Tibetan Mastiff China: Everything You Need to Know

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed that originated in the Himalayan region, specifically in Tibet and Nepal. They were bred to guard livestock and property from predators like wolves and snow leopards.

These majestic dogs are known for their distinctive appearance, with a thick double coat that can be black, blue, gold, red, or a combination of these colors. Their fur can grow up to 4 inches in length, making them look like a giant teddy bear.

Tibetan Mastiffs are massive dogs, with males weighing between 160-230 pounds and standing 26-28 inches tall at the shoulder. They are powerful and athletic, with a sturdy build that allows them to navigate the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.

Despite their size, Tibetan Mastiffs are gentle giants and are often described as "laid-back" and "easy-going." They make great family pets, especially for families with children, as they are patient and loyal.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic breed with a rich history and impressive characteristics. Its lifespan is typically between 12-15 years.

With a minimum shoulder height of 66cm for males and 62cm for females, these dogs are quite tall and commanding. Their average weight ranges from 55-80kg, making them a sturdy presence.

The Tibetan Mastiff's coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown-red, black and tan, white, and grey. This breed is known for its protective and strong-willed nature, which can sometimes manifest as stubbornness.

Here are some key breed characteristics at a glance:

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed that's known for its regal demeanor and strong willpower, traits that are likely due to its harsh living environment on the Tibetan Plateau. It's a loyal and dedicated breed that's fiercely protective of its territory and family.

One of the most distinctive features of the Tibetan Mastiff is its double coat, which is long and subject to climate. This coat comes in a wide variety of colors, including solid black, black and tan, and various shades of red. In fact, some breeders have even begun marketing white Tibetan Mastiffs.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful animal, with strong muscles, strong limbs, and a full torso. It's a large breed, with males reaching a minimum of 66cm in height and weighing between 55-80kg.

Here are some key characteristics of the Tibetan Mastiff breed:

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed that's well-suited to harsh environments, with a thick coat that's resistant to cold and a strong will to survive. Its instincts and pack behavior also contribute to its ability to thrive in challenging conditions.

The Tibetan Mastiff's temperament is a unique blend of loyalty, independence, and protectiveness. They are known for being fiercely loyal to their masters, but difficult for others to approach.

These dogs have a strong prey drive and can be destructive, especially during the first three years of their life. Puppies and young mastiffs can be surprisingly destructive.

Tibetan Mastiffs have a high IQ and a very independent personality, which can make obedience training a challenge. They are not typically active or eager to participate in organized activities.

Their strong bite force allows them to easily open doors and fences, so a sturdy kennel is essential when housing one of these powerful dogs. Be sure to pay attention to the sturdiness of the kennel.

Tibetan Mastiffs are naturally suspicious of strangers and can be hostile towards them, especially in their own territory. However, they are extremely affectionate with their owners.

They thrive in spacious, fenced yards with a canine companion, but apartment living is not suitable for them. Leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not recommended.

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Tibetan Mastiffs are known to live a long life, with an average expectancy of 12-16 years, and some have even been known to live up to 20 years.

Their health is closely tied to factors such as genetics, environment, and nutritional status, making regular exercise and a balanced diet crucial for their well-being.

Thyroid disease is a major issue in Tibetan Mastiffs, with up to 30% of the breed affected, and regular testing is recommended to monitor their thyroid levels.

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Cardiovascular diseases are also a risk, but can be reduced with strict diet control and regular exercise.

Their high facial skin folds make them prone to issues like corneal ulcers, eyelid drooping, and tearing, so regular cleaning of the facial area is essential.

Tibetan Mastiffs are also susceptible to orthopedic diseases, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, so breeders need to provide a high-quality living environment and monitor their health closely.

Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their fur, especially in areas like the neck and ears.

Their undercoat sheds naturally in the spring, and brushing helps to speed up the process and promote skin health.

Tibetan Mastiffs can be prone to hypothyroidism, which can be tested for using a complete thyroid panel, but results need to be considered in the context of what's normal for the breed.

Inbreeding can still produce affected puppies, even if the mode of inheritance appears to be as a simple recessive.

