August 26, 2024, 11:34 am | Read time: 6 minutes

The Tibetan Mastiff – also known as the Tibet Dog and Do Khyi – is considered the oldest dog breed in the East. Due to its temperamental character and strong protective instinct, it is only suitable for experienced dog owners.

Origin

For a long time, it was believed that the Tibetan Mastiff was the ancestor of all mastiff-like dogs. This is where its name, Tibetan Mastiff, comes from. However, DNA studies have since disproved this. The studies show that the Tibetan Mastiff is an original dog whose genetics have hardly been influenced by other dogs in recent years – partly due to the relatively isolated location of its region of origin.

The first imported dog of the breed came to England in 1847 and was a gift for Queen Victoria. King Edward VII brought two more Tibetan Mastiffs to Great Britain a few years later. The first Tibetan Mastiff Club was founded in 1931. However, the Second World War put an end to breeding by Europeans. It was not until the 1970s that breeders from Europe and America began to import dogs again to establish breeding facilities in America and Europe.

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered the most expensive dog breed in the world and is a popular status symbol, especially in China, due to its enormous size and imposing appearance. The price of a Tibetan Mastiff varies depending on its pedigree and can amount to several thousand dollars. The most expensive example of the breed was sold for around 1.5 million dollars in 2014.

Appearance and coat

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds. It has a muscular build with a square structure. Its head is heavy and broad but still appears in proportion with its body. Its ears are medium-sized and triangular, carried close to the body and falling forward. When the dog is attentive, however, they point forward. They are covered with short hair.

A characteristic of the Tibetan Mastiff is its impressive coat. This consists of a not-too-long top coat and a dense and woolly undercoat. This provides the dogs with ideal protection from the cold and wet weather. In the summer, they shed their undercoat and appear much slimmer. Males have a much more luxuriant coat than females. Around their neck and shoulders, the coat forms a mane-like feature. There, it is very full and somewhat longer. Their tails, which they carry curled over their backs, and their hind legs are also well feathered.

In terms of color, it comes in the variants deep black with or without tan markings, blue with or without tan markings, gold in all shades, and sable. All coat colors should be as pure as possible. A white star on the chest and minimal white markings on the paws are permitted according to the breed standard. The tan markings may be above the eyes, on the lower parts of the limbs, on the underside of the tail, and the muzzle. Markings around the eyes are also permitted.

Character and disposition

The Tibetan Mastiff is suspicious of strangers and loyal to its owners – characteristics that make him an ideal guard dog. Its self-confident and fearless demeanor also contributes to this. Their territorial behavior is assertive, and they have a natural instinct to protect their family and home. Although calm and affectionate around their family, their temperament should never be underestimated.

Upbringing

The Tibetan Mastiff is not a dog for beginners. Its particularly strong need for protection and its temperamental nature require a lot of dog experience. Consistent training and good socialization are extremely important for this breed. This is the only way to control the dog’s territorial behavior. If this is neglected, the four-legged friend will never tolerate strangers in its home; its protective instinct is too strong. Once a Tibetan Mastiff switches into the mode of protecting their family and home, it is difficult to stop them, and commands bounce off them. Therefore, the Tibetan Mastiff can become dangerous to others without suitable training.

His faithful and loyal nature can be put to good use in his upbringing. If it builds a close relationship with its owners, it will follow them under the right conditions. However, you cannot expect unrestricted obedience from him. He is too intelligent and self-determined for that.

For successful training, the training goals should be packaged in varied and positive activities, as the Tibetan Mastiff quickly becomes bored with the constant repetition of exercises.

Correct keeping and care

In contrast to other large dog breeds, shorter daily walks are sufficient for the Tibetan Mastiff, as this large four-legged friend is not keen on sports. As a former guard dog, it should be given enough time outdoors. A large garden it can enter at any time is ideal. The otherwise lively dog tends to be quiet indoors and enjoys being close to its owners. A close family bond is important to them; they also get on well with children. However, due to their size, you should not let them out of your sight when playing with children. Care should also be taken when it plays with other children. If things get a little wild, the Tibetan Mastiff may feel the need to intervene to protect its children.

Although the Tibetan Mastiff’s coat is luxuriant, it does not require as much grooming as one might expect from looking at it. Brushing it once a week is sufficient. Frequent bathing and shampooing should be avoided. During the shedding season, however, grooming becomes more intensive. Especially in the spring, they needs to be brushed daily. This is when they shed their thick undercoat and shed a lot.

Diet

As a large dog, the Tibetan Mastiff usually has a big appetite. To reduce the risk of gastric torsion, it is advisable to feed him several smaller meals throughout the day. The food should be of high quality and contain a balanced proportion of nutrients to meet the breed’s needs, especially with regard to joints and cartilage.

Susceptibility to certain diseases

The Tibetan Mastiff is generally considered a robust dog breed. However, eye diseases and hip dysplasia can occasionally occur. Reputable breeders have their dogs checked for these diseases by a vet.

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The Tibetan Mastiff, at a glance

• Character: intelligent, alert, spirited
• Size: 61-76 cm
• Weight: 34-68 kg
• Coat: long
• Exercise requirement: moderate
• Average life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Special features: one of the most expensive dogs in the world