Quick Facts
Origin: : Tibet, China
Height: 24”-26”
Weight: 70-150 lbs
Color: Black, brown, blue/grey or gold
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Temperament: Aloof, intelligent, protective, stubborn
The Good
Low level of exercise necessary
Low grooming for most of the year
Tenacious guard dog
The "Ruff"
Aggressive towards other dogs
Refuse to eat for days at a time
Overview
Tibet is a difficult place to access and therefore lots of the origin history of Tibetan mastiffs has been lost. What we do know about this majestic and massive dog bred is they historically guarded Buddhists monasteries and were thought to be the souls of departed monks that hadn’t yet made it to Buddhists heaven.
These striking beasts are known for their large stature, flowing mane and intense alertness. They are fiercely protective of their people and their property. They can be incredibly stubborn and unkind to strangers. They are surprisingly graceful and always alert even when they are seemingly disinterested.
When Tibetan mastiffs are paired with the right owners they will be loyal, devoted and protective.
Celebrity Owners
In 2011, a man in China paid $1.5 million for what he considered the “perfect specimen” making his Tibetan mastiff named Big Splash the most expensive dog in the world at that time
Fun Facts
Unlike other dog breeds, female Tibetan mastiff’s only go into heat once a year, during autumn. As a result, almost all Tibetan mastiff puppies being born in December or January.
Health
The most common problem with Tibetan mastiffs is hip dysplasia. Other issues breeders are encouraged to scan for before breeding include elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy.
While you always hope your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance.
Grooming
Tibetan mastiffs will “blow coat” where their entire undercoat sheds once a year in the spring or early summer.
During this heavy shed, frequent brushing is recommended, but you will still find hair everywhere. During the rest of the year, weekly brushing and bathing your dog when dirty will keep your pup looking sharp.
As with all dogs, keep your pup’s nails clipped, regularly check their ears to make sure they are clean and clear of debris and brush their teeth several times a week.
Exercise
Although these dogs are massive, they do not require any rigorous exercise. As with other large dogs, Tibetan mastiffs have a propensity towards hip dysplasia and therefore should avoid demanding repetitive activity such as running. Long unhurried walks totaling 30-60 minutes are the best exercise for this breed.
Training
It is of the utmost importance to train and socialize your Tibetan mastiff as early and as often as possible. Left without intense socialization can lead to having a difficult dog that does not take kindly to strangers or other animals on their own property.
Nutrition
Tibetan mastiffs do not eat as much as you would suspect given their massive size. Full grown pups eat somewhere between 2-4 cups of food a day. They will only eat when hungry and will often skip meals altogether. When females are in heat, the males often refuse food and drastically reduce their mass. Free feeding is not recommended in these beasts, as it encourages excessive weight gain which will only exacerbate some of the health issues in these dogs.
It is recommended to feed Tibetan Mastiffs high quality, low filler food.
Supplements
As mentioned before, hip dysplasia is the most common ailment for Affenpinschers. A solid Glucosamine Supplement for hips and joints will go a long way to helping your furry friend.
Other helpful supplements include full-spectrum helm oil or CBD oil. Fish oil skin and coat supplement.