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Tibetan Mastiff Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Tibetan Mastiff so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank153
Reviews2
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Compare the Tibetan Mastiff With Other Dogs
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Tibetan Mastiff dog profile picture
OriginTibet flagTibet
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Tibetan Mastiff known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Tsang-khyiDok-Khyi
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Tibetan Mastiff? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Tibetan Mastiff Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Tibetan Mastiff? Learn how big the Tibetan Mastiff breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Tibetan Mastiff weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
140-170 pounds (64-78 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Tibetan Mastiff?
155 pounds (71 kg)
Height
How tall is the Tibetan Mastiff? Tibetan Mastiff height:
25-28 inches (61-71 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Tibetan Mastiff?
26.5 inches (66 cm)

Tibetan Mastiff Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Tibetan Mastiff puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Tibetan Mastiff costs.
$2500-$3500
If you choose to purchase the Tibetan Mastiff, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Tibetan Mastiff for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Tibetan Mastiff gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Tibetan Mastiff? How many Tibetan Mastiff are there in the world?
Frequent: The Tibetan Mastiff is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Tibetan Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Tibetan Mastiff? Discover the Tibetan Mastiff's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Tibetan Mastiff ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Tibetan Mastiff? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's trainability and response to training methods.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Tibetan Mastiff as a watchdog? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's alertness and guarding instincts.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Tibetan Mastiff dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Tibetan Mastiff protective of its territory? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's guarding instincts and behavior.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Tibetan Mastiff can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Tibetan Mastiff will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Tibetan Mastiff Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Tibetan Mastiff have? Learn about characteristic Tibetan Mastiff temperament and behavior traits.
StubbornAloofProtectiveCourageousLoyalStrongWilled
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Tibetan Mastiff sensitivity:
Sensitive: Tibetan Mastiff dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Tibetan Mastiff a good family dog?
Average: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Tsang-khyi need? Tibetan Mastiff social needs:
Tibetan Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Tibetan Mastiff to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Tibetan Mastiff roam?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Tibetan Mastiff have high prey drive?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Tibetan Mastiff Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Tibetan Mastiff bark a lot? Learn about typical Tibetan Mastiff vocalization patterns and triggers.
A lot: Tibetan Mastiff is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Tibetan Mastiff? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
Average: Tibetan Mastiffs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Tibetan Mastiff live in an apartment? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tibetan Mastiff breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Tibetan Mastiff indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Tibetan Mastiff Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Tibetan Mastiff to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's flexibility to new situations.
Average: Tibetan Mastiff dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Tibetan Mastiff be left alone? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Tibetan Mastiff Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Tibetan Mastiff biting potential? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's bite risk factors.

High 🔼

The Tibetan Mastiff has a high chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Tibetan Mastiff mouthy? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's tendency to use mouth during play.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Tibetan Mastiff dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Tibetan Mastiff bite? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Tibetan Mastiff bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Tibetan Mastiff measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Tibetan Mastiff is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Tibetan Mastiff bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Tibetan Mastiff bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Tibetan Mastiff puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Tibetan Mastiff, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Tibetan Mastiff bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Tibetan Mastiff can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Tibetan Mastiff Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Tibetan Mastiff live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Tibetan Mastiff: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Tibetan Mastiff handle different weather? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's climate adaptability.
Prefers cold weather
The Tibetan Mastiff can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extremely cold weather, so it is important to take precautions to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Tibetan Mastiff? Discover typical conditions affecting the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
Tibetan Mastiffs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Tibetan Mastiff need vet visits? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's veterinary care requirements.
Frequent
The Tibetan Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Tibetan Mastiff breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Tibetan Mastiff breed? Most common health risks of Tibetan Mastiff:
Hip Dysplasia Autoimmune HypothyroidismElbow DysplasiaOsteochondrosis DissecansPanosteitisCanine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy

Tibetan Mastiff Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Tibetan Mastiff? Understand daily activity needs of the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Tibetan Mastiff need? How much exercise do Tibetan Mastiff dogs require per day?

Do Tibetan Mastiff dogs need a lot of exercises?

Tibetan Mastiff dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Tibetan Mastiff breed need?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Tibetan Mastiff Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Tibetan Mastiff prone to weight gain? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tibetan Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Tibetan Mastiff weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Tibetan Mastiff need daily? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's feeding requirements.
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Tibetan Mastiff Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Tibetan Mastiff hypoallergenic? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Tibetan Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Tibetan Mastiff come in? Discover all possible Tibetan Mastiff color variations.
BlackGrayTan Red Blue Brown
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Tibetan Mastiff need? Learn about Tibetan Mastiff coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Tibetan Mastiff requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Tibetan Mastiff, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Tibetan Mastiff drool a lot? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's drooling habits.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Tibetan Mastiff.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Tibetan Mastiff smell bad? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Tibetan Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Tibetan Mastiff have? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's fur characteristics.
ThickHard
Bathing Needs
How often does a Tibetan Mastiff need baths? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Tibetan Mastiff dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Tsang-khyi? Do Tibetan Mastiff dogs shed a lot?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Tibetan Mastiff Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Tibetan Mastiff good with children? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's behavior around kids of different ages.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Tibetan Mastiff get along with other pets? Discover the Tibetan Mastiff's compatibility with other animals.
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Tibetan Mastiff temperament with other people:
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Tibetan Mastiff dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Tibetan Mastiff breed live with a cat?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Tibetan Mastiff good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Tibetan Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs?
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Tibetan Mastiff is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Tibetan Mastiff breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Tibetan Mastiff breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Tibetan Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Tibetan Mastiff dogs good office canines? Do Tibetan Mastiff dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Tibetan Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Tibetan Mastiff dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Tsang-khyi temperament with senior people? Are Tibetan Mastiff dogs good for elderly owners?
Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best breed for elderly people.

