Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff: Size

Giant; Height

Males – at least 26 inches at the withers, Females – at least 24 inches at the withers; Weight

140 to 180 pounds; Coat

Medium; Color

Black, black and tan, blue gray, blue gray and tan, brown, brown and tan, red gold, or red-gold-sable with white markings; Energy

Medium; Activities

Conformation, Guarding

An extremely independent, intelligent breed, the Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog with a massive, wedge-shaped head originally bred to guard families and property. He is courageous, loyal and patient. The breed can be strong-willed, so leashes or fences should be used during exercise. The Tibetan Mastiff sheds his heavy, double coat once a year and requires frequent brushing at that time.

Did you know?

This territorial guard dog originated in China as early as 1100 B.C. After living in isolation in the Himalayan Mountains, the breed developed into the Tibetan Mastiff we know today. In Tibet, the breed is known as “do khyi,” meaning “home guard.”