Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff

Here comes the world’s most expensive dog

34-36 Inches*

Tibetan Mastiff

In Kg*
64-78

The name ‘Tibetan Mastiff’ is a misnomer; this breed is actually not a mastiff in the true sense. However, since ‘mastiff’ means ‘big dog’, the nomenclature fits in a literal sense. This breed is also known as ‘Dok-Khyi’ in Tibet, which means ‘nomad dog’. In Nepal, these dogs are called ‘Bhote Kukur’, or ‘Tibetan dog’.

  • Size
  • Efforts
  • Shedding
  • Large
  • Regular Brushing & Regular Exercise
  • Negligible Hair Everywhere
  • Monthly keeping cost
    • Premium*
    • Standard*
  • Rupee13,000
  • Rupee5,000

Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Information

  • 13 to 14 years
  • Expensive *
  • Star Superstar
  • Rare Easy to get
Introduction

This breed which looks a bit scary but is just a big ball of fur is also known as TDo-Khyi or Tsang Khyi or Ipoo in Tibet. This breed is also known as Bhote Kukur in Nepali language which literally translates to the dog from Tibet. This breed easily resembles a lion and there was this one time when a zoo labelled this breed as a Chinese Lion.  Tibetan Mastiff are considered the primary breed for most of the Mastiff breeds including the English Mastiff. This breed is also not readily available in India, barely 5000 breeds registered. This breed is perceived to be very huge but that is just an illusion that the large head plus the hairy coat creates. Mastiffs are generally considered as a bully breed which gets a kick out of scaring people. Because Tibet is a country with harsh winters, this breed has a thick coat which protects it from the terrible weather conditions. The long hair is also a mechanism that will protect this breed from the harsh weather conditions of the place.  This breed is also the largest known dog breed on planet earth and is primarily a guard breed. 

Tibetan Mastiff would look like a bundle of joy and at peace, but it can be very territorial when it comes to its own security. This breed also holds a good fight and has the potential to take out any large animal. This breed is very happy indoors during the day but loves patrolling outside during the night as it is one of its inherent trade. This breed is also not an attention seeking pet but can exist independently of its owner and also enjoy their company. This breed is what we call an introvert in human terms.  This breed also functions on respect and it needs to be given respect. This breed can come off as haughty a number of times because of its independent steak but once comfortable is generally very nice to have around. This fascinating breed doesn’t believe in shedding, it just blows off its coat once a year. This breed also suffers from lesser health concerns than many other breeds. 

Bred centuries ago in Tibet to be guardian dogs for livestock and property, the Tibetan Mastiff continues to perform this role, but is now also a happy family dog. This is a massive breed of dog and, however, little the puppy, remember that they grow into a mammoth 65kgs in most cases. With their luxurious mane of hair, muscular bodies and show-stopping presence, Tibetan Mastiffs are known to be amongst the most expensive dogs to maintain. Naturally, this leads them to become status symbols, not just in the land of their birth, but the world over. The aspirational value apart, remember that this beautiful beast comes with several disclaimers. They cannot live in small houses, don’t do well in warm climates, need constant grooming, cannot be left off-leash on walks, and tend to be protective and loyal to a fault. However, if you’re a responsible pet parent and are willing to put in a lot of research before acquiring this stunning new family member and plenty of hard work in terms of socialisation and training after, be prepared for a lifetime of adventures with the Tibetan Mastiff!

History

While no existing records can pinpoint the exact year of origin of the Tibetan Mastiff, it’s safe to say that this is one of the oldest breeds in the world. DNA evidence suggests that mastiff-type dogs have existed in Tibet for about 5,000 years. The Do-Khyi was a smaller type of mastiff that travelled with nomads and served the purpose of guardian dogs to the livestock, while the Tsang-Khyi – a larger type of mastiff – served as guardians to Tibetan Buddhist monks. In written records, Captain Samuel Turner wrote of his time in Tibet and mentions a large breed of dog. The first Tibetan Mastiff made its way to England, when Queen Victoria received one as a gift from Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy of India. The breed officially made it to Englands Kennel Club records as a Tibetan Mastiff, in 1873. The breed continued to be imported into England and other European countries, where they were bred and shown. There was a brief interlude in their breeding during World War II till, in 1976, English breeders resumed breeding this dog. Today, it’s rare to find a purebred Tibetan Mastiff in the land of its birth, but they can still occasionally be found amongst nomadic Tibetans. The breed continues to flourish in Europe and the USA.

