the standard

Translation ©2003 Gabriele Engel

The large Guardian Breed of Dog from the Himalayas

A proud guardian dog with strong protective instincts of home and family, a highly intelligent 4-legged partner. The Tibetan Mastiff matures slowly, reaching maturity around 4 years of age, but you should always be prepared for surprises.

The breed varies according to size, i.e. the smaller, compact and stocky type, or the larger and more wiry type; as well as according to coat, either stockhaired, or the rarer long-haired type.

Some personality traits in broad terms:

  • friendly but aloof with strangers
  • fairly quiet when in the house but an active dog when out-of-doors
  • even if it seems fast asleep, nothing eludes it
  • tends to be a night barker which could create problems with the neighbors
  • enjoys company even though not showing it
  • protects and loves its “pack” that is made up of its people and fellow animals
  • behavior toward other dogs might change from one situation to another and can vary from ignoring to attacking. Proper socialization with people and other animals is needed.
  • dislikes strange things. Has an excellent memory and will never forget what it has been introduced to when young, but must be slowly adapted to anything new.

Some more difficult personality aspects

  • has its own Asian mind which sometimes might be called stubbornness
  • the Tibetan Mastiff is very devoted to his people but displays it only on Sun- and holidays
  • always wants to have the final say. Having been making its own decisions for thousands of years, obeying on command is not one of its strong points.
  • In the springtime, the winter coat is shed, during shedding time the Tibetan Mastiff requires regular brushing. At all other times, the coat is easy to care for.

Some positive personality aspects

  • the Tibetan Mastiff is highly charismatic and an irresistible puppy.
  • being an intelligent breed, it wants to be treated as an equal who you can trust 100%, and who is highly sensitive to your moods.
  • the Tibetan Mastiff makes an excellent home protector
  • its stubbornness can be channeled in the direction of obedience by applying a combination of TLC and consistency.

Basic requirements

  • a big fenced-in yard is a basic requirement where it has enough room to romp. its favorite hangout will be an elevated spot if there is no garden, or one that is fairly small, it should be taken into consideration that the Tibetan Mastiff, being a large dog, does require proper exercise in any weather condition.
  • proper socialization with people and other animals as well as training outside his territory is a must.
  • they make an outstanding family dog when they are taught and trained, and taught and trained. They are not an easily trainable breed, but can be taught to adapt to a variety of functions but will never be subservient. It determines the pace of the training.
  • a Tibetan Mastiff whose will was “broken” will waste away.

What you should not do

Never cage a Tibetan Mastiff in, never punish it this way. Keeping it in a kennel is cruel and impossible as is putting them in chains.

Feeding habits

  • puppies might feed rather sparingly
  • some prefer to eat when alone
  • food will not be devoured but eaten slowly and with relish
  • the Tibetan Mastiff decides when to go on a diet and this should be accepted as normal