Tibetan Mastiff
An ancient Himalayan guardian: massive, dignified and independent, devoted to its family and wary of everyone else.
At a glance
- Size
- Giant
- Height at the withers
- Males 66–76 cm · Females 61–71 cm
- Weight
- Males 45–73 kg · Females 34–54 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–14 years
- Exercise
- 40–60 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- Black, Black and tan, Brown, Gold, Grey
- Bred for
- Guarding livestock, Guarding
- Country of origin
- China
- FCI
- Group 1, no. 230 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 1/5 – Very low |
| Energy | 2/5 – Low |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 1/5 – Very low |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 5/5 – Very high |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 1/5 – Very low |
| Suits apartment living | 1/5 – Very low |
| Adaptability | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 5/5 – Very high |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- have experience with large guardian breeds
- have a securely fenced property
- live in a cool climate
Think twice if you …
- want an obedient, sociable dog for busy outings
- have frequent visitors or noise-sensitive neighbours
- live in a flat or a hot region
Care
Temperament
Reserved, self-assured and deeply loyal to its own people. It is naturally suspicious of strangers and will guard home and family without being asked. It tends to think for itself rather than follow instructions.
Exercise
Moderate daily walks and time to patrol a fenced garden are usually enough. It is not built for jogging or dog sports, especially in warm weather.
Grooming
Brush the dense coat a few times a week; most shed heavily once a year, when daily brushing helps. Little trimming is needed.
Training
Start socialisation early and keep training calm, consistent and respectful. Expect cooperation rather than obedience, and never rely on recall off lead.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and some eye conditions are the main concerns reported in the breed. Ask the breeder for the hip, elbow, thyroid and eye results of both parents.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
- Thyroid
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Tibetan Mastiff developed over many centuries on the high plateaus of Tibet and the Himalayas, where it guarded flocks, camps and monasteries against wolves, leopards and strangers. Its heavy coat, mane-like ruff and slow, deliberate movement suit a life in thin air and bitter cold.
Living with one is a serious commitment. It is calm indoors but often most alert at night, may bark to announce its territory, and decides for itself whether a situation needs action. It needs a securely fenced property, experienced handling and plenty of early socialisation. Many mature slowly and are not fully grown until three or four years old.
Did you know?
Many Tibetan Mastiff females come into season only once a year, rather than the usual twice.