Tibetan Mastiff As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Tibetan Mastiff be a service dog? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Tibetan Mastiff is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Tibetan Mastiff good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Tibetan Mastiff is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Tibetan Mastiff good at detection work? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Tibetan Mastiff is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Tibetan Mastiff do search and rescue? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Tibetan Mastiff is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Tibetan Mastiff good on boats? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Tibetan Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Tibetan Mastiff pull carts? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Tibetan Mastiff breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Tibetan Mastiff used in military service? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Tibetan Mastiff Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Tibetan Mastiff usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Tibetan Mastiff pregnant? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Tibetan Mastiff: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Tibetan Mastiff have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Tibetan Mastiff Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Tibetan Mastiff in? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2006 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Tibetan Mastiff in? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Tibetan Mastiff? Learn about the Tibetan Mastiff's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel Club

Tibetan Mastiff Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Watchdog Rating: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Health Concerns: Tibetan Mastiffs tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Tibetan Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Tibetan Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Tibetan Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Tibetan Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Tibetan Mastiff dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Child Compatibility: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Tibetan Mastiff dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Tibetan Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Tibetan Mastiffs are not the best breed for elderly people.

Tibetan Mastiff History

The Tibetan Mastiff can trace its ancestry back to the mountains of the Himalayas, in Tibet, even though the breed is nowadays more popular in the Western hemisphere. DNA evidence suggests that mastiff-type of breeds have existed in Tibet 5000 years ago and that the Tibetan Mastiff is a descendant of those early breeds. Many large-scale studies and scientific researches over the past years have confirmed that the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence. Moreover, many of them are presumed to diverge from the grey wolf ten thousand years ago. Thus, it is presumable that it may represent the foundation of many Molosser-type of breeds today, including the Rottweiler, the Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Pyrenean Mountain Dog. These breeds have developed into two types, the Do-Khyi and the larger Tsang-Khyi. The Do-Khyi lived in the villages and traveled with the nomadic herds and tribes serving as a guardian and herder of the flocks. The latter, Tsang-Khyi were often used by the Tibetan Buddhist monks or lamas who lived in remote areas, as their guardian dogs. Tibetans believed that the breed has the souls of monkeys, who were not good enough to be reincarnated into people or into the heavenly realm, Shambhala.

Not much was known about the Tibetan Mastiff until the 19th century. In 1800, Captain Samuel Turner mentioned the usage of huge-sized dogs in his memoir named “An account of an Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet”, however, he never fully gave a description about the breed ha saw. The first specimen of the breed was exported to England and given to Queen Victoria as a gift from Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy of India in 1874. One year before, in 1873, England’s Kennel Club was founded, thus the Tibetan Mastiff automatically entered right away into the Stud Book as the Tibetan Mastiff, leaving its earlier name, “large dog from Tibet” behind. Moreover, in 1874, the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII, was fond of the breed, and imported two more specimens to England, in order to show them to the public at the Alexandra Palace Show in 1875. That was the starting point of the massive import of the breed into England and Europe. During this period, over-breeding resulted in the loss of genetic and behavioral consistency, thus the breed subsequently lost some of its original appeals. The first Tibetan Mastiff breed club was founded in 1931. Because of the beginning of the Second World War, importing and breeding dogs were put to an end. It was not until 1976, that breeders began to breed and import Tibetan Mastiffs again.

The breed got to the United States of America in the late 1950s, when two Tibetan Mastiffs were given as presents to the President, but the dogs were taken into a farm and vanished from the public. Until the 1970s, there were not many specimens in America, but in 1970, multiple puppies were imported into the United States and these puppies became the foundation for the DNA base of the United States line of the breed. In 1974, the Tibetan Mastiff Club of America was formed, as was the American Tibetan Mastiff Association. In 1979, the first Tibetan Mastiff was shown in the first National Speciality Match.

In spite of the breed’s long history, it recently got recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), in 2006. Nowadays, the Tibetan Mastiff’s role is different than what it was previously. Yet, it is still a loyal, fierce guardian of its owners and family.

Rate The Tibetan Mastiff Breed

Tibetan Mastiff Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Claude

    Jul 1, 2020, 3:11:12 AM:

    My TM is fantastic! She has scared away preadators in the farm and has helped solved crimes. She is calm and gentle toward are kids and has been a great source for our family farm.

  • Brittany

    Apr 8, 2020, 4:02:04 AM:

    I've owned three TMs now and they are fantastic if you know what you're getting into. A lot of your info looks like the author only read about TMs but has never owned one. I'd be happy to help.