If you are in need of an excellent guard dog who doubles as the cuddliest and the fluffiest big ball of love, we have good news for you – presenting the Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs are guardian breeds. It means that they love to protect their fur parents. The mastiff’s big body adds to their intimidating appearance.

These canines show off their tough side when they are around strangers, but they are sweet puppies who crave affection and love from humans deep inside. These dogs also get along pretty well with other canines, but these pets tend to do whatever they want when they have too much freedom, that is why owners need to keep their pets on a leash whenever they’re out. These mastiffs need exercise like any other breeds, but not too much.

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These mastiff breeds appreciate an excellent game of tug-of-war or fetch, but these dogs prefer when their owners give them a job to do. If the owner puts their pets outside in fenced yards, mastiff breeds will patrol that yard for hours. Tibetan mastiffs love taking long rests or naps when they are not guarding their owners. This breed’s fluffy coat makes them the perfect cushion to rest ones head on, so owners can even nap together with their pets if they would like.

Breed history

Truth be told that there is a lot of mystery surrounding this breed’s past. This breed is thought to be one of the world’s oldest breeds, but there are not enough historical records about them. One of the few existing records dates back to 1,000 B.C in China and describes these dogs as big Tibetan canines who are thought to be their ancestors.

This breed is known to be ferocious guards in the Himalayan ranges. At night, they would creep villages surrounding the mountain ranges to ensure no intruders or unwanted visitors, but owners would keep them tied up or caged during the day.

This job earned Tibetan Mastiffs the nickname Do-Khyi – it means chained or tied dogs. When visitors travel to Tibet, Tibetans usually give these mastiffs out as gifts. Travelers then used these canines to breed other kinds of mastiffs around the world. In the mid-1800s, the viceroy of India gave Queen Victoria a Tibetan Mastiff named Siring. Queen Victoria owned a lot of puppies throughout her lifetime.

The event, followed by the entry of two Tibetan mastiffs into a dog show in 1874 by the Prince of Wales, catapulted this breed into international fame. When the Chinese invasion of Tibet happened in the 50s, a lot of the breed’s ancestors died. Some escaped into the Himalayas Mountains, but some were taken to the United States to be used as breeding dogs.

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In the early 70s, the American Tibetan Mastiff Association was inaugurated. These canines are one of the most popular breeds among Chinese elites. The standards for this breed were first created in the 30s, thanks to the Tibetan Breed’s Association of England. Still, organizations like the American Kennel Club were not recognized these mastiffs – not until 2006 when they were annexed to the Working Group.

Care tips

Owners need to help their fur babies avoid or at least manage elbow dysplasia. This disease is a congenital disorder that causes arthritis in the elbow joints. It is very common in large breeds and can be better managed or avoided by managing joint pains using medications, maintaining musculoskeletal strength through regular exercise, and preventing obesity.

Provide your dogs with a lot of space

As a massive dog that usually weighs at least 100 pounds, these mastiffs need a lot of space to exercise and stretch out. Although they are pretty reserved by nature, these canines need a lot of space to grow and live comfortably within the home.

These dogs are happy in high-altitude places

This breed is physiologically well adapted in high-altitude places like the Himalayas Mountains, which makes them a perfect canine for mountain climbers. They have weather-resistant coats, so they can move and live comfortably in cold climates. Humid and hot weather conditions are not ideal for this kind of dog breed.

Training tips

Use fun and enjoyable training methods

Dogs like Tibetan Mastiff breeds are sensitive and big canines who do not respond well if something is imposed on them. Always keep training methods fun and light to keep them willing and interested to learn.

Gain their trust

Owners need to be patient with this kind of dog. They are independent – but don’t mistake this independence for lack of loyalty. Keep the training session positive. If they cannot trust their owners, these canines certainly will not want to work with them.

Prioritize obedience training

When it comes to working canines, this breed is more of a couch potato, but it has tons of energy when motivated. A good obedience training session is very important by looking at its size. While they are not usually very aggressive, they can easily be like a German shepherd if they get an outburst of natural energy.