| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Tibetan Mastiff is the “parent” of many modern Molosser breeds.
This breed is a legendary dog due to its ancient origins and because it has managed to maintain its characteristic appearance over time. The Tibetan Mastiff dog breed was developed in Tibet, where it is endangered.
In the 19th century, some British explorers brought specimens to London that ended up in the zoo. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish two varieties of this dog breed: the Tibetan Mastiff coming from Tibet and the one coming from England.
The former is almost impossible to tame as it is fierce and aggressive, while the latter is much friendlier.
Tibetan Mastiff: Origins
The Tibetan Mastiff originated in Tibet. It is recognized by the AKC and the FCI (Standard N° 230).
This breed is literally surrounded by legends that have existed for centuries. Aristotle described the Tibetan Mastiff as fierce dogs that were born from the crossbreeding of dogs and tigers. Marco Polo described them as tall as an ass and powerful as a lion. The latest version is that of the English explorers of the 19th century, who introduced some specimens in England that ended up in the London Zoo.
The Tibetan Mastiff is often said to be the progenitor of many modern Molosser breeds. This is because, being isolated in Tibet’s highlands, the breed retained the most characteristic Molosser traits. It has maintained this appearance, power, and majesty since its origins. However, today there is a variant of this dog breed that is friendlier.
The Tibetan Mastiff is no longer considered a dangerous and ferocious animal. Thanks to its variant, it is praised for its peaceful temperament and easiness of living in a home.
Tibetan Mastiff: Use
What can we say about today’s Tibetan Mastiff? No doubt it is a guard dog. It has a lunatic temperament and it is not easy to handle. The Tibetan Mastiff needs to be close to its owner. This breed is obsessively protective. At home, this dog maintains its independence and it may even seem rather cold and distant.
The Tibetan Mastiff is not for everyone. It must be socialized from puppyhood to soften its temperament. This breed is not fond of strangers and children. Even though it spends most of its time sleeping, it is a dog that prefers to live in a big house with a backyard rather than in an apartment. In other words, it needs large spaces and being outdoors. The Tibetan Mastiff is very attentive to every little movement and to any kind of noise.
This breed’s life expectancy is 14-15 years. Besides, it is generally healthy. It is a strong and brave dog. The diet of the Tibetan Mastiff should receive special attention, especially when it is a puppy, as it has a slow and steady growth.
It is a big dog that was also considered the most expensive dog in the world until last year. A Chinese man bought a Tibetan Mastiff puppy for more than one million dollars. This breed, which is not inexpensive to groom, is a victim of breeders who often crossbreed it with other breeds or perform “lifting” operations to increase its marketability.
Tibetan Mastiff: Weight and Physical Characteristics
The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant-sized breed. Clearly, it is one of the largest dogs in the world. It has a large and heavy head. It has a thick mane. The muzzle is short and broad. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and hang gracefully. They are carried forward when on alert. The ears are covered with short, soft hair.
The Tibetan Mastiff’s eyes are brown, oval, and slightly slanted. The medium-length tail is curled at the back and covered with a long, thick layer of hairs.
This bread may be found in a wide variety of colors, including solid black, brown, black, and tan, various shades of red and bluish-gray. It is an impressive and strong dog with a solid bone build. Limbs are straight and strong. The Tibetan Mastiff has the build of a great fighter. Male Tibetan Mastiff is 26 inches (66 cm) tall and weighs 99-159 lbs (45-72 kg). Female Tibetan Mastiff is 24 inches (61 cm) tall and weighs 75-119 lbs (34-54 kg).
Tibetan Mastiff: Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of this breed is 14 to 15 years. In addition, they generally have no health problems. Their diet should be balanced and rich in nutrients, especially during the first months of life.
Tibetan Mastiff: Temperament
This dog breed is not for everyone. This is a demanding dog. As far as their temperament is concerned, it is necessary to differentiate the Tibetan Mastiffs found in Tibet and are endangered, from those who live in England.
The former is certainly much more aggressive and fierce. Besides, it is not easy to train. On the other hand, those from England are obedient and really attached to their owner.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a guard dog that is among the best guard dogs on the planet. Due to its body size, it is best to keep it in open spaces. This breed is not suitable for apartment life. The Tibetan Mastiff is always on alert.
It is attached to its family, which it protects as it considers it its foremost responsibility. Although independent, it needs constant contact with its family.
Tibetan Mastiff: Price and Breeder Establishments
An interesting detail of this breed is undoubtedly its price. Today, a Tibetan Mastiff’s price varies between 1600 and 2500 dollars (1400-2100 English pounds). The Tibetan Mastiff won the title of the most expensive dog in the world. A Chinese businessman paid 12 million yuan for a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, equivalent to 1,8 million dollars.
Until last year, this breed really had very high prices. But now its market has shrunk significantly. There was a golden period when all breeders aimed to breed this breed.
Then, breeders began to engage in inappropriate, not to say illegal, behavior by crossing this breed with other specimens that had no pedigree to make these dogs look more powerful, and therefore more interesting to potential buyers.
Tibetan Mastiff: Puppies For Sale
It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
If you adopt a puppy, the reliable breeder will provide you with a veterinary certificate that states that the animal has been dewormed and is completely healthy.
You can always ask for the pedigree, which is essential: it allows you to check the dog’s breed’s purity. An animal with a pedigree has certain characteristics of its breed that differentiate it from the rest.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
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