Tibetan mastiff: all about the breed, description of the dog and photo

Characteristics

Brief information

1. Pros and Cons of the Tibetan Mastiff
2. Description of the Tibetan Mastiff
3. Head
4. Eyes
5. Ears
6. Neck
7. Frame
8. Tail
9. limbs
10. Gait/Movement
11. Wool
12. Color
13. Size and weight
14. The nature of the Tibetan Mastiff
15. Education and training
16. Tibetan Mastiff Care
17. Conditions of detention
18. How to Feed Tibetan Mastiffs
19. Health
20. History reference
21. Photo of Tibetan mastiffs
22. Who is this breed for?
23. How to choose a puppy
24. Photo of Tibetan mastiff puppies
25. Tibetan mastiff price

Pros and Cons of the Tibetan Mastiff

Benefits of the Tibetan Mastiff:

Cons of the Tibetan Mastiff:

Description of the Tibetan Mastiff

The first European who saw the Mastiff was the Italian traveler Marco Polo. He described them like this: this dog is as tall as a donkey, and her voice is like a trumpet bass, like that of a lion. This is a truly impressive breed. Not only the voice of the Tibetan mastiff resembles a lion. Impressive size, stature, thick coat, calm and imposing character all this makes the Tibetans not just a dog, but a real domestic lion and a symbol of luxury. It is not for nothing that in China it is the Tibetan Mastiff that is a sign of prosperity. Every wealthy Chinese man who owns a mansion with a garden and an expensive car considers it his duty to own one or more mastiffs. Dogs walk around the green area like kind lions and guard the owner’s property.

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds. One individual weighs as much as 25 chihuahuas. They are strong, even powerful, dogs with a muscular build.

Head

Large, its dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the case. Skull strong, rounded. The occipital protuberance is pronounced and well visible.

The muzzle is wide, if you look at the dog from the side, it has the shape of a square. The forehead stands out well.

The nose is wide, the nostrils are large. Black, well pigmented.

The jaw is massive and strong, the lips fit snugly to it. On the lateral side in adults there may be a pronounced fold. There are no gaps between the teeth, the upper incisors cover those located on the lower jaw. The bite may be scissor or level. 

Eyes

They are oval in shape, stand wide apart and slightly slanted. Iris brown, well pigmented. Saturated color is considered an advantage. The eyelids are close to the eyeballs.

Ears

Set above the eyes and triangular. Directed forward and slightly sloping. If the dog is excited or alert, they may rise and take a standing position.

Neck

Well muscled, broad and strong. The scruff is clearly visible, there is a slight dewlap. Thick hair grows on the neck, which forms a mane. It is more pronounced in females than in males.

Frame

Strong, well muscled. Powerful back smoothly into a wide croup. The chest has a pronounced heart shape. Ribs rounded. The lower line of the chest is located below the line of the elbows.

Tail

Set high enough, medium length. Located on the back, during the movement of the animal rises. It has long thick hair.

limbs

The forelimbs are strong, with well-defined articulation angles. Shoulders well muscled, sloping. They go into a straight forearm. Elbows look back. Turning in or out is considered abnormal. Pasterns are slightly inclined. The paws are large, the fingers are tightly pressed to each other.

Hind limbs stand parallel to each other. This is clearly seen if you look at the dog from behind. The thighs are elongated, with developed muscles. Knees stand out. Dewclaws are most often removed, but their presence is acceptable. The pads of the fingers can be black or deep brown.

Gait/Movement

In the movements of the dog, a combination of power and lightness is visible. The Tibetan Mastiff pushes off strongly with its limbs and brings them forward to a sufficient length. Accelerating, the dog moves its paws to the center line of the body. When walking calmly, the movements of the dog are noble and unhurried.

Wool

The Tibetan Mastiff has two coat types. The first one is long and hard. And under it there is a fluffy, soft and densely stuffed undercoat. In the spring, the dog begins to molt, and most of it falls out. Long hair forms a beautiful and noble mane on the neck of the animal, which smoothly falls on the shoulders. There are pronounced featherings on the back of the limbs.

Color

The Tibetan Mastiff according to the standard can have the following colors:

The purer the shade of the Tibetan Mastiff’s coat, the higher the value of the dog. The tan color may be light chestnut or more intense. A white mark on the chest is acceptable, and “glasses” may be on the eyes.

Size and weight

According to the standard, the minimum height of males must be at least 66 centimeters at the withers, and females 61. Dogs weigh between 64 and 78 kilograms.

