Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large Tibetan dog breed (Canis lupus familiaris). Originating with the nomadic cultures of Tibet, India, Mongolia and Nepal, it's used by local tribes of Tibet to protect sheep from wolves, leopards, bears, and tigers.

A powerful, heavy, but athletic dog, the Tibetan Mastiff is built to combine strength and agility. Its body is slightly longer than tall. Its walk is slow and deliberate, while its trot is powerful and light-footed. The whole appearance is impressive, with a solemn but kindly expression. The coat, which is noticeably heavier in males than in females, is thick and fairly long, especially around the neck and shoulders. The tail is densely coated and the hind legs well feathered on the upper parts. The hair is coarse, straight and hard, standing off from the body. It carries a heavy undercoat in cold weather, but little undercoat in warm weather. This combination of coat types allows the Tibetan Mastiff to endure the extremes of Tibetan weather.

As befitting their long past as a solitary sentry and protector, Tibetan Mastiffs are independent, strong willed, and territorial. They are aloof toward strangers but devoted to their family. Proper socialization is essential so that they will accept strangers and not become overly suspicious. They are gentle and patient with their children, but may guard their home against visiting children who may appear to be threatening the family children. They are generally good with other dogs and are rarely dog aggressive. (In Tibet, they were often kept with Lhasa Apsos.) Most Tibetan Mastiffs are good with other animals.

Health Problems :
Prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, skin conditions and ear infections. Also a genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN), which is fatal. The disorder will be evident in puppies between 7 and 10 weeks of age and the pup will pass away by 4 months of age.Living ConditionsThe Tibetan Mastiff can live in an apartment life if it is very well exercised. These dogs are not very active indoors.ExerciseThe Tibetan Mastiff needs to be taken on daily walks. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Be careful that the bones, muscles and joints of the young dog are not overworked during the growing stage by not overdoing the physical side of its life. However, they will still need to walk each day to satisfy their migration instinct.

Life Expectancy :
About 15 or more years.
Litter Size:
An average of 5 - 12 puppies. Tibetan Mastiff dams typically go into heat only once a year, whereas most other dogs go into heat twice a year.
Grooming:
The Tibetan Mastiff should be brushed regularly. In the winter the coat has an abundance of very thick hair, which sheds once a year for the duration of a month, when the weather gets warmer. During this time your dog should be brushed and combed every day. The Tibetan Mastiff is sometimes good for allergy sufferers, depending on the individual and the type of allergy they have.

Personality: Mellow and calm around the house; devoted to family, reserved and territorial with strangers.
Energy Level: Mature TMs enjoy exercise in all weather but are by no means hyperactive.
Good with Children: Yes
Good with other Dogs: With Supervision
Shedding: Seasonal
Grooming: Occasional
Trainability: Independent
Height: 26-30 inches (male), 24-28 inches (female)
Weight: 100-160 pounds (male), 75-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Barking Level: Barks When Necessary