There aren’t very specific and accurate records of the Origin of the Tibetan Mastiff but there are some records which show that there are evidences which can be seen about their existence which dates back to the BC era. There were also said to accompany rulers like Genghis Khan through Central Asia. These were primarily guard dogs which were chained during the day due to their ferocious appearance. The first time that this breed moved out of the contours of Asian region is when the Viceroy of India gifted one to Queen Victoria and then after that Prince of Whales imported two of them for a dog show. After the famous Chinese Invasion of Tibet, the count of them decreased significantly but there were few who survived by escaping through the borders to the other nations. Around the 1970’s this breed was imported by the USA for breeding from India and Nepal. This breed is in the miscellaneous list of the American Kennel club. This breed is said to the origin point of many other large sized breeds.  It has though become difficult to find an original pure bred Tibetan mastiff. This dog used to go around with its owner protecting them against any animal attacks. 

Unique Aspects

Tibetan Mastiffs can be calm indoors dogs, but tend to get active in the mornings and evenings. Create a schedule for them that will keep them occupied during these times of day and, chances are, you’ll have a happy, well-adjusted dog. They are companion dogs and do not do well when left alone, especially outdoors, for several hours. This breed has a particularly protective nature and should never be walked off leash, when in public. It is also advised that their walk route be changed regularly to keep it interesting and keep them from getting possessive about “their” route. It’s for the same reason that they are not recommended as pets for either first time dog families or families with very little children. Tibetan Mastiffs are extremely intelligent, even stubborn, dogs. They are known to be very sensitive to human moods, and get upset if their human companions are unhappy. Because of their possessive nature, early socialisation with several people and animals comes highly recommended for these dogs.

Fun Trivia

The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant size dog with powerful looks but sadly we could not find any movies or celebrities that have this breed. We will update it once we know about some. It is believed though that there are some Chinese movies and superstars that have this powerful Mastiff.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs

Height: 34-36 Inches

Weight: 64-78 Kg

Life Span: 13 to 14 years

Pros
  • Tibetan Mastiff is a beautiful hairy breed. It doesn’t shed regularly so the owners don’t have to worry about finding dog hair everywhere all the time but it does shed its coat once a year where it can get problematic for the dog owners. Though shedding once a year is better than shedding regularly. This breed is very quiet indoors so one doesn’t have to worry about things breaking. It can be left unsupervised alone for long hours indoors during the day time. It isn’t an aggressive breed so it will quietly sit in a corner. Tibetan Mastiff loves outdoors so it makes a great partner for outdoor workouts and bonding with nature. It is very cuddly but not aggressive which makes it a perfect cuddle partner. If given the right training, it could be the perfect man of the house, guarding the children and protecting them against any harm. This Is also a great working dog who has very good instincts when it comes to strangers. Tibetan Mastiff knows how to take control of situations and sometimes can be smarter than a human. As Mentioned earlier, it is an introverted dog who comes off as calm and dignified. Contrary to its appearance, this breed is pretty flexible and agile and can fit into compact spaces. 

Cons
  • This breed requires a lot of exercise and outdoor activity. It needs to run around and jump around a lot. They also need to be protected against harsh weather conditions in terms of heat otherwise they get overheated. This breed also requires a lot of socialization so that they don’t get aggressive towards other dogs. They require a lot of training. This a stubborn breed and can be very strong headed which needs to be controlled early on. Their independent mind is generally difficult to deal with because that makes them disobey their owners. This breed is also not easily available and expensive to get and maintain. 

Tibetan Mastiff Maintenance & Effort

  • High
  • Yes
  • Rare
  • Get a heatstroke Basks in it
  • Need warmth Loves snow
  • Little Lots
Grooming

The Tibetan Mastiff has a double coat with a long, thick topcoat and a soft, woolly undercoat. The undercoat is thinner during the warm months. A heavy mane covers the neck and shoulders, while the tail and the upper thighs have a heavy, feathery coat. This breed doesn’t shed much – once a year, depending on the climate in which they live – however, their long coat is prone to getting tangled. Brushing at least twice a week is recommended, especially if you want to avoid the extra work of clipping off unsightly clumps of hair that are also a receptacle for ticks and fleas. The breed produces very little odour, so they usually don’t require a bath more often than once a month.

Tibetan Mastiff is a hairy breed, it comes with a lot of hair and shedding can be a major problem with this breed. Good breeding not only helps the breed in looking great but can also significantly reduce a number of health concerns that they may have. It also ensures that the coat is shiny because the oil gets dispersed through proper regular grooming. Brushing regularly and using the right kind of equipment’s while brushing is a great way to reduce shredding and stopping hair fall. It also helps by reducing the irritability under the coat of the breed. Brushing also helps in separating hair which further helps in keeping the coat warmer. An Un brushed pet is likely to feel colder in comparison to the one who is brushed regularly. The breed also needs to be regularly be checked for fleas and ticks so that they don’t irritate the breeds skin so much. The hair on the breed should be brushed at least twice a week. The ears of the breed should be cleaned every once and a while and attention should be paid on trimming the nails every once in a while also. This breed shouldn’t be made to bathe too often rather occasional bathing as per need should be done. There is a yearly shedding that happens where the breed almost loses its entire coat. 

