Tibetan Mastiff
Also known as Do-khyi, and Dogue du Tibet or Mastiff tibétain in French
- Height at the withers
- 61 to 76 cm
- Weight
- 34 to 73 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Tibet
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- young children, without close supervision
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
Overview
An ancient, imposing guardian breed of massive size, with a noble bearing and a dense double coat. Known for its independent nature, its impressive presence and its deep, powerful bark.
History and origins
An ancient guardian breed developed in the Himalayas, used by Tibetan nomads and monasteries to protect livestock, villages and camps. It was long presented as the ancestor of modern molossers, a theory that is now debated.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Entropion and ectropion
- Hereditary hypertrophic neuropathy
- Panosteitis
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Well, 4 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very hard, 1 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Tibetan Mastiff FAQ
How big does the Tibetan Mastiff get?
The Tibetan Mastiff stands 61 to 76 cm at the withers and weighs 34 to 73 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Tibetan Mastiff shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Tibetan Mastiff live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Tibetan Mastiff need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Tibetan Mastiff live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as hypothyroidism.