The nature of the Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is calm, devoted to his master and work. These dogs only seem ferocious, aggressive and dangerous from the outside, in fact they are very affectionate, especially with children, they love spending time with their families, but at the same time they are not alien to the desire for solitude. They can lie next to the owner for hours. The Tibetan Mastiff is a reliable protector of his family and territory. The monks trusted this breed to protect the monasteries, relying on their power and strong voice.

Tibetan mastiffs have been watchmen for many centuries, they are used to sleeping during the day and awake at night, so adults are not too active during daylight hours, which cannot be said about puppies. Tibetan mastiff puppies are very cheerful and cheerful, they love to have fun with the household.

Like all large breeds, Tibetan mastiffs mature for a long time, for this reason they can remain playful and carefree up to 3-4 years. At the same time, constant growth requires a lot of strength from them, so puppies sleep a lot and soundly. The Mastiff will only obey if properly trained, which will allow the person and the dog to understand each other. This is a rather wayward dog, you should not expect unquestioning obedience from it, but you can teach it elementary commands.

At the first meeting with an adult Tibetan Mastiff, you may get the impression that this is a self-confident, calm and independent animal. And this opinion will be fully justified. This dog has a very strong sense of self. Therefore, he will demand an appropriate attitude towards himself. There is no nervousness in the character of this giant. Cowardice or unreasonable aggression is considered a vice. The Tibetan Mastiff is reserved in his emotions. He behaves like a real king, so he does not allow himself to raise a fuss over trifles.

This breed has the instincts of a guard of its territory in its blood. After all, it was these skills that were brought up in it from ancient times. This is also the reason why dogs become more active at night. During the day, they prefer to sleep off and gain strength in order to take up their guard post at night. Don’t punish your dog if it barks or makes noise when you go on vacation. The Tibetan Mastiff may begin to bark if he hears a suspicious noise or rustle, which he regards as a potential danger. This should be taken into account if your neighbors have a negative attitude towards such dog behavior, because its loud barking will be heard throughout the area.

The Tibetan Mastiff will be wary of strangers. Especially when the owner is nearby. But a giant will never show aggression unless there is a clear reason for it. Do not hesitate, in case of danger, not a single movement of an uninvited guest will escape from this skillful guard. One can only envy the intuition of this dog. He literally sees people through.

The Tibetan Mastiff is distinguished by unsociableness, so he does not approve of large and noisy companies. It is unlikely that your pet will be able to put up with regular guests in your house. After all, he considers it his own too. This also applies to children. If he perceives his little masters as friends, then he will be wary of their friends. Especially if children start active games and fights. The dog may regard this situation as a potential threat to his family members. If he stands up for their defense, then this will be dangerous, given the large size of the animal.

In relation to other pets, the Tibetan Mastiff can take a dominant position. The exception will be those pets that grew up with the dog. Then he will accept them into his “flock”. Otherwise, there will be rivalry.

Don’t let your dog get bored. These giants can start destroying everything that catches their eye. If you want to keep your yard and furniture intact, then make sure you have enough toys and physical activity for the Tibetan Mastiff. He will be happy to catch up with a Frisbee, run after a bike or wallow in the snow.

Education and training

These are wayward dogs not for beginner dog breeders. They differ from other breeds in their detached character, distracted attention, calmness and some infantilism. They are difficult to bribe with goodies, they do not respond to tough commands. Just remember that these dogs have guarded Tibetan monks for hundreds of years and do not demand instant submission from them. This breed does not perceive a person as a leader of the pack. Rather, considers the owner equal to himself. Due to all these factors, standard training programs are not suitable for this breed. They need a special approach based on trust and love. Training is preferably carried out under the supervision of a cynologist.

If the dog does not recognize the leader in the owner, then all training attempts will be in vain. This is due to the stubbornness and pride that are present in the character of the dog. Your patience is the key to success. And screams and rudeness in the process of raising a puppy can make him a real uncontrollable monster in the future.

To achieve sustainable results in education, training can take several years. Therefore, the owner of the Tibetan mastiff needs to be ready for this in advance. After all, classes will take a lot of time. If it is not there, then the only way out will be lessons from a professional dog handler.

This breed needs imprinting. This is a special set of actions that allow the dog to learn to fully trust his master. These, at first glance, formidable giants are in great need of affection and approval. It is worth noting that many dogs of this breed have a habit of chewing on the clothes of their owners. But it is not worth punishing them for this behavior, because in this way animals express their recognition. So be prepared to donate some of your clothes or shoes.

