Tibetan mastiff as a puppy

Tibetan mastiff as a puppy, the most prestigious dog in the world related to royalty

Since their origins, these dogs have been related to royalty. The first of them documented outside of Tibet and sent to Queen Victoria by a viceroy of India. Then the Prince of Wales too, seduced by his charms, got two Tibetan Mastiffs.

Since it was mentioned by Aristotle, there is a breed of dog that is currently recognized as the most prestigious in the world. It is the Tibetan Mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff, a beautiful breed of canines.

It was known about these dogs when for the first time the famous Italian traveler and merchant Marco Polo mentioned them in his writings where, among other things, he said that even the barking of this breed was different from what the world would have heard. 

Since their origins, these dogs have been related to royalty. The first of them documented outside of Tibet and sent to Queen Victoria by a viceroy of India. Then the Prince of Wales too, seduced by his charms, got two tibetan mastiff as a puppy.

This canine breed is considered one of the oldest documented and is not extinct. Even in the Himalayas there are dogs of the Tibetan Mastiff breed, accustomed to these cold environments.

What is the Tibetan Mastiff like?

It is a large and heavy dog, with a huge coat; in fact they are often compared to lions for this characteristic. They are noble-looking dogs, although visually imposing; they are usually companions, protectors and guides.

The Tibetan Mastiff is said to be slow to mature, females mature in two to three years, while males could take up to four years. Their weight is normally between 40 and 75 kilos.

How is its coat?

You will never see a Tibetan Mastiff with wavy or curly fur. The root of their fur is smooth, thick and smooth; males have more hair than females, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. The quality of the hair of this breed is unmatched, as is the brightness of it. Its entire neck is covered with hair; it resembles a lion's mane. Have you ever seen a Tibetan Mastiff?

Tibetan mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff, from the Himalayas, is the oldest breed of dog in the East. His enormous stature and innate protective instinct make him an imposing guardian of houses, farms, and livestock. As a family dog, it requires proper professional training at an early stage.

Appearance

Aristotle was already fascinated by this great dog from the distant mountains of the Himalayas and described it as a dog with "colossal bones, muscular, heavy, and stubborn and with a wide snout [...]". Nor could Marco Polo, who traveled through Asia in the 13th century, have been able to ignore this mighty mountain dog and portrayed him in his travel diary as "big as a donkey, with a voice as powerful as that of a lion."

Big like a donkey and mighty like a lion?

Indeed, the Tibetan Mastiff, also called the Tibetan Mastiff, belongs to the large breeds, with a shoulder height of at least 66 cm in males, but it does not reach the height of an ass. Bitches are at least 24 inches tall, making them somewhat smaller, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. Depending on the sex, height and physical constitution, the weight of this impressive breed can be 36-72 kg. Not only its deep bark is reminiscent of the lion, but also its dense double fur around the shoulders, like a mane.

Perfect winter coat in harsh climates

The tail and upper part of the hind legs of the Tibetan Mastiff are as hairy as the neck. But the rest of the body also has a lot of fur that provides effective protection against cold, wind and storms with a dense coat made up of a strong undercoat in winter and an outer layer of thick and straight hair. The dog's hair was perfectly adapted to the harsh climate of its homeland. In spring, when the Himalayan valleys are hot again, it loses its thick undercoat and takes on a very different, slimmer appearance.

Thick hair of many colors

The Tibetan Mastiff has bushy hair in the broadest sense of the term. It's robust and totally immune to the weather, and it's never silky, curly, or wavy. There are the following color variants:

Deep black

Black with fire marks

Blue / slate gray

Blue / slate gray with fire markings

Gold in all shades, from golden yellow to deep red gold

A white star-shaped marking on the chest or legs is allowed on all variants.

Athletic and always alert

Despite its powerful and heavy appearance, the Tibetan Mastiff can be very athletic and agile. The ears, small or medium compared to the robust and broad head, point forward when alert. The intensely bushy tail is curled on its back. This innate guard dog is always attentive and nothing goes unnoticed, not even when he closes his eyes from exhaustion.

Character

The Tibetan Mastiff carries the surveillance of its territory in its blood. He distrusts strangers; he is faithful to his caretaker and has a confident and undaunted presence, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. By nature, he has all the characteristics that define a guard dog. His territorial behavior is very marked and does not need any additional reinforcement.

The importance of training and socialization

As a family dog, he must be able to fulfill his natural role. However, you have to teach him the limits of his protective instinct since he was a puppy. Only with consistent training and thorough socialization can he be able to accept strangers into his territory. Otherwise, it is very difficult to master the mighty Tibetan Mastiff in crucial situations. The protection of his family and his territory is above all, so he does not give up with a simple "out." And it is that, when he is in protection mode, he no longer attends to orders.

