Tibetan Mastiff
Summary
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds in the world, with a history spanning several thousand years on the Tibetan Plateau, where it guarded flocks and villages against predators such as wolves, snow leopards, and bears. It is considered the primitive ancestor of all the great European Molossoid breeds. In Tibet, it is called "Do-Khyi" — the "chained dog" — because it was tied up during the day and released at night to guard.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Large to giant
- Height (male)
- 71–76 cm
- Height (female)
- 61 cm
- Weight (male)
- 45–73 kg
- Weight (female)
- 34–54 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Double, very dense; outer coat coarse and long; undercoat soft and woolly
- Common Colors
- Black, black and tan, brown, gold, blue-grey and tan
Temperament & Personality
The Tibetan Mastiff is an independent and intelligent guardian with a strong personality of its own. It is very loyal to its family but deeply suspicious of strangers, making it an exceptional guard. It is not an obedient dog in the conventional sense — it has an independent mind that requires an owner who respects and understands it. Nocturnal by nature, it can be very vocal at night, which should be taken into account.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Heavy
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Eye examination
- Hip and elbow X-rays
- Thyroid evaluation
Compatibility
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