Tibetan Mastiffs are very important to socialize from an early age. From the age of three months, the puppy should be more often among people, as well as other animals. This will help the dog understand that he is not the center of the universe. It will be good if your friends start coming to your house so that the pet can get to know them as a child. Then he will not show aggression and alertness towards them when he grows up.

When walking, do not walk on the beaten paths. Always change location. This will help the pet not get bored, as well as master new territory. The dog will be better socialized and more tolerant of other dogs and animals.

Tibetan Mastiff Care

To keep a dog you will need:

The Tibetan Mastiff has a thick, long coat and a very dense undercoat. A dog of this breed must be combed at least once a week, washed as it gets dirty, but at least once a month. In the cold season, the wool becomes thicker, so by the summer the Tibetans begin to shed. At this time, the dog needs to be brushed more often. You also need to periodically cut the hair on the paws between the toes. Small stones, burdocks and tangles can get stuck there. In advanced cases, this can lead to inflammation. Do not forget to inspect the ears of dogs and wipe them with a cotton pad, as representatives of this breed can have otitis.

Show Mastiffs require more care. Groomers maintain a characteristic breed appearance a shaggy mane and a neat body and muzzle.

If tangles appear on the coat of the Tibetan mastiff, then it is necessary to use a special tangle cutter. These troubles can occur due to insufficient care for the hair in the ears, neck and paws.

Never use a human hair clipper. This can cause inflammation on the skin, as well as a violation of the thermoregulation of the body. Avoid frequent bathing. They can worsen the functioning of the sebaceous glands, and the dog will have a characteristic unpleasant smell of dog. It is better to use dry shampoo or simply wipe the contaminated areas with a damp towel. In winter, after bathing, you need to dry the dog thoroughly so that it does not freeze in the fresh air.

To care for the claws of the Tibetan Mastiff, you will need a nail cutter. To smooth the nails after shortening, use a nail file. Before the procedure, it is better to steam the paws in warm water to make it easier. It is useful to lubricate the pads on the fingers with oil. This will prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Brush your dog’s teeth several times a month. For this, a brush or nozzle on the finger is suitable. Paste should be used specially designed for animals. If a stone has already appeared on the teeth, then it can be removed with the help of ultrasonic cleaning at the veterinarian. For prevention, the dog can be given special dental bones. They gently clean teeth while chewing.

Conditions of detention

Such a large dog will not be very comfortable even in a medium-sized apartment. A home with a large yard is best for a Tibetan Mastiff. You also need to walk with the mastiff. Long quiet walks are suitable for dogs that do not live in a large area.

Mastiff, like other animals, should not be kept in a cage. This leads to a deterioration in health, because, despite the lack of an inclination to active pastime, they also need to splash out energy. However, the mastiff must have an aviary with a high net and a concrete bottom. If the enclosure is without a bottom, then the puppies can dig and run away. If there is no high net, adult dogs can jump over the fence and show their guard qualities on the other side of your territory. It is also important to ensure that the dog does not overheat during the hot season: it should always have the opportunity to hide in a cool place from the heat and direct sunlight.

How to Feed Tibetan Mastiffs

In feeding this breed of dogs, it is better to give preference to industrial feeds. The diet should be high in calories and nutrients. Since the Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog breed, it can be prone to obesity. Therefore, it is better to choose foods with a low carbohydrate content. Protein should be the main source of energy.

Industrial dog food is the perfect choice for your dog. It is developed taking into account all the physiological needs of certain breeds. The food contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients that allow dogs to remain healthy and cheerful throughout their lives. A balanced diet is very important, so when choosing a food, be sure to study its composition. It should contain sources of animal fats and carbohydrates, as well as sufficient fiber for digestion. The average caloric intake for a Tibetan Mastiff is between 450 and 470 calories per 100 grams of pellets.

The ideal food should contain the following ingredients:

Inexpensive feed contains less meat, it is replaced with offal. Therefore, it is better to feed the Tibetan Mastiff with premium and super-premium diets.

Mixed feeding should not be allowed. The diet should consist entirely of dry or wet food. Therefore, do not feed the dog from your table. Smoked, fried, salty and sweet can cause digestive problems, as well as provoke the appearance of more serious health problems from the Tibetan mastiff.

For puppies, feeding bitches and elderly dogs, it is better to choose the appropriate food. Portations are calculated based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Overfeeding negatively affects dogs and can cause obesity.

