Developed hundreds of years ago in the ancient kingdom of Tibet to guard livestock, the Tibetan Mastiff is now an intelligent and calm house pet and family companion. Yet, this gentle giant may not be right for every family.
If you are interested in bringing home a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, here’s some important breed information you should know.
In terms of size, the Tibetan Mastiff, which belongs to the AKC’s Working Group, is a large dog, standing 24-26 inches tall and weighing 70-150 pounds. The average lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff is 10-12 years.
Tibetan Mastiffs can be quite affectionate with family members and will be playful on occasion, but these dogs have a reserved and independent disposition in general. They are highly vigilant and protective by nature and therefore make excellent watchdogs.
This is a breed that is moderately adaptable to changing routines. However, Tibetan Mastiffs do not do well with apartment dwellers, given their size. They are highly sensitive and do not tolerate being alone. These dogs adapt exceptionally well to cold weather but not so much to hot weather.
Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent but they can be stubborn. These dogs can be trained to be biddable with a gentle, yet firm and consistent training approach. This breed is not highly motivated by food and therefore treats are not the best training tool for a Tibetan Mastiff.
Prospective owners should know that Tibetan Mastiffs must always be kept on leash when outside because even a well-trained Tibetan Mastiff will go with instinct over learned behaviors if confronted with the choice.
In terms of exercise needs, Tibetan Mastiffs have moderate energy levels and moderate to high mental stimulation needs. These dogs enjoy work-related activities such as patrolling their territory more than play sessions with a ball or disc. They should be not be left outdoors unsupervised for too long, however, as this can make them aggressive and territorial and may lead to undesirable behaviors such as digging. The barking level of Tibetan Mastiffs is moderate and they are not very vocal.
The Tibetan Mastiff’s medium length, heavy double coat is low maintenance and requires minimal grooming for most of the year. Prospective owners of a Tibetan Mastiff should know that the coat can shed a lot during late spring or summer which is shedding season. Also, these dogs can drool quite a bit but not excessively so.
In summary, Tibetan Mastiffs are somewhat aloof but loving pets with serious expressions. They are extremely watchful and protective by nature as well as gentle and patient. Their imposing looks bely a mellow and sweet temperament and they make wonderful devoted family companions.
If you want to bring home a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, check out listings of reputable and responsible TM breeders on Puppy Hero. We’ve done all the legwork for you and pre-screened breeders so you can be sure you’re bringing home a happy, healthy Tibetan Mastiff.