Color and Coat 

The Tibetan Mastiff has a double coat. The undercoat is softer and warmer and the upper coat is coarse and long. The hair on the breed is coarse and straight and not wavy. The colors that are available on this breed are black, brown, gold and blue and they also come with certain markings which also act as distinguishable features. There are breeds which may have certain markings on chest and feet which may be white in color. 

Feeding and Nutrition

A good diet is primary for the growth of the breed along with maintaining its health. It’s also very important that the breed’s weight is maintained because an overweight breed attracts a number of diseases. It is also important for the breed to exercise properly in order to maintain its weight. Nutritious food also varies breed per breed because depending upon the size, the weight and other factors the diet also differs from breed to breed. The basic components of the diet of the breed should be composed of Protein, Fat, Minerals, Vitamins and Water. The protein content in the diet of the dog should be between 19-22% at least. The fat amount also needs to be on the higher end because to maintain the coat, there needs to be fat in the food. The fat should also be of good quality such as animal fat and not bad fat which is higher in saturated fats. This is a large breed and needs to be fed a good amount of food but overfeeding should be avoided. This breed should either be fed once a day or twice a day, a puppy should be fed small portions three times a day. The minerals and the vitamins should be balances and neither too much nor too little as both of them have adverse consequences. An active breed generally requires more food than an inactive one but still, it shouldn’t be too much. 

Tibetan Mastiff Hair & Coat

  • Yes
  • Black, brown, and blue/grey, gold
  • Flat and dense
  • Short Flowing
  • Sparse Dense

Tibetan Mastiff Health & Care

  • Rare
  • Yes
Common Health Issues

Tibetan Mastiffs are prone to some hereditary health issues, most notable amongst them, hip dysplasia, a condition in which the thigh bone does not fit properly into the hip joint. While this is a hereditary problem, external causes like overfeeding and not exercising the dog regularly can worsen the problem over time. Similarly, elbow dysplasia, which occurs because of differing growth rates of the three bones that make up a dog’s elbow, is also common in this breed. It can cause painful lameness, but can often be corrected with surgery. Tibetan Mastiffs are also prone to Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy. This is an inherited condition found to occur in puppies less than 6 weeks old. The condition affects their nervous system and causes weakness in the hind legs, that eventually progresses to paralysis. Puppies with CIDN usually do not live beyond four months of age and there is no treatment for this condition. The breed can also suffer from Panosteitis or canine growing pains. It is an inflammation of the long bones that affects young, large-breed dogs and causes lameness, which often shifts from leg to leg. The condition usually lasts from one to six months and eventually resolves with maturity, as the dog becomes an adult. The condition can easily be managed with painkillers prescribed by a practicing vet.

There are some common health problems that this breed suffers from which majorly all large breed face problems with- 

1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Under this these joints suffer from deformity because of the genes or because of weight issues. This leads to a lot of pain and a number of time, surgical issues. It is a condition prevalent in larger breeds. 

2. Hyperthyroidism and weight gain – This breed is prone to reduced production of hormones which leads to symptoms and conditions such as fatigue, weight gain, infertility, irritability. It also leads to a lot of weight gain in the breed and obesity which isn’t that great for the breed. This can be prevented by regular exercise and workout through which weight gain can be controlled in the breed. 

3. Ear and eye problems - This breed is prone to a number of ear and eye problems that affects it both in the younger and the elder years. One of the conditions that its most prone to is a Retinal eye condition where the eye sight gets tampered and there is temporary blindness caused to the breed. It is also prone to developing contract disease and may be in a lot of pain because of that. Regular screening can help detecting the disease at an early stage and prevent it from becoming something incurable. 

This breed may also develop an allergy to mites. There are also other skin allergies that this breed may be prone to. This breed is also prone to epilepsy and heart condition which may cause a lot of harm to the breed. 

All of these can be prevented or detected early thus reducing both the cost and the pain by a better diet, more nutritious food, regular exercise and screening. 

