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Temperament:
The Tibetan Mastiff is solemn, protective, calm and loyal. Tibetan Mastiffs have natural guarding instincts and are very protective of their family and property. They tend to distrust strangers but are loving with children and get along with other dogs. If they have positive experiences with other household pets while they are young then they will easily get along with them as well. Tibetan Mastiffs can be dominant and self-confident dogs and therefore need proper training from puppyhood. They like to please and have very good memories which makes them easier to train.
Click here on how to stop your Mastiff's behavior problems
Grooming:
Tibetan Mastiffs have very thick coats in winter that need regular grooming with a brush. At the beginning of summer the coat moults heavily and the owner needs to pull out all the loose hair on a daily basis with a brush and comb.
Exercise:
It is important that these dogs are not over-exercised while they are still growing, as it puts extra strain on the developing joints and muscles. Tibetan Mastiffs need an average amount of exercise and enjoy long walks in the country or woods, however they are not so fond of playing games with a ball or similar toys.
History:
Tibetan Mastiffs were called 'Doyki' in Tibet which means the dog that can be tied up. They are believed to have evolved from the old Asian Mastiff family and they first made their way to the Western world during the time of Alexander the Great. These loyal and fearless dogs were known to guard the Tibetan Monasteries and protect livestock, villages and caravans. In the 14th century, Marco Polo came across them and claimed that they were the size of donkeys. This has been supported by archaeologist excavations, where skeletons of the early Tibetan Mastiffs were found to be considerably larger than the Tibetan Mastiffs that we know today.
Physical Characteristics:
General Appearance: Solid and solemn but with a kindly expression.
Color: Black, black/tan, grey, grey/tan, gold or brown. Some white on the toes and chest is accepted.
Coat: The outer coat is harsh and stands out from the body. The under coat is woolly and thick.
Tail: Set high, well feathered and curled over the back to one side.
Ears: Pendant and usually carried low.
Body: The body is slightly longer than tall with a strong back. The deep chest reaches below the elbows and the fore and hindquarters are well angulated.
Additional Comments:
- The Tibetan Mastiff is an unusual member of the Mastiff family as they have longish coats and carry their tails over their backs.
- Tibetan Mastiffs are very slow to mature and can take up to 3-4 years to fully develop.
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