The Tibetan Mastiff Dog

It is highly possible that the Tibetan Mastiff is the missing link between the flock guard and the mastiff breeds. The Tibetan Mastiff is from the area which gave us the stem of the original mastiff dog; yet he has a longer coat than most, and a tail curled over the back. It is possible that the Tibetans crossed the original archetype with other dogs to obtain todays breed. While the answer is lost in the mystery of Tibet, the breed, thankfully, has survived. It has been around since recorded history—or before—and is just now gaining some acceptance in the West, primarily in the US and Europe, The Tibetan Mastiff certainly is the forebear of several modern breeds.


Two types of mastiff breeds originally aided the lamas and villagers of Tibet dog: the Bhotia dog, an agile livestock guardian, and the Tsang Kyi, a larger territorial sentinel. The latter has for centuries protected nobility and religious orders. A pup was kept tied from two months of age to make him fierce; in fact, the Tibetans' name for their mastiff is the Do-kyi, you can tie up. Chaining or tying intensifies aggression, and these breeds bear the reputation of guarding an entire village. Like the bandogs of England, he was secured during the day and set free at night. Because of this habit, the breed tends to be sociable with other dogs and livestock, though he will defend himself if challenged.

The Tibetans say that a white spot on the chest is a good sign, signifying a brave heart. A white tail tip, however, is cut off as it denotes weakness. Tibetan natives make their dogs a protective woolly collar from the finest stiff hairs of a yak's tail. The hair is dyed red, and when a TM is wearing the collar, he appears even larger and more threatening.


Tibetan dogs traveled with Alexander the Great from "the roof of the world" to European countries, where they planted the seed for so many of today's mastiff and flock-guarding breeds.

The modern Tibetan Mastiff has been known outside Tibet for more than a century. The Prince of Wales owned at least one specimen in the 1880s, and a British standard for the breed was in existence in the 1930s. President Eisenhower received two as gifts from the Dalai Lama. Yet others reached America in the early 1970s through drug smugglers who placed packets of illegal substances under false bottoms in crates. These dealers then shipped the largest and toughest Tibetan Mastiffs to the States, where no customs inspector dared to inspect their crates!

A positive aspect of this crime is that many specimens escaped Communist China and reached the hands of concerned breeders. Others were brought in by more conventional routes. The TM is now recognized in many European and Asian countries, and there are national organizations for the breed in both North America and Europe. In the US they have been used as guard and sled dogs, as well as family companions.


The American Tibetan Mastiff Association recommends mating only genetically sound animals. Besides physical soundness, breeders are advised to choose stock with proper guardian tendencies and a stable family-oriented temperament. Bitches cycle only once a year.

The breed has incorporated many of the giant attributes of "impressive stature, formidable appearance and great strength." A controlled environment with moderate weight gain and adequate exercise is recommended by breeders to forestall many of the problems that often plague large breeds. The eight-week-old fluffy clown, often described as a teddy bear, will grow

into a large, aloof adult with a strong sense of territory and an instinct to defend it. Socialization, discipline and routine grooming should begin early.

Despite their tough, protective instincts, they are gentle with their own families. In their homeland, they are controlled by even the smallest child, who can handle them and call them off intruders with ease. The Tibetan Mastiffs were bred to withstand the extreme temperatures of their native mountain land and are still capable of playing in a snowdrift in below zero temperatures or of performing an obedience routine at 90 degrees.


Tibetan Mastiff Dog
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and densely haired that will not go unnoticed. It has a wide bear-like head with a short hair, black large nose, and V-shaped ears that hang down. It has a heavy dense medium coat, forming a heavy ruff on the neck. Some mature dogs have a dewlap. The legs are heavy-boned while the tail curls upward. This large usually comes in black although gold and tan markings may be present. Other coat colors of this breed include chocolate, blue and tan, gold, cream, sable (black among tan), and red.

Tibetan Mastiff Skills
The Tibetan Mastiff is a descendant of the famous Tibetan dogs and is said to be in existence as early as the stone or bronze age. A of this breed was reported to be given to England’s Queen Victoria in 1800s. This has proven itself to be an excellent protector of livestock that it is ready to attack even wolves and leopards even until these days.

Tibetan Mastiff Personality
The Tibetan Mastiff is a highly protective and territorial breed. Although strong-willed and fearless, it is even-tempered and has a strong desire to please its humans (but is not the type who is eager to play ball). It is okay to raise this breed with another dog, but the latter should be of a non-dominant breed, and preferably, of the opposite sex. The Tibetan Mastiff is an excellent watchdog but must be socialized and trained at a young age. Its training should aim to achieve mutual respect, for this large dog, strong-willed as it is, can be stubborn and disregard commands that are expressed in strong words or gestured with a tendency to hit. Furthermore, being a nocturnal barker, it is best kept indoor at night.

Tibetan Mastiff Exercise Needs
This large requires daily walks as well as regular jogging exercises. However, such activities should not be too strenuous especially on its joints. It must also be given outdoor opportunities to climb and dig, its favorite activities.

Tibetan Mastiff Living Conditions
The Tibetan Mastiff dog, due to its size and activities, thrives in a place with a large yard.

Tibetan Mastiff Grooming Requirements
The Tibetan Mastiff has fluffy coat that is best maintained with regular brushing and bathing. Since this breed sheds only once a year, it is compatible for allergy sufferers.

Tibetan Mastiff Health Issues
The Tibetan Mastiff can be prone to hip dysplasia, skin conditions, cardiac cases, thyroid problems and ear infections. It is also susceptible to an unusual genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN) whose symptoms appear usually at 7-10 weeks. Sadly, it is said that if a puppy has CIDN, it will die before it reaches four months.

Cindy  Lovable Dogs .info