The Tibetan Mastiff learns fast, but only when he wants

Despite his primitive instinct, his rejection of everything unknown and his stubbornness, the Tibetan Mastiff can be trained and become a friendly and trustworthy companion dog. After all, he is not only stubborn, but also absolutely faithful and loyal to his family. He develops an extremely deep relationship with his humans and follows them willingly, as long as his orders make sense. He cannot be asked for blind obedience, as he is too intelligent and mentally independent. But if you treat him with the necessary combination of love and determination, you are surprised how quickly he can learn ... when he wants to.

What to keep in mind in your education

Repeating or teaching certain exercises constantly will quickly bore him. Therefore, it is best to present the training objectives with varied, creative and, above all, positive activities. Especially in the first 16 weeks of life it is important that you do not demand too much of him. Don't be stubborn if he is nervous, scared, or reserved at first. Give him the time he needs to learn. It may take four years for the Tibetan Mastiff to consolidate his character and reach intellectual maturity, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. Don't let this make you doubt and deviate from your goal. Don't avoid encounters with other people and animals; you better approach new things with caution. In the end, your patience and perseverance will pay off. Everything that the Tibetan Mastiff learns in his youth he will accept without problems throughout his life.

Story

Instinctive vigilance and protection of their territory are intimately related to the ancient history of this breed. About 3,000 years ago, the Tibetan Mastiff served the Himalayan transhumant herders to protect livestock and as a watchdog for Tibetan monks in their monasteries. In the inhospitable vastness of the high regions of the Himalayas, the incredibly robust, independent and modest dog became an intimate companion of the indigenous population. The depiction of this type of sheepdog on the wheel of life in thanks and ancient paintings demonstrates the great value that Tibetans placed on their dogs.

In Europe this majestic dog, with its impressive appearance and natural strength, was first known from the famous writings of Marco Polo (1271). Fascinated by these stories, leading European cytologists devoted themselves to this breed and described it in part as the origin of all breeds of fighting and herding dogs, and of all bulldog-type dogs. The alleged kinship with the bulldog and the mastiff, also denoted by the names Tibetan bulldog and Tibetan mastiff, had to be revised later due to DNA studies. The results show that the Tibetan Mastiff is a remarkably original dog that received little influence on its genetics from other dogs in centuries past.

Import attempts to Europe and America

Due to the inaccessibility of their homeland, the Himalayan race remained isolated for millennia. The first documented specimen to be imported into Europe was a gift from the Viceroy of India, Lord Harding, to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom in 1847. Some 30 years later, King Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, brought two more specimens to the UK. In 1931 the first Tibetan Mastiff Club was founded. However, the Second World War put an end to the first timid breeding attempts of Europeans soon after, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. It was not until the 1970s that breeders in Europe and America began to import dogs from Nepal to establish their own kennels on European and American soil.

Breeding and health today

To this day, the Tibetan Mastiff is considered a rare breed, which proves to be advantageous, especially in terms of health. Unlike what happens in China, where the dog has become a status symbol of the wealthy in recent years, here hardly any money is made from the breeding and sale of this breed. The few official breeders of the Tibetan Mastiff are more interested in the conservation of this very special dog, its healthy constitution, its unique character and its impressive appearance. Thanks to this prudent breeding and extensive breeding tests and numerous health tests that breeders have sometimes imposed on themselves, the breed still have few health problems. Apart from hip dysplasia, which affects large dogs, it is very resistant to typical diseases of the breed.

How much does a Tibetan Mastiff puppy cost?

Comprehensive health exams, vaccinations and tests, not forgetting the high costs of breeding this large and demanding dog justify that the price of the puppies is equally high, starting at 1500 euros. In addition, female dogs are only in heat once a year, which lengthens the wait for offspring. The high price of puppies and the long wait also prevent rash purchases of this dog. If you are really interested in this breed, take this time to get to know the breeder and the breed in depth. Meet with the breeder or other people who have a Tibetan Mastiff to experience the characteristics of the breed firsthand and prepare you in the best possible way for life with the dog.

Feeding

Preparing well also includes reflecting on your Tibetan Mastiff's diet. Talking with the breeder and other people who have this dog you will get many tips to give it an ideal diet. Most breeders provide buyers with an accurate nutritional plan for the first few weeks in the new home. After about half a year, you have to gradually switch from puppy food to adult food, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. This is important to reduce caloric density little by little and prevent too rapid growth of the dog.

