The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, guarding breed. They have heavy bones and a thick weather-resistant coat.

Physical Characteristics

• Large build with huge head
• Coat: Heavy, coarse guard hair of medium length; thick mane and soft undercoat
• Eyes are almond shape; any shade of brown
• Bushy tail curls over back
• Heavy, V-shaped ears that hang down
• Height: 24-26 inches
• Weight: 140-170 pounds
• Average lifespan: 11-15 years

Temperament

• Loyal, brave, calm, smart, protective, reserved, fearless
• Interaction with people: Good with family children but may guard against visiting children; doesn't trust strangers
• Interaction with animals: Good with other dogs
• Training: Needs early socializing to become family companion pet; needs strong training based on mutual respect. Wants to please owner but can be stubborn and determined.
• Protection: Good guard dog

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments; does best in rural areas
• Needs a large, fenced yard
• Weather-resistant coat allows them to be comfortable in a variety of climates

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Needs regular brushing

Brief History

• Native to the Himalayan Mountains and the plains of Central Asia
• Some Tibetan Mastiff skulls can be traced to the Stone Age
• Time of origin is unclear, but the first written accounts are from 1100 B.C.
• Pure Tibetan Mastiffs still live in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and other Himalayan regions, bred by the nomadic people of the Chang-Tang plateau; they live at an average altitude of 16,000 feet
• Used as a primary protector of women and children, as well as sheep and other flocks

Fido's Facts

• English and American-bred Tibetan Mastiffs are more obedient and loyal than those bred in Tibet, which are prone to aggressive behavior
• Precursors to this breed are believed to have traveled in the armies of Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan
• Centuries of close-knit relationships between humans and this breed made the Tibetan Mastiff very responsive to humans
• Native Tibetans believe the souls of ineffectual monks and nuns are reincarnated as Mastiffs