Baby Tibetan Mastiffs are born with their eyes closed, and they typically open them around 10-14 days after birth. They rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing during this time.
These adorable pups are born with a thick coat of fur that helps them stay warm in the cold Tibetan climate. Their fur is soft and fluffy, but it's also very dense, which makes it perfect for the harsh mountainous environment.
Newborn Tibetan Mastiffs weigh around 4-6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg) and are about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long. They grow rapidly, however, and can reach up to 11-14 pounds (5-6.3 kg) by the time they're a few weeks old.
As they grow, they need plenty of food and attention from their mothers, who will nurse them for several weeks.
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Getting a Baby Tibetan Mastiff
Choosing the right puppy is crucial, so look for one with a confident and friendly temperament.
A healthy puppy should have clear eyes, clean ears, and a shiny coat.
Selecting a puppy that is curious and responsive is a good sign, and one that shows no signs of aggression or fear is even better.
You should consult with the breeder to ensure the puppy's parents have been screened for common health issues.
Finding a reputable breeder is essential, so ask for recommendations from veterinarians, dog trainers, or breed-specific clubs.
A responsible breeder should provide health clearances for the parents and be open to answering any questions you may have.
Check this out: Tibetan Mastiff Breeder
Care
Caring for a baby Tibetan Mastiff requires special attention to their strong character. They can be fiercely independent and stubborn at times.
Their health needs are generally good, but they can be prone to certain issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to catch any potential problems early.
Tibetan Mastiffs are massive dogs and need plenty of space to move around. A spacious living area or yard is a must to keep them happy and healthy.
Their feeding requirements are also important to consider. They need a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs, and regular feeding times are a must.
As a breed originally bred to guard monasteries, Tibetan Mastiffs have a strong protective instinct. Socialization from an early age is crucial to help them become confident and calm in new situations.
With their high price tag comes a lot of responsibility, but with the right care and attention, a baby Tibetan Mastiff can grow into a loving and loyal companion.
Health and Development
At six months old, your Tibetan Mastiff puppy will be quite big, weighing between 40-60 pounds for females and 55-85 pounds for males. Their large size can make them prone to certain health issues.
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that can affect your Tibetan Mastiff, causing the hip joint to be loose and bones to fall out of place. Regular veterinary care can help detect this condition early on.
Hot spots, ear infections, and ectropion are also common health issues in Tibetan Mastiffs. These conditions can be prevented or managed with proper grooming and maintenance of their coat.
Here are some common health issues in Tibetan Mastiffs:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hot spots
- Ear infections
- Ectropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Regular veterinary appointments can help screen for these health concerns and provide personalized advice on how to keep your pup healthy.
Ensuring My Dog's Health
Ensuring your dog's health is crucial, and as a Tibetan Mastiff owner, you're likely aware of the breed's predisposition to certain health issues. Regular veterinary care is vital to detect these conditions early on.
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that can cause the hip joint to become loose, leading to bones falling out of place. This can be a lifelong issue if not addressed properly.
Hot spots, also known as acute dermatitis, can occur if your Tibetan Mastiff's burly coat is matted and poorly maintained. This can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for your dog.
Explore further: Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems
Ear infections are common in Tibetan Mastiffs due to their large ear canals, which can trap condensation beneath their thick coat. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent this.
Ectropion, a condition where the eyelids droop, can lead to dry eye and recurrent corneal ulcers. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Hypothyroidism, an under-active thyroid gland, can cause hormonal imbalance, leading to low energy levels and weight gain issues.
Progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, is a degenerative eye disease that affects the retina, leading to nighttime vision loss.
6-Month-Old Developmental Milestones
At six months old, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy is rapidly growing and developing. A six month old male Tibetan Mastiff puppy will weigh around 55 to 85 pounds on average.
Their weight is just one aspect of their growth, as they're also becoming more energetic and playful. A six month old female Tibetan Mastiff puppy will typically weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.
As they continue to grow, it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise to support their development.
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Size and Cost
The price of a Tibetan mastiff puppy can vary depending on several factors, but it's generally in line with other similar breeds in the Occident and Italy.
Prices for Chinese litters are often less expensive, while litters from native dogs can be more expensive due to the challenges and costs of locating and importing aboriginal specimens.
We breed Tibetan mastiffs for the love of the breed, and we try to meet the needs of real dog lovers by offering puppies at a reasonable price.
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Size Chart
At 1 month old, Tibetan Mastiff puppies typically weigh between 5-10 pounds, with males and females being roughly the same weight.
As your puppy grows, their weight increases significantly. By 2 months, they can weigh anywhere from 15-30 pounds for males and 10-25 pounds for females.
By 3 months, Tibetan Mastiffs can weigh between 30-45 pounds for males and 25-40 pounds for females. Keep in mind that every puppy grows at their own pace, so these numbers are just estimates.
Here's a breakdown of the average weight of Tibetan Mastiffs at different ages:
If your puppy's weight falls significantly outside of these estimates, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure they're healthy.
Cost Estimate
Tibetan mastiff puppies from Chinese litters are usually less expensive.
Prices for Tibetan mastiff puppies in the Occident and Italy are aligned with those of other similar breeds.
The final price of our puppies depends on many factors, with bloodline being the first among everything.
Litters from native dogs are inevitably more expensive due to the difficulties and supported cost to locate and import aboriginal specimens.
We breed for the love of Tibetan mastiff, so we try to meet any real dog lover halfway.
Recommended read: Why Is Tibetan Mastiff so Expensive
Temperament and Compatibility
Tibetan Mastiffs are naturally protective and reserved around strangers, but form strong bonds with their family members.
They are intelligent, independent, and can be stubborn at times, making early socialization crucial to ensure they don't become too wary of new people and situations.
Their large size and strength can be intimidating, so close supervision is necessary when interacting with small children.
Tibetan Mastiffs are typically good with children, especially when raised together, and can be patient and gentle.
However, their strong protective instinct can lead to aggression if not properly managed, highlighting the importance of early socialization.
They have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing smaller animals, making it essential to closely monitor their interactions with other pets.
Proper socialization from the time they're a puppy is key to preventing biting tendencies and helping them become more accepting of new people and situations.
Their bossy nature can make them a bad fit for obedience competitions, but they excel at guarding livestock, showcasing their natural instinct as a guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tibetan Mastiffs legal in the United States?
Tibetan Mastiffs are not banned at the federal level in the US, but local laws may restrict their ownership. However, their large size and protective instincts require careful consideration and training.
Why is Tibetan Mastiff so big?
The Tibetan Mastiff's large size is due to its genetic makeup, which includes a unique combination of wolf DNA that helps it thrive at high altitudes. This genetic adaptation likely contributed to the breed's development as a robust guard dog over 3,000 years ago.
Sources
- Tibetan Mastiffs - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Tibetan Mastiff: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care (emma.ca)
- Characteristics, Price and Breeding - Tibetan Mastiff (dokhyi.com)
- Mastiff Breed Information (vcahospitals.com)
- Tibetan Mastiff Breed Information (alpinetrailvetclinic.com)
- Hip Dysplasia (petmd.com)
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