Food for the Tibetan Mastiff: less is more

When choosing the right food for your adult dog, remember that the important thing is not quantity, but quality, as with any healthy diet. Despite its size, the Tibetan Mastiff gets by on surprisingly small portions, provided it has a sufficient amount of all the important nutrients. Small servings not only reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems, but also the dreaded gastric torsion.

Care

In hair care, sometimes less is more too. Frequent baths or the use of shampoo is not only unnecessary in dogs, but also harmful. With the furry Tibetan Mastiff, it is enough to brush it a little a few times a week. This is different in the shedding season. Especially in spring, when the thermometers rise and the dense undercoat is shed, you will have to brush it daily. Keep in mind that during this time there will be more hair at home. Apart from hair care, you should monitor and clean his ears and teeth. Nails must be trimmed once twice a month, depending on how fast they grow.

Tenure

Although his apparently bored countenance may suggest otherwise, the Tibetan Mastiff loves to be in society. A close family coexistence should be one of the priority conditions in your home. You need to be close to your humans, as well as enough exercise, obviously, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. However, his eagerness to move is moderate and he just takes short walks. Of course, as a guard dog and shepherd that it was in its origins, you should spend enough time outdoors. Therefore, you cannot miss a large garden that you can go out to when you feel like it.

A little calm please

While outside he is lively and even playful, at home he is a very calm and good-natured companion. It does not bark if it is not necessary and it gets along well with children. However, just because of his size and strength, he should never be left alone with young children. You also have to be careful with visits if children are playing like crazy and the Tibetan Mastiff thinks he has to intervene to protect his children. To control his protective instinct, intensive socialization is essential from the beginning. The more people, animals, noises and smells you know from a young age, the fewer things will upset you as an adult.

Not suitable for beginners

It is obvious that the Tibetan Mastiff is not suitable for beginners. Their headstrong nature and need to protect require skill and a very fine touch on the part of the caregiver. Those who have experience and desire to dedicate themselves to the very special personality of this Himalayan dog will be impressed by his loyalty and fidelity.

Used mainly as a guard and defense dog, in the protection of herds and families against predators and intruders, it comes from the high Himalayas. In Tibet these dogs are well tied and encouraged to be aggressive, but the different Western lifestyle pacifies their temperament to some extent. However, this breed has been created to be reserved and protective, so it is very important to understand its special character and treat it sensibly, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. This impressive, powerful and large-built animal has a solemn yet gentle appearance and can be an endearing companion, especially with children. This dog, with its spots above its eyes, has a reputation for sensing danger, which Tibetans consider a great advantage in lonely regions. Most European Mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, which is well established in Europe, although it is not yet a breed that is seen very often.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a vigorous dog with solid bones. The head is broad and solid, with a muzzle typical of the Mastiff, although considerably lighter than that of the English Mastiff.

The eyes are brown and of medium size. The ears are pendant, of medium length, heart-shaped and smooth. They are positioned on the sides of the skull and facing forward when the dog is attentive.

The limbs are straight and strong. The tail, set high, is curled on the back, is very thick, and is covered with long and thick hair.

The hair is long and straight, with abundant and dense undercoat. It is black fire or gold, black, gray of different shades.

The height in males is 66 cm. and in females 61 cm.

This breed has remained almost unchanged for millennia and is the direct descendant of the ancient Tibetan Mastiff, which has given rise to virtually all current Mastiffs, Colossians and Molossians. In the past it was much larger than today, tibetan mastiff as a puppy.

Marco Polo described him "tall as an ass, and powerful in voice as a lion."

The Tibetan Mastiff puppy grows slowly and the females reach maturity at two years and the males at 6 years. The size varies according to the litters, sometimes they are born too large. The breed has aggressive characteristics and quite stubbornness.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a good-sized dog. In his native land he was the guardian of monasteries, herds of animals, villages and camps. He is a rather difficult, distant and very independent dog, who rarely hints at his intentions. Very attached to the family, he is extraordinarily suspicious of strangers and can bite.

This breed makes a good pet, but has some requirements. It is a very intelligent dog with an excellent memory. Guardian by nature, he does not play games or nonsense when the moment of truth. Which needs to be taken very seriously by the visitors and friends of the children in the family? He has a strong temperament; he must be taken to obedience classes from a young age. Socialization must continue for life, which is resolved by taking him for a walk in the park or other places where there are other dogs and people.

It is not suitable for children due to its unpredictability. He is very brave, nothing can scare him, and for this reason he is an excellent guardian.

It is a robust and very resistant dog, although not too long-lived. When they begin to change their hair, they should be helped by brushing them once or twice every day, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. He needs a diet with protein and little exercise during the growing season to avoid anomalies typical of large breeds. It is prone to thyroid deficiencies.

