Tibetan Mastiff Dog

Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiff Characteristics: The noble and powerful Tibetan Mastiff is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:2007). The Tibetan Mastiff, is characterized by its powerful, muscular appearance with a heavy, broad head, a noble expression and a deep, distinct bark. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, deep set, almond shaped eyes; triangular shaped, pendant ears; a medium length, high set tail that curls over its back and a strong, speedy gait. The temperament of the Tibetan Mastiff can be described as Aloof, Strong Willed, Protective.

The coat type of the Tibetan Mastiff is described as thick, coarse coat in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Tibetan Mastiff demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Fighter and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Military Dog". The origin of the Tibetan Mastiff dog breed was in Tibet where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the Tibetan Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the Tibetan Mastiff breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:2007) *** Nick name: "Military Dog" *** Origin: Tibet *** Male Height: 25 - 28 inches (61- 71 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 140 - 170 pounds (64 - 78 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: thick, coarse coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 5-12 puppies *** Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems: Gastric Torsion, Hip Dysplasia, Entropion *** Lifespan: 10-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Tibetan Mastiff Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:2007): The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:2007).

Other names for the Tibetan Mastiff: The Tibetan Mastiff is known by the nickname of the "Military Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Do-khyi meaning "shaggy or bearded outside working dog" and Tsang-khyi, the Tibetan term meaning "dog from Tsang".

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Tibetan Mastiff" derives from its place of origin, in Tibet. The word "Mastiff" derives from the Old French word 'mastin' meaning "great cur". The word 'cur' was used to describe vicious dogs and derives from the Old Norse word 'kurra' meaning "to growl".

Tibetan Mastiff History and Origin: The country of origin of the Tibetan Mastiff breed was in Tibet during the Ancient Times and is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world. The Tibetan Mastiff was descended from the now extinct Alaunt breed and the massive Molosser types of dogs. The Tibetan Mastiff was traditionally used in Tibet by shepherds to guard livestock in the Himalayas and was used as a watchdog to guard and protect to villages and Buddhist monasteries.

The Tibetan Mastiff was known in Ancient Greece and was described by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) as having been produced by "cross breeding the domesticated dog with the tiger". The ancestors of the Tibetan Mastiff were spread across Europe with the horse-riding soldiers of Attila the Hun (406–453), one of the greatest enemies of the Roman Empire. The armies of Genghis Khan (1162 – 1227) and Kublai Khan (1215 - 1294) of the Mongol Empire also used the Tibetan Mastiff as a ferocious war dog across Asia.

The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as 'Do-Khyi' meaning the "dog which may be tied", was later used by Nomadic tribes who roamed across many countries in Asia including China, India, Nepal and Mongolia. The nomads used the massive Tibetan Mastiff, the Do-Khyi, as a guard dog to protect their livestock from dangerous wild predators that inhabited Asia including wolves, bears, tigers and leopards. They also used the Tibetan Mastiff as a Hunting Dog to hunt both small and large animals including wild oxen.

Due to its power and strength the ferocious Tibetan Mastiff was also used as a fighting dog. During the 18th century small numbers of the Tibetan Mastiff were exported to the West. Buddhism forbids the trade of living animals so the Tibetan Mastiff was only given as a gift. In 1891 the Austrian zoologist and dog breeding expert professor Dr. Leopold Fitzinger (1802 – 1884) described the Goliath among mastiffs, stating that "...the largest specimens of the common European Mastiff varieties do not attain the size of the Tibetan Mastiff". The popularity of the Tibetan Mastiff surged in popularity in China where they are regarded as bringers of prosperity and good health.

Tibetan Mastiff Modern History: The modern history of the Tibetan Mastiff moved on and selective breeding and training have greatly reduced the ferocious and aggressive tendencies of the Tibetan Mastiff. The breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog, Hunter and as a military and police dog. The Tibetan Mastiff was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2006. For additional facts refer to the History of all the Mastiff breeds.

Tibetan Mastiff Height: The Tibetan Mastiff breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 25 - 28 inches (61- 71 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Tibetan Mastiff Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a Tibetan Mastiff male dog is 140 - 170 pounds (64 - 78 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Tibetan Mastiff Coat Type: The coat type is described as a thick, coarse coat.

Tibetan Mastiff Coat Colors: The colors of the Tibetan Mastiff dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Blue Gray, Brown & Tan, Black & Tan, Red Gold and Brown. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color.

Tibetan Mastiff Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Tibetan Mastiff are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Tibetan Mastiff are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Tibetan Mastiff Litter Size: The litter size of the Tibetan Mastiff dog breed ranges from 5-12 puppies. Female Tibetan Mastiff come into season once a year rather than twice, as is the norm for dogs. Tibetan Mastiff puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Tibetan Mastiff puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Noble, Aloof, Strong Willed, Protective and Powerful.

Tibetan Mastiff Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Tibetan Mastiff requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a smooth, strong, speedy gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Tibetan Mastiff Diet: A fully grown Tibetan Mastiff should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Tibetan Mastiff breed include Gastric Torsion, Hip Dysplasia, Entropion . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Tibetan Mastiff dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Tibetan Mastiff Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Tibetan Mastiff breed is 10-14 years.

Tibetan Mastiff Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Tibetan Mastiff breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Tibetan Mastiff names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Kham *** Ranger *** Murphy *** Nakaji *** Levi *** Reggie *** Scout *** Strider *** Tank *** Gouba *** Mojo.

Tibetan Mastiff Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Tibetan Mastiff girl dog. Our top choice of good female Tibetan Mastiff names are Yupar *** Roxie *** Nan *** Prada *** Mia *** Nova *** Thiri *** Tessa *** Lark *** Kona.

Fast Facts about the Tibetan Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the Tibetan Mastiff breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:2007) *** Tibetan Mastiff Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Tibet *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Tibetan Mastiff Height: 25 - 28 inches (61- 71 cm) *** Male Tibetan Mastiff Weight: 140 - 170 pounds (64 - 78 kg) *** Coat Type: thick, coarse coat *** Tibetan Mastiff Litter Size: 5-12 puppies *** Tibetan Mastiff Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Tibetan Mastiff Lifespan: 10-14 years ***

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