Alpha Canines: TIBETAN MASTIFF

ALOOF & STRONG WILLED

General Appearance:

The overall picture created is that of a large, powerful dog, sturdily built and well-balanced with short legs, if compared to the body. His expression is alert and noble. The thick, heavily-feathered tail is carried high over the back, nicely balancing the head. The body is square with a distinctive double coat and a proudly worn ruff around the neck and shoulders extending to the occiput. Head is outstanding and massive with a powerfull and heavy muzzle which is squarish from all angles and flat from when seen from above.

The teeth form a scissors bite with an extremley strong jaw line.

Temperament:

Tibetan Mastiff is not a dog for everyone and specially meek owners. It's a responsibility and requires strong willed , confident owner. As a breed they are over protective and extremley territorial.

Each Tibetan Mastiff has its own personality, but generally, the Tibetan Mastiff is very protective brave, loyal. and territorial dog. Its temperament is excellent with children of own family and Good with other pets if properly introduced.

The native type of dog, which still exists in Tibet, and the Westernized purebred breed can vary in temperament. Elizabeth Schuler states, "The few individuals that remain in Tibet are ferocious and aggressive, unpredictable in their behavior, and very difficult to train. But the dogs bred by the English are obedient and attached to their masters." Others claim that the ferocity of those in Tibet is due to selective breeding and their training as guard dogs rather than companion dogs, as reflected by their Tibetan name, "tied dogs." Many breeders throughout Asia are now seeking to preserve and breed the larger, original, more protective Tibetan Mastiff while Western breeders have sought to stabilize the temperament, in both size varieties.

As a flock guardian dog in Tibet, it is tenacious in its ability to confront predators the size of wolves and leopards. As a socialized, more domestic Western dog, it thrives in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is not an appropriate dog for apartment living. The Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. Leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not recommended. They are very lazy. They can sleep all day and be very active at night.
Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience training is recommended since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guarding instincts. They are excellent family dogs.
Newspaper reports have suggested that a pair of these Mastiffs have killed tigers while guarding sheep in the highlands of Nepal

Health:

Normally a healthy breed. Prone to hip dysplasia, which is common in all large dog breeds.

Adaptability:

Excellent. One of the most highly adaptable breed of the world, can adapt to extreme climatic conditions hot or cold. Normally inactive indoors and best suited for large yard or farmhouses. Imagine if a 80 kg young mastiff will jump inside the house , then everything including kids can be seen flying.

Guarding Potential:

Excellent. The Tibetan Mastiff is known for being a night-time barker, and has a booming voice. This can be a problem in packed neighborhoods. More mature dogs can develop restraint, but getting to that point can take a deal of patience. This is one area where a Tibetan Mastiff's stubbornness can defeat even the most determined owner.

Amount of Exercise:

Moderate. Jogging is too hard on the joints due to the breed's size. Be careful that the bones, muscles, and joints of the young dog are not overworked during the growing stage by overdoing physical exercise. It should never be over-exercised.

Amount of Grooming:

It should be brushed regularly. Give bath a few times per year only when very necessary. They shed a lot.

Coat Type:

Body is covered with an undercoat of soft, short, dense wool with longer and harsher hair growing through it to form the outer coat. Hair are fine but hard, straight and stand-off. Never silky, curly or wavy. Heavy undercoat, when present, rather woolly.

Intelligence:

Highly Intelligent but Aloof.

Trainability:

Average (Not a dog for Obedience Shows)

Dominance:

Dominating breed.

Size:

Dogs minimum 26" (66 cm).Bitches minimum 24" (61 cm).

Weight - around 75- 80kg

TIBETAN MASTIFF

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