Tibetan Mastiff

Breed Profile

The ancient breed of Tibetan Mastiffs gained fame for their legendary fierceness as the outside guardians of Tibetan monasteries while Tibetan Spaniels acted as lookouts, lying on the high monastery walls and barking to warn the monks and Mastiffs when anything approached. The Mastiffs also served as fearless protectors of homes, livestock, villages and caravans. In North America, Tibetan Mastiffs have been used as guard dogs, herding dogs, sled dogs, and as family companions. The breed is believed to be one of the ancestors of the Newfoundland, the Great Pyrenees, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Great Dane, and many others. Still classified as a rare breed, the Tibetan Mastiff dates back almost three thousand years and is among the oldest of purebred dogs.

Though patient, gentle, stable and loyal, the Tibetan Mastiff is also independent, aloof and ready to fiercely defend. Those who know the breed will quickly point out that this is not the dog for everyone as he can be a real challenge even for experienced dog owners. He requires a fair amount of attention and exercise to keep him occupied, otherwise, as with many breeds, he may become destructive to relieve boredom. In addition, it should be stressed that the Tibetan Mastiff is a strong willed breed who requires early training and proper socialization with people and other animals. A very intelligent breed, the Tibetan can adapt to many different functions. However, he is an extremely independent thinker and generally does not show a great deal of interest in organized activities, such as obedience or agility. By nature he is a guardian and this instinctive ability makes him an excellent protector of the home. It must be stressed however, that this is not the breed for everyone. If you are considering adopting a Tibetan Mastiff, learn about the breed before bringing him into your home. Be sure that he will fit into your lifestyle.

He has a medium-length, thick and weather-resistant double coat that is either black, black and tan, or golden. The double coat is kept throughout the year with very little shedding except once a year (usually in Spring, depending on the climate) when he “blows” his coat. This period of shedding can last about eight weeks. The breed is slow to mature, with males reaching full maturity between the ages of four to five years and females a little earlier at three to four years.

Health Issues

The Tibetan Mastiff is generally a healthy and hardy breed, living an average of ten or more years. However, like all breeds, there are always some health concerns. The following conditions have been seen in Tibetan Mastiffs:

• Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
• Hip Dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• CIDN or Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy — An inherited condition that affects the nervous systems of Tibetan Mastiff puppies. Puppies are born normal but by six weeks of age they begin to show weakness in the rear legs that gradually progresses to complete paralysis of the hind quarters. There is no treatment for this condition.

If you are considering the adoption of a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Breed Standards

• CKC Breed Standard
• AKC Breed Standard
• UKC Breed Standard
• The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
• FCI Standard No 230

Grooming Information

Tibetan Mastiffs are known to be naturally clean dogs with very little doggy odor. The coat is easily maintained with a regular, weekly brushing. The Tibetan Mastiff will shed or “blow” his undercoat once a year, usually in the Spring. During this time, daily grooming is recommended. Ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

The Tibetan Mastiff is strong-willed and an independent thinker. Early socialization and obedience training is a must for this breed.

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Is the Tibetan Mastiff Right for You?
• Tibetan Mastiff Info — Dedicated to the education of the Tibetan Mastiff breed.
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.