INFORMATION & HISTORY

Although still classed as a rare breed, the TM, as it is affectionately known, dates back almost three thousand years, and ranks among the oldest, purest breeds of dog. Used for many centuries to guard Tibetan Monasteries, villages and nomad's flocks, they can be vocal and will sound off at approaching strangers, making them the ideal guardian/watchdog. However, they will usually accept friendly visitors once it becomes obvious through their owner that there is no threat.

This is certainly not the breed to suit everyone, as they can be sometimes quite stubborn and aloof, almost cat-like in character, but once hooked, you will own a dog which is like no other breed; an imposing dignified presence at your side.

Please go to our F.A.Q Page to see some answers to commonly asked questions

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful, well-built dog with good bone and a solemn but kindly appearance.  The coat is heavy with a thick ruff around neck and shoulders and a thick well-feathered tail, but no professional grooming is needed to keep it in order.  It is shed once a year, usually in late spring or early summer, and the undercoat comes out in large tufts of wool.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a companion dog as well as being a good watch and guard.  It should deter strangers with its impressive presence and aloof air; it is protective of its own people and property.  It likes being a member of the family but also enjoys the outdoor life.  It must be sound and active and it should be totally reliable in temperament.  When young it is often high spirited and headstrong and it needs sympathetic but firm handling.  There is a big difference between a bouncing puppy and a determined adolescent weighing in at 9 stone, and ground rules need to be established as soon as the puppy reaches its new home.

The Tibetan Mastiff is usually calm and unobtrusive in the house except at the approach of strangers.  It is an excellent family dog being loyal and adaptable, and it is gentle, protective and patient with small children (provided they return the compliment).  It is intelligent, able to think for itself, to assess the situation and to take appropriate action.  It can be subject to bouts of uncontrollable barking, the reason for which is obvious to the dog but not always to the owner.

Colours:  Rich black; black and tan; various shades of gold; and various shades of grey.  All the said colours except gold, can also appear with tan markings above the eyes, on the front of the chest, lower parts and front and back legs and underside of tail.

Statistics:  Minimum height at shoulder:  Dogs: 26 ins.; 65 cms.  Bitches 24 ins.; 61 cms.

Weight when mature:  Dogs: 130 lb.; 60 kgs.  Bitches: 75 lb.; 35 kgs.

Life Span:  about 12 to 15 years.

Food:  The most sensible course is to follow the advice of the breeder.  Basically puppies need to be fed little and often, while adult dogs should be fed twice a day avoiding exercise immediately before and after meals.

Exercise:  Puppies require a lot of sleep and very little exercise.  Please remember that a Tibetan Mastiff is still a puppy at 6 months even though it may appear large in comparison with many other dogs.  It should not be taken on long walks nor allowed excessive free exercise until it is at least 12 months old.  Too much exercise at too early an age can lead to structural damage and the possibility of problems in years to come.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BREED STANDARD

ARTICLE WRITTEN FOR DOG WORLD NEWSPAPER 
RARE BREEDS SUPPLEMENT ON MAY 2, 2003 
by Andy Briggs

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the World’s oldest purebred dogs, and originates from the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding Himalayan region. 

Although the TM, as it is more affectionately known here, has been around for up to 3000 years, it was not seen in the West until the late eighteen/early nineteen hundreds; only then in small isolated numbers. Prior to this, the only knowledge of this ferocious “Mastiff of Thibet” was the tales described by travellers to the region, including Marco Polo. Its sole purpose would have been to guard nomads flocks, villages and monasteries. 

Estimates of present numbers in the UK, which only started to appear significantly in 1982, are in the region of two hundred and fifty five. The KC figures for the sixteen-year period 1985-2001 show a total of 359 TM’s were registered or imported 

 Between two and five litters are whelped in the UK annually, almost always in the winter period December to February. The bitches only cycle once per year, all about the same time. 

An adult dog, which incidentally does not achieve full maturity until at least five to six years, will be in the region of 120 to 160 lbs (55-70 kg) and stand 26-28 inches (65-70 cm) at withers. His female companion will mature a little earlier, two to three, and her 24-26 inch (60-65 cm) frame normally weighs in at around 80-100 lbs (35-45kg). Acceptable colours in the UK are black, black and tan, grey, grey and tan, and gold. A small white breast is acceptable. One of the breed’s most recognisable features is the beautiful well-feathered tail which curls over the back and to one side.

It was a black and tan TM that played the part of “Max”, star of the US made film “Mans Best Friend”, in the early nineties

For such a large breed, they have an excellent average lifespan; generally ten to fifteen years. Health problems are minimal, partly due to only small numbers having been bred over the years. The “make a quick buck” fraternity has certainly not adopted them. Man has on the whole not significantly altered the Tibetan Mastiff, known also as the “Do-Khyi” in Germany; it is a very natural breed. Looking at prints from over a hundred years ago shows very little in the way of “development”. Temperaments are very good, and several fanciers in the UK keep many numbers together, including males. They are excellent with children and other pets, although they can sometimes be slightly stubborn and a little independent. 

The noble Tibetan Mastiff, legendary guardian of the Himalayas, certainly does deserve more recognition and is well worth further investigation.  

More information and books on the breed can be obtained from The Tibetan Mastiff Club of Great Britain, through the Secretary Iris Feddon on 02088 591 309.They also have an excellent new Year Book out now, with full colour photographs. See our News Update Page

Andy Briggs  sobarnatms@aol.com

Web design, text and photographs by Andy Briggs, Copyright © 2001.

Last revision on 27 November 2004 .