Tibetan Mastiff: Personality, Exercise, Grooming

Group: Mastiff

About Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful dog with a sturdy bone structure. It is a very large dog with a broad, massive head and a heavy, dense, medium-length coat. The bear-like head is wedged-shaped with a wide, blunt muzzle. The upper lip usually covers the lower lip. The nose is large and generally black. The teeth form a scissors or level bite. The v-shaped, thick-leathered ears hang down.

Personality

The Tibetan Mastiff is very protective and territorial. Even-tempered, calm and thoughtful. Dignified and very loyal to its own family. It is by and large loving with children but, distrusts and is reserved with strangers. Brave and fearless when properly socialized.

Somewhat strong-willed and very determined, but with a desire to please. Patient and highly intelligent it was bred to take initiative. Tibetan Mastiffs should be supervised when introduced to other animals, but can do well if it is raised with them.

If the owner wishes to add a second dog to the household, a mellow individual of the opposite sex, spayed or neutered, preferably of a non-dominant breed, is recommended.

Exercise

The Tibetan Mastiff requires daily walks, but should not be over-exercised. Jogging is too hard on the joints due to the breed's size. It was bred to have an average demand for exercise and will enjoy going with you for a walk in the woods, but they are not particularly enthusiastic about playing with a ball or anything like that.

Grooming

The Tibetan Mastiff should be brushed regularly. In the winter the coat has an abundance of very thick hair. The thick double coat sheds only once per year during a four week period in spring and/or summer. During this time it should be brushed and combed for at least a half hour each day. The Tibetan Mastiff is good for allergy sufferers.

Health Issues

Prone to hip dysplasia, skin conditions, thyroid problems, ear infections, and an unusual genetic problem called Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN). CIDN symptoms usually appear at 7-10 weeks. If a puppy has this condition, he will die before 4 months of age. There is no test currently known for the disease and carriers can only be identified through mating. Ask the breeder about CIDN history in their lines and avoid lines with evidence of the disease if you would like to breed your dog.

Height: 25-28 inches (61-71 cm.)

Weight: 140-170 pounds (64-78 kg.)

Life Expectancy: About 15 or more years.