Health

These dogs rarely get sick and live for a long time. Some individuals live up to 17 years. But there is a predisposition to such diseases:

It should also be remembered that dogs of large breeds are susceptible to diseases of the heart and joints due to large weight.

Do not forget to make vaccination in time your pet. This will protect him from many fatal diseases for animals. In the warm season, it is necessary to treat the dog from fleas and ticks. Once a quarter, the dog is given an anthelmintic.

History reference

Perhaps the Tibetan Mastiff can be called one of the oldest breeds on earth. It is believed to be over 2500 years old. The first mention of these dogs dates back to 1121 BC. uh. The Chinese book of Shu King mentions that mastiffs guarded monasteries, herds of yaks and houses of monks. There is no exact information to help determine the origin of the breed. According to one data, the black Tibetan wolf was the ancestor of mastiffs. And other studies show that the ancestor of the breed was the Chinese watchdogs of merchants who passed through the mountains of Tibet. Still others are completely sure that the Tibetan Mastiff is the ancestor of all modern Molossian breeds. The Molossian group is one of the largest in the world. It includes bulldogs, boxers, St. Bernards, Rottweilers, etc. d.

Mastiffs appeared in Europe in the mid-19th century, when the Viceroy of India, Lord Harding, presented a Tibetan mastiff puppy to Queen Victoria of England. Later, Edward VII brought two dogs with him to England. But the first offspring of mastiffs in Europe appeared only at the very end of the 19th century in the Berlin Zoo.

Who is this breed for?

The power and beauty of this breed discourages and captivates at the same time. Many will want to get such a giant as a pet. But before you get a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, you need to carefully consider this step.

This dog is suitable for owners of large houses with an impressive territory. Since the Tibetan Mastiff cannot be kept on a chain, he will need freedom to move around. If you have a poorly fenced area, you will have to build a high and strong fence. A dog of this size will have no difficulty jumping over a low fence or digging a hole under it. For owners of apartments, even large ones, the Tibetan Mastiff will not be the best option.

You need to spend time with your dog actively. Even if you live in a private house, the dog needs to be walked outside of it. If you do not pay attention to the dog, then he will start to get bored. In order to somehow entertain himself, the dog will begin to mischief and attract attention.

It takes a lot of effort and time to educate and train this breed. It takes persistence and patience. Therefore, this breed is not suitable for people who are quick-tempered and aggressive, as well as too soft and compassionate. It is important for the Tibetan Mastiff to feel the leader in his master.

With children, the dog will not have problems. She will become their big plush friend. But if there are very young children in the family, then you need to ensure that the dog does not inadvertently injure them. He can accidentally crush the baby with the weight of his body or knock him down.

Take time to take care of your dog. If you do not follow her hair, then she will stray into tangles. They not only spoil the appearance of the dog, but also cause him inconvenience. Talk to your neighbors ahead of time and let them know if you’re getting a Tibetan Mastiff. After all, his loud barking can disturb them. If you wake up at dawn and go to bed early, then you should be ready for the night activity of these dogs. It is in the evening that they prefer to communicate with their owners.

Fans of noisy parties will be disappointed that the dog does not share their hobbies with them. Representatives of this breed prefer silence and solitude.

Anyone who gets a Tibetan Mastiff should be prepared to spend on his food. To feed such a bear cub, you will need a high-quality diet in a considerable amount. If you already have animals, then it can be difficult. It is better to take a Tibetan Mastiff as a first pet. Or “settling” neighbors to him as a puppy.

How to choose a puppy

If you want to be sure of the purebredness of your future pet, then you need to buy it from experienced breeders in specialized nurseries. Those who are interested in the pedigree of the Tibetan mastiff should be interested in it in advance. Ask breeders to provide all information about the puppy’s parents. It will be useful to you if you are going to visit exhibitions with the dog and will participate in competitions with him. There is literally a queue for purebred puppies in leading kennels. Therefore, you can pre-book a puppy from a couple who is planning to mate. Or choose it when the kids are already born.

When you first meet the puppies, pay attention to the state in which they and their mother are kept. The room must be clean. The Tibetan Mastiff bitch must be well fed. When choosing a future pet, pay attention to its appearance. The coat should be thick and shiny. Eyes must not tear. The puppy must be well-fed, with wide paws and a muzzle. He looks like a teddy bear.

See how the baby behaves. He should not be afraid of you or show aggression. All these qualities are considered a vice. The puppy must show interest in a new person, be interested in playing with him.

Tibetan mastiff price