Male Tibetan Mastiffs can have irritable temperaments, unstable personalities, and aggressive behavior if not isolated from females until they're at least 8 months old.

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In terms of ownership, Tibetan mastiff puppies can be a significant investment. The final price of our puppies depends on many factors, with bloodline being the first among everything.

Tibetan mastiff prices in the Occident and Italy are actually aligned to those of other similar breeds, not the exorbitant prices seen in China. Chinese litters are very common and are usually less expensive.

We breed for the love of Tibetan mastiff, so we try to meet any real dog lover halfway, making the cost more manageable for those who are passionate about the breed.

Prices for Tibetan mastiff puppies are aligned to those of other similar breeds in the Occident and Italy.

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 of locating and importing aboriginal specimens.

Chinese litters are usually less expensive, but they're becoming very common.

We breed for the love of Tibetan mastiff, so we try to meet any real dog lover halfway.

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The Tibetan mastiff is not a suitable dog for everybody. They are big-sized dogs with a strong personality that requires adequate space.

You'll need to devote your family's attention to a Tibetan mastiff, as they love to live in contact with their people. Their millennial history tells us about a dog that has always been used to live together with their nomad family or monks community in monasteries.

Tibetan mastiffs develop a natural suspiciousness towards strangers from an early age, which can turn into fierce aggressiveness in extreme situations. You must be prepared to handle a dog that is ready to do its job as a loyal family protector.

Their independent nature is often misunderstood - they're not wary dogs, but rather loyal companions that require care and attention.

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A Tibetan mastiff's food intake is surprisingly low, especially considering its large size. This is because the breed has adapted to living at high elevations and in harsh environments, which has led to a lower metabolism.

Tibetan mastiffs need food that's low in proteins and calories, especially during the summer months. This is a stark contrast to what you might expect for a dog of the same size living in a different climate.

The breed's unique dietary needs are a result of its long history of living in challenging conditions.

Tibetan mastiffs can be quite dominant, so introducing them to other dogs or animals requires careful consideration.

Living with same-sex Tibetan mastiffs is not recommended, especially if they're from the same breed or have strong temperaments.

On the other hand, opposite-sex dogs can get along if they're socialized from a young age, and this can also apply to other animals.

Our personal experience suggests that native bloodlines may struggle to live harmoniously with other pets.

Chinese Tibetan mastiffs, also known as Chinese mastiffs, have been developed through a unique selection process by Chinese breeders over 20 years.

Their physical appearance has diverged significantly from that of the original Tibetan mastiffs due to in-breeding.

Many people question the purity of these dogs, suspecting that they may have been crossed with other breeds like Chow-Chow, Newfoundland, Spanish Mastiff, Sharpei, and others.

These Chinese dogs are often considered for recognition as a new breed, the Chinese mastiff.

Native Tibetan mastiff specimens, on the other hand, are the direct descendants of dogs born in their original lands.

They have not been subjected to genetic manipulation and have maintained their traditional characteristics.

Their resemblance to historical Tibetan mastiff specimens further confirms their authenticity.

It's essential to note that when we refer to "native dogs", we're talking about those that have lived and worked alongside Tibetan nomads or in monasteries, not just dogs born in a Chinese kennel near the Tibetan plateau.

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Our kennel has always focused on the health and typical characteristics of our dogs rather than their exact measurements.

We've noticed that many of our breeders have bigger or very big-sized dogs, which is not what you'd expect based on the official FCI standard.

In fact, the standard states that males should be at least 66 cm (26 ins) tall at the withers, and bitches should be at least 61 cm (24 ins) tall.

Our dogs are often significantly larger than what's reported in the standard.

This can make it challenging to match our dogs with the right owners, as their size can be a significant factor in compatibility.

Tibetan mastiffs can be quite dominant, so it's best not to introduce them to same-sex dogs of the same breed or other strong-tempered breeds.

Living with opposite-sex dogs can be possible, but only if they're socialized from a young age.

For example, some Tibetan mastiffs have been known to live with a great number of other animals in a domestic setting.

However, this is often the case with dogs that have been bred from European or American bloodlines and have undergone many generations of selective breeding.

In our experience, it's extremely challenging to achieve this with dogs from native bloodlines.