Tibetan Mastiff Behavior

  • No
  • Low
  • Snappy Patient
  • Prefer Adults Nanny
  • Aloof Best Buddy
  • Poor Excellent
  • Headstrong Obedient
  • Moody Always Ready
  • Mute Woofer
  • Intolerant Best Buddies
  • Intolerant Best Buddies
  • Carefree Doting
  • Couch Potato Energy Bundle
Temperament

The Tibetan Mastiff is a fearless, loyal and courageous dog. They might not show their affection all the time, but rest assured that they will go to any lengths to protect their family. There were bred to be the guardians of the flock especially against invaders such as wolves, leopards and other animals, and they retain this streak even today. They are fun with children and love to spend time with them but you have to remember that their size can become a hindrance with very small children as they can topple them with a wag of that massive tail. Being possessive dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs may also not quite understand children when they are at play or squealing excitedly. They can easily misinterpret these sounds and sights to be hostile and get on their job of “protecting”. Tibetan Mastiffs can be wary of strangers so you have to remember to socialize them early. This large breed dog is not for everyone and they are best suited to live with people who have plenty of experience with dogs.

Environment

Tibetan Mastiffs have a strong urge to roam around the house, are fiercely protective about their home and family and will not take kindly to strangers. By virtue of sheer bulk, this breed needs to live in a large house with a fenced yard. Be sure to leash-train them at an early age; walking a Tibetan Mastiff off-leash is not a good idea, as they’re likely to wander off in discovery of new things. Besides, this breed can get intensely possessive about spaces that they perceive as “theirs”, including common walking routes, so be sure to mix things up and change their route every now and then. Tibetan Mastiffs are definitely not for the first-time owners, it will take an experienced owner to ensure that this escape artist does not turn to destructive behaviour, which is mostly caused by boredom and anxiety. This breed suffers from nocturnal barking, and is not a breed that will thrive in hot and humid conditions, since they were bred to live in the cold Tibetan the mountains. They do best in cold climates and if you are bent on keeping them in a warmer environment then get ready to rake up high electricity bills with the air conditioning running all day long.

Training & Intelligence

The Tibetan Mastiff needs an experienced trainer who has immense patience and a gentle yet firm demeanour. This breed is harder to train when compared to others. They are headstrong and are a little slow to learn, so being extra patient with this breed whilst training, is a good idea. If you want a well-adjusted Tibetan Mastiff who gets along well with several people and other animals too, begin the socialization process as early as you can. These dogs have a strong sense of guarding their own flock, so the more people and animals that come into their “flock” early, the better! Unlike several other breeds, Tibetan Mastiffs take a long time to mature. It takes them as much as five years to mature and behave like adult dogs, so be prepared for a rather big baby for several years! In terms of training methodology, as in the case of most dogs, positive reinforcement methods using verbal encouragement and treats are the best way to a well-behaved and well-adjusted Tibetan Mastiff.

Tibetan Mastiff Breeding

  • 6 to 9 puppies (approximately)
  • No
Procreation

The Tibetan Mastiff though not commonly seen is not difficult to breed. A female Mastiff comes on heat only once a year as opposed to other breeds who come on heat twice a year. Average male and female Tibetan Mastiffs attain sexual maturity anywhere between six to nine months of age, although they are still too young to breed at this age. This breed takes around 18 months to reach their full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dog after at least two years of age. If you are first-timer at breeding, then taking a vet’s opinion is advisable. An average litter size is 6-8 puppies.

Puppies

Tibetan Mastiff puppies are extremely cuddly and beautiful. Keep in mind that, however tiny as puppies, these dogs grow into massive adults. An apartment is definitely not the best place to raise Tibetan Mastiff puppies. Tibetan Mastiffs are extremely protective dogs, an instinct that starts early in life. If you’d like well-adjusted dogs, make sure you introduce them to as many textures, sights, sounds, and smells as early in life as possible. Bark, bite and aggression inhibition need to be taught early and with positive reinforcement methods. Socialise your Tibetan Mastiff puppies with as many people and animals as possible very early in their puppyhood. Finally, because of their gorgeous long coats, these puppies will have to be groomed from an early age.

Tibetan Mastiff Appearance

  • No
  • Curled
  • Medium
  • Folded
  • Scissor
  • Atheletic Stuff Toy
  • Handsome Awe
Body

Tibetan Mastiffs may be the result of crossbreeding regular mastiffs with other mountain breeds, but they most closely resembles lions, with their gorgeous mane and majestic demeanour. These are large breed dogs which are slightly longer than they are tall. The body and the chest is well developed. The tail is well feathered, medium, and long. The shoulders are well laid back and muscled with moderate angulations. The legs are straight, well-muscled and covered with short and coarse hair. The head is broad and strong with heavy brow ridges. The eyes are medium shaped, deep set, slightly slanting, and come in various shades of brown. The ears are medium sized and V-shaped, set high, and are forward dropping. The nose is broad and well pigmented with open nostrils. This breed drools because of the lips, which are well developed and thick with moderate flews and scissor bite teeth. The average lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff is 10-15 years. A male Tibetan Mastiff stands about 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs in the vicinity of 100 to 160 or more pounds. Females are at least 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 75 to 125 or more pounds.

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