The Tibetan Mastiff is characteristically strong and it is known by its physical and mental greatness. Its bark is unique and it is one of the distinguishing features of the breed. It stands out because of its slow maturation; it takes 2 or 3 years to females to fully develop, and at least 4 years to males.
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History:
The Tibetan Mastiff is a dog breed which comes from the Tibet, and appeared in the year 8000 BC. It is an ancient working dog breed which was used by nomadic sheepherders from the Himalaya, and as a traditional guardian in the Tibetan Monasteries. Important European dog investigators, like Martin and Youatt, Megnin, Beckmann, Siber as well as Strebel, Bylandt have hardly investigated the Tibetan Mastiff because of their fascination for its origin and function in the Tibetan culture. They are considered to be a breed which all big mountain dog breeds and Mastiffs come from. In 1880, Edward VII (known as the Prince of Wales in that time) took two dogs back to England. One of the first Tibetan Mastiff litter registered was born in 1898 in the Berlin Zoo. According to testimonies which date back to the year 2.000 BC, the Tibetan Mastiff was used by the Assyrians as a war dog and as prisoners’ guard. It is one of the breeds with the most ancient origin and which is still used in the Himalaya as a sheepherding dog and as the guardian of many Monasteries.
Characteristics::
Height bitch: 61~71 cm / Height male: 66~76 cm
Weight bitch: 34~54 kg / Weight male: 45~73 kg
The Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic, powerful, heavy dog with a good skeleton. It has a very big head and some triangular, medium-sized ears folded forward. Its high-set tail is hairy, and it is curved over one side on the back. Despite its big size it is an athletic dog. The Tibetan Mastiff is designed to combine strength and agility. Its body is slightly longer than tall. Its walk is slow and deliberated, while its trot is powerful and agile. Its general appearance is impressive; it has a solemn but kind expression.
Its coat, which is much heavier in males than females, is very thick and long, especially around the neck and shoulders. It has a hairy tail and also a lot of fur on the top of its back legs.
The coat is straight, thick and rough; it may be black and protects the Tibetan Mastiff from the harsh Tibetan weather.
It has some medium-sized, brown colored eyes. It has medium-length, heart-shaped, trailing ears, which are also straight. These are placed in both sides of the skull and point forward when the dog is alert.
The joints are straight and strong. The high-set tail is curved over the back, and it is very thick, covered by long, dense fur.
It easily adapts to different temperatures, but it loves being indoors. Because of its big size, it is better for it to live in the garden. In any case, it is a dog which must be socialized to prevent it from becoming aggressive. That is why, to soften its tough temperament, it must spend a lot of time with the members of the family.
Temperament:
The Tibetan Mastid is a quiet, stable, independent and frequently stubborn dog. It is very mistrusting with strangers, while, on the contrary, it is loyal, territorial, protective and affectionate with its family. It is very patient and tolerant with children.
They are kind and patient with children, but they may protect their home against children who visit them and are considered as a threat for the family’s children. Generally, they are nice with other dogs and rarely aggressive.
Maintenance::
Due to its big size, the Tibetan Mastiff needs a big space for living. It easily adapts to harsh weather conditions and likes going for long walks outdoors with its family.
It has a strong temperament, and needs a master which knows how to dominate it, which treats it firmly and patiently.
Its personal maintenance consists in a regular brushing during the week (daily while it is moulting), paying special attention to the longer hair on the paws, the tail and neck. Its resistant coat allows it to feel comfortable in low temperatures and surprisingly comfortable in dry and mild climates, but it is not used to warm and wet weathers. They are neither suitable to live outdoors, because their temperament suffers less if they are included in the family. They like barking strongly during the night. Females are in heat only once a year.
Health:
The Tibetan Mastiff is a robust dog which does not suffer serious illnesses, although it could endure thyroid problems or hip dysplasia.
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_Mastiff
You can download the FCI (International Cinological Federation) standard at the following link: http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/230g02-en.pdf
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