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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff's have a long, thick double outer coat with a heavy, wooly undercoat.
The neck and shoulders should have a heavier coat, the legs feathered and the tail
dense. The coat is generally black, brown, black and tan, gray, shades of gold,
and gray with gold markings. Limited white on the chest and toes are allowed, as
well as tan markings on the muzzle, upper eye, lower legs and tip of the tail. The
broad head is wedge shaped with a wide, blunt muzzle. Older males tend to have a
moderate dewlap. The oval, wide-set eyes are medium in size and are generally a
shade of brown. The triangular shaped ears are also medium in size and hang down
close to the head. The large nose is black and the teeth meet in a scissor-like
or level bite. The jaw is strong and the upper lip covers the lower lip. The arched
neck is strong and muscular. The topline is level and the chest deep. The back is
strong and the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The forelegs
are straight and the hindlegs should appear parallel from the back. The feet are
large and round. The rear dewclaws should be removed although front dewclaw removal
is optional. The plumed tail should be set high and curl over the back.
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Temperament
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This breed is protective and territorial. Tibetan Mastiff's are patient, gentle,
loyal and affectionate towards their families and other people they know. However,
they can be distrustful and aloof around strangers. This breed should be monitored
when introduced to other animals unless raised with them. If companion dogs are
added to the household, they should be a spayed or neutered, non-dominate breed
of the opposite sex. Tibetan Mastiff's have loud voices and can be a nocturnal barker.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 25-28" ; Weight: 140-170 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, skin conditions, ear infections and Canine
Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN). CIDN symptoms usually appear at 7-10
weeks and are normally fatal.
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Living Conditions
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The Tibetan Mastiff is not recommended for apartment life. It does best with a large
yard. They like to climb, dig and escape from their pens. A six-foot fence with
wiring below the surface is best for this breed. These nocturnal barkers should
be brought in at night.
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Exercise
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This breed requires daily walks but do not over-exercise. They should not
be taken jogging as this is too stressful on their joints. They do not like to fetch.
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Life Expectancy
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15 or more years
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Grooming
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This breed is easy to groom. Brush regularly. The thick coat sheds once per year,
but they are good for allergy sufferers.
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Origin
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The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed descending from the Mollossus Mastiff who
existed during the stone or bronze age. The Tibetan Mastiffs accompanied Alexander
the Great on his various military campaigns throughout Europe and Asia. Eventually
westerners were denied access to Tibet and the breed remained relatively isolated
again for centuries. In Tibet, this breed would be tied up as early as 2 months
old to increase their aggressive tendencies. In many villages, one Tibetan Mastiff
was used to guard the entire village. They would also use them to protect the livestock
from predators. In the mid 1800s Queen Victoria of England received a Tibetan Mastiff
as a gift and soon after, more dogs were imported by families throughout Britain.
Although the breed standardization began at this time, it was not completed until
the 1930s. During the 1970s, foundation stock was exported from India, Ladakh, Afghanistan
and Nepal to the United States. In their native land of Tibet, Tibetan Mastiffs
are rare and scarcely exported. The English and U.S. bred dogs are easier to train
and control than those directly from Tibet. The American Tibetan Mastiff Association
was formed in 1974. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Working, UKC Guardian Dog
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