It easily adapts to different temperatures, but it loves being indoors. Due to its considerable dimensions, it is better if it lives in the garden. In any case, it is a dog that must be socialized so that it does not become aggressive and biting. Therefore, to soften his tough character a bit, he has to have a lot of contact with the people of the family.

REMARKS AND ADVICE

In Spain there are very few specimens. Even in Tibet, it has almost become extinct because of the maintenance difficulties that come with such a large dog.

Today the breeding of the breed is carried out almost exclusively in England.

If you are thinking of including a Tibetan Mastiff, also known as a Tibetan Mastiff, in your family, it will be essential to fully inform yourself about the character, characteristics and care that this breed requires. In this Animal Wised file we will try to explain all the details that you must take into account before considering the possession of this animal or useful information for any lover of this breed.

Origin of the Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Tibetan Mastiff or Do-Khyi, is one of the oldest eastern breeds in existence. It is known to be a working breed of the ancient nomadic herders of the Himalayas as well as a protection dog of the Tibetan monasteries. When Tibet was invaded by China in the 1950s, these bulldogs practically disappeared from their original lands, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. Fortunately for the breed, many of these huge dogs made their way to India and Nepal, from where the breed was repopulated. With the export of Tibetan Mastiffs to England and the United States, the breed gained popularity among dog lovers in the West.

The Tibetan Mastiff is believed to be the ancestor of all breeds of mastiffs and Tall Mountain dogs, although there is no evidence to confirm this. Their bark is undoubtedly unique and is considered a highly valued characteristic of the breed.

This ancient and incredible dog is mentioned for the first time in history thanks to Aristotle (384 - 322 BC), however the origin of the breeding of the breed is unknown. It is also mentioned by Marco Polo, who in his travels to Asia (1271 AD) praises a dog of great strength and size. Later, in the 19th century, Queen Victoria of England received one of the first Tibetan Mastiffs in Europe, specifically in 1847. Such was its impact, that years later, in 1898, the first litter of bulldogs was registered in Berlin European Tibetans, specifically in the Berlin Zoo.

Physical characteristics of the Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff stands out for being a strong and powerful dog, giant in size, very robust and imposing. In the breed standard they describe it as a solemn and serious looking dog, of majestic strength.

The head of this mastiff is broad, heavy and strong, with a slightly rounded skull. The occipital protuberance is very pronounced and the nasal-frontal depression (stop) is well defined. The color of the nose depends on the color of the coat, but should be as dark as possible, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. The muzzle is wide. The eyes are medium, brown and oval. The ears, set medium, are triangular, medium and hanging.

The body is robust, strong, and slightly longer than tall. The back is straight and muscular, while the chest is very deep and moderately broad. The tail is of medium length and set high. When the dog is active, it is loosely curled on its back.

The coat of the Tibetan Bulldog is made up of two layers. The outer coat is rough, thick and of not very long hair. The undercoat is dense and woolly in cold weather, but becomes a thin coat during hot weather. The hair can be black with or without tan markings, blue with or without tan markings, saber or gold. A white star on the chest and minimal white markings on the feet are acceptable.

The minimum size of the females is 61 centimeters at the withers, while the males have a minimum of 66 centimeters at the withers. There is no height limit.

Character of the Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an independent dog, but very loyal and protective of the family to which it belongs. Although he is not an attached dog, he enjoys the presence of his relatives, who he will not hesitate to protect. On the contrary, he is usually suspicious of strangers, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. He tends to get along well with other dogs and animals, especially dogs his own size, although this behavior is closely related to the socialization he received as a puppy.

It is usually docile and friendly with the children of the home, however, and although it is a quiet dog at home, due to its large size and strength it can hurt them unintentionally, so it is recommended to always supervise play sessions between children and dog, as well as offering a toy that is the "go-between" in your relationship and fun times.

At home it is a calm dog, however outside the home it requires sessions of moderate activity, to keep its muscles in shape and relieve the stress of the day to day. Through long walks we will carry out the physical activity necessary for our Tibetan Mastiff. An interesting fact to keep in mind is that these dogs tend to be barking due to their past as guard dogs, as well as destructive when they are alone, if they suffer from anxiety or even behavior problems.

Regarding recommendations, it is not an appropriate breed for inexperienced owners; its possession is recommended to people with advanced knowledge of canine education, animal welfare and keeping large dogs.

Tibetan Mastiff care

The Tibetan Mastiff requires regular coat care, which should be brushed three times a week. In times of shedding, daily brushing is recommended to avoid observing the coat in poor condition, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. The bath should be done every 2-4 months, approximately.

Although they can reside in an apartment, it is highly recommended that this breed could live in a large house, with a garden, which they can access whenever they want. However, whether you live in an apartment or a large house, it is highly recommended to take long, quality daily walks with our Tibetan Mastiff. This breed adapts perfectly to different climates, whether they are cold or temperate, although it does not usually show itself at ease in especially humid and warm places.

We must bear in mind that this breed, mainly due to its large size, will also demand large objects: a bed, feeder or toys, which usually have a much higher economic cost. Also the daily food of the dog is an extra to take into account.

Education of the Tibetan Mastiff

As we have discussed previously, this dog needs a responsible owner who is very experienced in handling large dogs and in advanced training. Therefore, an inexperienced owner would need to turn to a dog educator and trainer even before adoption.

It will be essential to work promptly on the puppy's socialization and bite inhibition, as well as basic obedience exercises, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. Let us also remember that the puppy will soon reach a considerable size, so we must avoid reinforcing behaviors that we do not want in their adulthood, such as getting on people, for example.

Once the dog already understands the basic commands, we can start canine skills or other exercises that stimulate him, however it will be essential to review obedience daily or weekly, thus ensuring his safety and that of the environment. Faced with any abnormal behavior or behavior problem, it will be essential to go to the specialist as soon as possible and never try to perform therapies on our own.

Tibet Bulldog Health

Unlike other ancient breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff is not particularly prone to health problems as it is generally a fairly healthy breed. Even so, the most common diseases of the Tibetan Mastiff are:

Hip dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

Entropies

Neurological problems

Also in this section we must highlight a characteristic that suggests that this breed is very primitive: females only have one heat per year, unlike most canine breeds and just like wolves.

To ensure the good health of the Tibetan Mastiff, the dog's vaccination schedule, the deworming routine, and visiting the veterinarian as regularly as our dog requires, should be followed, although it is normally around 6 and 12 months, tibetan mastiff as a puppy.

History of the Tibetan Mastiff

 

The birth of this breed is uncertain but it is estimated that its origin took place in the area of Tibet in 8000 BC. It is considered one of the oldest breeds on Earth and the father of all Mastiff-type dogs. For centuries he lived linked to the nomadic shepherds of the Himalayas, helping to care for and transport livestock but also as a guard dog, guarding monasteries and temples. The philosopher Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) mentions the Tibetan Mastiff in his writings as the union of the dog and the tiger. Marco Polo met him during his stays in Asia in 1271 and described him by his strength and size, but above all by his strong roar, similar to that of a lion.

Character of the Tibetan Mastiff

 

The Tibetan Mastiff is an independent and loyal dog, with a reserved character and very faithful to his own. Like any guard dog, he is very protective of his territory and his family, to which he always shows loyalty.

He stands out for his extreme physical and mental strength. That means not only does it have capabilities due to its prominent appearance but it is a very brave, tenacious and determined animal in its actions, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. It is important to socialize him since he is a puppy so that he does not have problems when interacting with other dogs and people when he is older.

Physical characteristics

 

The Tibetan Mastiff is a giant breed dog, with a strong, heavy body and a straight, muscular back. It has a solemn but kind appearance.

Head: broad, heavy and strong.

Ears: triangular, of medium size. They hang from the top of the skull and eyes.

Tail: medium size and set high. It has a longer coat than the rest of the body.

Color: black, black with tan, gold, gray, gray and blue spots and tan color, which can vary from a very intense to a lighter hue.

Hair: Formed by a double coat. The undercoat is dense and woolly and the outside is hard and smooth.

Did you know…?

 

It is currently considered the most expensive dog in the world. In Eastern culture, the Tibetan Mastiff is a symbol of wealth and social status, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. In 2014, one of these copies was sold for 1.4 million euros. The specimen, named Hong Dong, was one year old and weighed 90 kilos. The purchase was made at a dog show in the eastern province of Zhejiang, China.

Compatible with your Super Pet

This breed tends to always have a great appetite and due to its size they eat large amounts of feed. And for those with slightly more sensitive stomachs, we recommend Nutro Grain Free with Fish. No grain or artificial chemical additives.

 

Tibetan Mastiffs need periodic physical activity of at least one hour a day and a toy can motivate you to do so. The Termed Kong range can be ideal for this type of breed, tibetan mastiff as a puppy. These types of toys are made with a resistant and durable rubber to avoid breaking easily.

A giant bone for a giant dog! The specimens offered by Beasties measure 30 to 45 centimeters. 

 

Tibetan Mastiffs need to be brushed daily during shedding times. A good hair card will be great to be able to access all the layers of its fur. Check our section and choose the one that suits you best.