Origin: Tibet
Origin of Name: The name Tibetan mastiff is a misnomer, as the breed is not a true mastiff.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Large | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
Nobody really knows for sure. The breed is so ancient, and Tibet has always been so isolated, that it is impossible to tell how and when TM came. We know that for millennia they were powerful patrons of the Himalayas, and they are believed to be the ancestors of all modern mastiffs. Evidence suggests that early travelers to Tibet were sometimes given as gifts to these giants, which were used to create mastiff breeds of the Middle East and Europe.
Tibetan mastiffs are double coated, with heavy, woolen undercoats and thick guard hairs. They have a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming for most of the year. It is necessary to brush weekly with a slicker or a long pin brush to remove surface dirt, and use a wide-toothed comb on the tail, mane, and breech to remove tangles. TMs "blow up" their undercoats once a year in late spring or summer in large-scale shedding. During this time, it is best to use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool. By breed standard, TM has to be shown naturally; No clipping or trimming is acceptable except for shaping the legs and making the hawks look clean.
Tibetan mastiffs do not respond well to traditional obedience training. They are highly intelligent, learn quickly, and do not feel the need to repeat what they already know. If they respect and believe their decision they will do what their boss asks of them - but if there are any questions, TM will follow their instinct on training. Breeds in general are not food-driven, and they do not reliably respond to behavior as a training tool. They are also notorious for performing flawlessly in the classroom and completely ignoring all orders when they are once again at home. They do not have a reliable recall and should never rely on a lease.
The Tibetan mastiff requires daily moderate exercise, but it does not need to be as an organized activity. TMs prefer to focus on work-related tasks, such as patrolling their territory, rather than in a structured game, such as chasing flying discs or playing fetch. They are more active in cold climates. They conserve energy until needed, exhibit only short bursts of activity, and lack endurance. They make good throw-rugs in winter and air-conditioner vent covers in summer!
The Tibetan Mastiff should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Tibetan mastiffs eat far less than expected for their size, as adults may require only two to four cups of quality food per day. They only eat when they are hungry, and it is not uncommon for TMs to give up food altogether. When it is the season for women, men often refuse to eat for a week or more and can reduce their body weight by 10 to 15 percent. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Tibetan Mastiffs do not require any special diet.
The Tibetan mastiff is a relatively healthy breed, and responsible breeders will examine their stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies, including entropion and ectropion. Seizures have been reported, but this problem is not prevalent in the breed.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: