Learn more about survive with the capricious Tibetan mastiff Canis familiaris breed .

foggy and lovely Tibetan mastiff puppy grow into strong , determined , and sizable bounder , resemble king of beasts or even Tibetan bear . This ancient breed ’s story is somewhat mysterious , but we do know they were bred to defend herds , monastery , and palaces in the Himalayas . The stock is thought to be the ancestor of modern mastiff breed .

year of selective genteelness have eroded some of the original characteristics of the Tibetan mastiff , usher in raw vividness and more batch . well-informed and willful , this breed learns young skills with ease — but only when he ’s in the mood .

tibetan mastiff red closeup

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" People that do best with the strain have a sense of humor and appreciate just how clever they are , " says Rebecca Chambliss , former Chief Executive of theTibetan Mastiff Rescue . It ’s comparatively rare to see a Tibetan mastiff in the United States .

Appearance

The Tibetan mastiff ’s defining features are his lion - like head of hair and massive stature . Full - grown female can be 24 column inch or more at the berm , and male Tibetan mastiffs can be 26 inches at the shoulder . Females matter 70 - 120 pounds and males weigh 90 - 150 pound .

The breed ’s thick double coat can be sinister , brown , blue - hoar , red , or gold . Sometimes they have markings around the eyes , muzzle , pharynx , legs , and tag that change from silver grey to mahogany . The out texture of that coat is thick and common , while the internal grain is soft and woolen - like . The Tibetan mastiff requires little grooming , except during the annual natural spring - to - summer sloughing , orcoat - blowing season , when hair will be everywhere .

The tail end is feathered , similar to the mane , and arches over the dog ’s back in a curl . The ever - insomniac , serious , deep - set eyes can be any shade of brown .

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Temperament

Tibetan mastiff are best suited forowners with dog - grooming experienceand patience . Chambliss describe the Tibetan mastiff disposition as aloof , autonomous , self-willed , andhighly intelligent . " They do not seem to their hoi polloi for direction , which is an issue for many the great unwashed , " Chambliss says . " They are guardians of people and property , and can take that job very seriously . "

Even with properobedience object lesson , which are necessary for all breeds , Tibetan mastiffs will still do what they feel like doing . Their smarts may intend they do utterly in a class setting , but their independent streak may show at place when they ignore those same instruction .

Tibetan mastiff are not overly warm and do n’t handle much for over - the - top tending . They can be offish and have almost cat - corresponding fundamental interaction with humans . As profoundly loyal pets , they do get along with other animate being , agree to Chambliss , they do best when they have anotherlarge breed of dogto play with , peculiarly when they ’re youthful . They can bewonderful kin dogs , with a few caution .

red tibetan mastiff in field red

" Tibetan mastiffscan be fantabulous with kid , but can be overprotective of ' their tike , ' which can be an issue when other tike come over to toy , " Chambliss say . Their alert nature is so strong that it might be take exception to have Edgar Albert Guest over , as they can be surprised by stranger in their yard . " A home without a fate of people coming and going usually forge best , " she says . As with all dogs , right socializationandpositive reinforcement trainingis an absolute must .

Living Needs

Give Tibetan mastiffs a yard to rove and protect and they ’ll be proud of - they normally do n’t beware spending time alone . However , that yard must be fenced in : " Atraditional , secure fenceis an absolute must - have . Tibetan mastiff will wander , " Chambliss say . These pawl are experience escape creative person and may learn to open a room access or gate by follow a homo do it . They ’re just that cagey ! Because of their surreptitious tendencies , it ’s authoritative tomicrochipyour Tibetan mastiff .

The Tibetan mastiff may be quiet during the day , but hetends to skin at nighttime . " Tibetan mastiffs are very vocal and have a mysterious bark that carry , " Chambliss says . " Keeping them inside forbid issues with neighbors . " But take note : A crate is not an acceptable selection for these dogs . Their instinct is to watch over their plate , and cage them keep them from doing so . This can lead to anxiousness and unsuitable conduct .

With that double coat , theythrive in cooler and even cold weatherand tend to be more active as the temperature drop . They also make good indoor fellow traveler and will curl up by the fire or sports fan , depending on the time of year .

tibetan mastiff puppy laying in grass

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Care

temperate exercise , in the form ofregular walk , is necessary for the physical and genial health of Tibetan mastiffs ; theytend to become obese . Because these dogs can be willful , their base on balls should always be leash .

Whentraining the Tibetan mastiff , it ’s important to be positive and never punitory . " prepare a Tibetan mastiff must be done with positive strengthener only , " Chambliss says . She suppose this clever stock learns right away by follow and experiencing life history , so being positive and patient will teach them to bear in variety .

Brush your Tibetan mastiffonce a week , andhis grooming needsthroughout the remainder of the year will be minimal . That is until spring or summershedding season tap . Then , a hurricane of hair’s-breadth will extend the house for weeks . A comb or de - shedding tool can help .

tibetan mastiff standing in lake

viktorija / Adobe Stock

Health

A Tibetan mastiff ’s life is 10–12 years . The breed isconsidered to be fairly healthy , although they can be prostrate to certain health issue that unremarkably impact large frump .

It ’s recommended that Tibetan mastiffs get allhealth cover listed by the ATMA , including block out for eye problems .

And because that downlike Tibetan mastiff coat is suited for cold weather , these dogs do n’t do well in red-hot , humid climates . andiron do n’t sweat like humans do , so make indisputable to watch for signs of heatstroke . During the summertime , walk your mastiff early in the morning or eve when the sun is n’t high and hot , and always check that he has access to water , shade , and AC .

History

Tibetan mastiffs answer as guardians in the Himalayan mountains . Some conceive that most other mastiff breeds , including theEnglish mastiff , are descendants of the Tibetan mastiff , although little read selective information is uncommitted and point of the breed ’s history remain for the most part unknown .

It ’s not entirely clear when they first make it in the U.S. , but consort to the American Tibetan Mastiff Association , two Tibetan mastiffs were sent as a diplomatic gift to President Dwight D. Eisenhower from the Ministry of Nepal in 1958.Perhaps because of their surprising size , height , and appearance , they were reportedly then post to a farm .

About a decade later , Tibetan mastiffs were imported to the U.S. from Nepal and India and were breed as household dearie . The American Kennel Club recognized the strain in 2006 .

Fun Facts

account of the Club . American Tibetan Mastiff Association .