Working Dog Group - Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan mastiff is known by various names, the most popular one being Do-khyi, which means home guard, door guard, dogs that may be tied and dogs that can be petted. They are usually seen outside monasteries, flocks, villages, and tents where they stand as chaperones. Also known as ‘Bhote Kukur’ in Nepali, 'Zang’Ao' in Mandarin Chinese and 'Bankhar' in Mongolian, these dogs were traced back to history as early as 1100 B.C. These dogs were usually kept isolated and were guard dogs that kept a watch on huge estates and properties. These dogs were capable of guarding an entire village. Tying them was the technique used to intensify their aggression. They were often intimidating as they were tall and powerful.

These dogs can grow up to 25 to 28 inches in height and weigh up to 220 pounds. There is no difference between the males and females. They have a giant bone structure that makes them look fearful and scary. They have a very thick coat that is shaggy and have a mane around their heads creating a striking resemblance to a lion. They come in all colors like brown, blue gray, black, and various shades of gold. They often have tan or white colored markings on their coats.

Originally a guard dog, Tibetan mastiff is calm, loving, and has a controlled temper. They have strong guarding instincts that make them capable of fighting with wild animals like wolves, leopards and other animals that try to approach their territory. They do not like to stay outdoors, away from their family. Hence they will bark, if they are kept outside the house at night.

They are easy to toilet train, but they attain mental and emotional maturity at a later stage in life than the other breeds. To avoid these dogs from turning into territorial, willful and overprotective, they have to be trained and disciplined properly. They have to be socialized a lot to make them amicable. Children might be afraid of them at their first sight as they appear to be ferocious, but they are a lot friendly with them, though they can be reluctant with strangers. They have natural instincts to guard its house and family members. Careful grooming can help them socialize with other types of pets.

They are aggressive in their behavior; hence they have to be trained against fighting with other dogs strictly and lovingly. They are very stubborn and willful, and need constant discipline through their growing years that can make them into mature and mellow yet alert dogs. They need consistent persuasion towards obedience of rules that can make them realize and understand the true owner of the house.

Tibetan mastiff has a thick coat that has to be taken care of regularly as they tend to shed their coat in summers. They need to be given plenty of exercises considering that they should not be over exercised during their growing years. Their need for walks is important as they are migrates by their genes. These dogs are prone to thyroid troubles, ear infections and skin problems. Tibetan mastiffs are not very active indoors, hence they need large areas to live in. A house with a big yard can work well for this breed. They are not comfortable in warm climate; hence they need proper conditions to live in. Tibetan mastiffs are good for people suffering from allergies.

With a life expectancy of more than 15 years, these dogs prove to be great companions to people for a long time.