Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Working Group

The Tibetan Mastiff dog has been used in Asia for over 3,000 years. It has been used to guard property and farm animals. Today it retains its strong guardian instincts. This breed always attracts a lot of attention at dog shows.

History

The Tibetan Mastiff originated from the well known Tibetan dogs which were the ancestors of nearly all Mastiffs and Molossuses around the world. The old Tibetan Mastiff could have been existing since 1,100 BC. These mastiffs resulted in the Tibetan Mastiff we all know today in the time when they were isolated in the Himalayans in Tibet for hundreds of years. The dogs were utilized to protect the property. They recently are becoming popular again in China, as more and more wealthy people are buying pets there. See: $600,000 for Tibetan Mastiffs in China.

Physical Features

The coat of a Tibetan Mastiff does not have the annoying "big dog smell" that other dog breeds have. The coat, no matter what its color or length, should shed odors and dirt. Its double coat is long, weather resistant, and seen in a large variety of colors such as black & tan, blue/gray, chocolate brown, solid black, different shades of gold, the most rare of all colors being concrete white. Males could reach heights of 31 inches however the standard for the dog is normally in the 25-28 inch range. Most heavy Tibetan Mastiffs could weigh more than 200 pounds. But most dogs generally reach a weight of anywhere from 142 180 pounds.

Personality

The Tibetan Mastiff is calm, courageous, fearless, even-tempered and thoughtful. The dog is very devoted to their master's family. Have a tendency to bark through the night if left outside, but is going to be silent indoors. They're a great flock protector and are ferocious with leopards, wolves or any animals that try to come near their flock.

Common Health Problems

The dog is susceptible to ear infections, skin conditions, hip dysplasia and thyroid problems. Also a genetic problem identified as Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy, also known as CIDN, that is certainly deadly. The disorder could be seen in puppies between seven and ten weeks old and the pup could die by age of four months.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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