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Tibetan Mastiff

Breed Profile

The Tibetan Mastiff is a big Tibetan dog breed in the mastiff family. Stemming from nomadic tribes from Tibet, China, Pakistan, India, Mongolia and Nepal, it is used by local tribes of Tibetans to protect sheep from wolves, leopards, bears, large mustelids, and tigers. A study suggested that the Tibetan Mastiff lineage diverged about 60,000 years ago. In 2011, another study by the same authors concluded that there was a genetic relationship between the Tibetan Mastiff and the Great Pyrenees, Bernese mountain dog, Rottweiler and Saint Bernard, and that these large breed dogs were most likely partially descended from the Tibetan Mastiff.

Temperament

As a flock guardian dog both in Tibet and in the West, it uses all the usual livestock guardian tactics to chase potential predators. Like all flock guardian breeds, they have a high IQ, and are known to be stubborn and strong-willed. Therefore obedience training is recommended, although its obstinate nature makes it quite challenging.

Color & Coat

Coat: The coat is distinctly heavier in males than in females and is thick and quite long, especially around the neck and shoulders.

Color: They come in a spectrum of wide variety of hues, including solid black, black and tan, various shades of red and bluish-gray, often with white markings.

Living Environment

As a socialized, more domestic dog, the Tibetan Mastiff will thrive in a big fenced yard with a canine companion. It is not suitable for apartment living. The Western-bred dogs are typically cooler, although they are known to be a bit aloof with strangers coming to their home.

Health

The breed has fewer genetic health problems than most breeds, nevertheless cases can be found of hypothyroidism, entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, skin problems including allergies, autoimmune problems including demodex, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, missing teeth, malocclusion (overbite, underbite, wry mouth), cardiac problems, seizures, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataract, and small ear canals with a tendency for infection. As with most large breeds, there will be some which will experience have elbow or hip dysplasia.