so planning ahead is always a good idea.
This isn’t a dog who takes well to training but he does need to be taught to walk on a lead so he can get the exercise he needs. As Tibetan Mastiffs don’t respond well to something being imposed on them, fun training can go a long way. The sessions should be short and frequent with lots of verbal encouragement as well as positive reinforcement. Early socialisation with people and other dogs is vital.
While they are affectionate with their own family, the Tibetan Mastiff is not a good family dog, being far too large and too protective. He is likely to mistake the intentions of their family’s friends. They can live with sensible older children but care should always be taken given their personality and large Tibetan Mastiff size.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
The earliest record of these dogs in England was in 1828 when one was presented to London Zoo — and then the Viceroy of India sent one to Queen Victoria in 1847.
In 1970, the breed found another role when Nepalese drug smugglers used them to ship illegal drugs into the U.S. in the bottom of their dog crates. Strangely, customs officials weren’t particularly keen to search them!
The heaviest Tibetan Mastiff in the world lives in Tibet and weights around 113 kg.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff dog aggressive?
Tibetan Mastiffs can be aggressive when provoked, as they might feel protective if they perceive a threat from strangers. However, with proper socialization and training, they rarely show any signs of aggression.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs friendly?
Yes, Tibetan Mastiffs can be very friendly, loyal, and loving to their family.
What to know before getting a Tibetan Mastiff?
One of the most important things to know before getting a Tibetan Mastiff is that because of their large size, they are not suitable for apartments and the grooming process will require some effort.
Can a Tibetan Mastiff be left alone?
Tibetan Mastiffs can occasionally be left alone, but you should avoid leaving them for long periods of time as they might become bored and destructive, especially when they’re young.
