The Tibetan Mastiffs are powerful and massive purebred dogs that weigh up to 150 pounds and stand 26 inches. They are excellent for protection and are usually bred as watchdogs and guard dogs. The Tibetan Mastiff looks different from other dogs with double-coated furs and a lion-like mane.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient dog found in Tibet around 1100 B.C. Though they are big, they can be highly agile and can defend their homes in the event of a threat. They are loyal to humans but can be pretty stubborn during homes in training.

How much does a Tibetan mastiff cost?

Tibetan mastiff prices in the USA can range anywhere between $1500 and $5000 in the U.S. The high price is extremely rare in this country, and locating them, one must be ready to shell out more for this expensive breed dog.

Before buying a Tibetan mastiff, check out the following traits: energy, health, Lifespan, social ability, and trainability.

One must be ready to deal with the Tibetan mastiff size, considering that they can grow into a huge canine from a cute puppy. Having a 150-pound canine is equal to the size of a human being. This breed is ideal for watchdogs but not suitable for those living in an apartment because of its huge size.

Few facts about Tibetan Mastiffs

• They have the genes of a wolf. Tibetan mastiffs are comfortable at high altitudes of 15000 feet and above because of their wolf genes. They are found in the Himalayas Mountains, and unlike other dogs, they can handle a lack of oxygen due to the presence of protein in their red blood cells that carry 505 more oxygen. Villagers generally keep them to protect their sheep and as companions.

• The female Tibetan mastiff goes into heat only once a year compared to another breed of female dogs that goes two or three times.
• A Tibetan mastiff puppy’s price can be as high as $1.5 million, as seen in a deal where a Chinese businessman bought an 11-month-old red Tibetan Mastiff, which weighed 180 pounds in 2011. Another one was sold for $2 Million at a luxury pet fair in Zhejiang. The Chinese Tibetan mastiff symbolizes wealth and prestige for the elite class in China.

How useful is a Tibetan mastiff?

Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal, intelligent, and protective animals. They have high protective instincts and are suitable to be bred purely as watchdogs and guard dogs. They are, however, very independent and often stubborn, which makes them not suitable for first-time dog owners. As an owner, it is important to show determined leadership with them and the right time to ensure is when they are pups.

Tibetan Mastiffs are otherwise calm and show aggression only when the need arises. They are known to bark loud and powerful when seeing a stranger but retreat their ground once they realize that the person is of no threat.

The Tibetan or the Russian mastiff makes good family dogs, but they are not advised for small kids. The yelling and screaming of children can confuse the dog, and they may consider these noises as threats that may result in some unwarranted action on their part. They are, however, loving and loyal family dogs, and once they trust their owners, they develop a strong bond.

They get along well with other pets, provided they are constantly supervised for socialization.

Things to keep in mind as an Owner of a Tibetan Mastiff

·        Food and Diet

A Tibetan Mastiff surprisingly has a low food requirement, considering its huge size. They are comfortable with 4-5 cups of kibble given in two daily meals. Experts feel that considering their history of living in the mountain of Tibet, where food is scarce, they are custom to handling smaller rations.

·        Training

The Tibetan mastiff is an intelligent but stubborn animal who does not follow commands during traditional training. They are, however, quick learners. They may ignore repeated commands during training but otherwise are loyal to the owner and bond well with families.

·        Grooming

Tibetan Mastiffs shed more during spring and summer compared to other seasons. Despite having heavy coarse furs, surprisingly, very little grooming is needed. Once a week will suffice, for which slick brush will only suffice.

·        Exercise

Tibetan mastiffs are not fetch playing dogs and are the more work-oriented dog. They do not require extensive exercise and moderate daily exercise in the form of doing some work or walking around is sufficient.

If there is no work, taking them for a daily walk is an ideal exercise for them. While outdoors, they need to be kept on a leash for the safety of others. They should be kept in a fenced yard at home to roam freely and stay out of bounds from strangers.

Tibetan Mastiff – Health conditions

All types of dogs have health issues, and Tibetan mastiff needs to be observed for a few conditions though they are usually a healthy breed.

Some severe health conditions such as Elbow and Hip Dysplasia are genetic and common in large breed canines. These skeleton conditions are painful and can worsen if improper nutrition and weight management.

The other major symptom is the Inherited Hypertrophic Neuropathy found in a Tibetan mastiff. The symptoms include decreased reflexes, loss of bark, and extreme weakness, and this disease cannot be cured.

Some minor conditions like Hypothyroidism, Ectropion, and Entropionare common in large breeds. The thyroid condition in Hypothyroidism happens to the dog between the age of four and ten, resulting in weight gain, flaky skin, lethargy, and inactiveness. They cannot be cured, but the condition is manageable. Entropion and Ectropion are conditions associated with the eyes.

Male Tibetan mastiffs are bigger but not much more than females. A female Tibetan Mastiff will weigh up to 120 pounds and have a height of 24 inches compared to 180 pounds and 26 inches for males. Females are friendlier than males and mature earlier, and they are less aggressive also.

Conclusion

The Tibetan mastiff is a breed apart from other dogs. They are excellent watchdogs and not meant for everyone. Tibetan Mastiffs can bring excellent security to one’s home but are unsuitable for first-time dog owners. Given the right home environment, the Tibetan mastiff can form a strong bond and stay loyal to the owner.