Dog Breed Coat, Size, Temperament and More

The largest Tibetan breed, the lion-like Tibetan Mastiff, is also one of the largest dog breeds in general. Their calm and protective nature has led them to be bred over the centuries as guard dogs and search and rescue dogs.

a Kennel Club spokesperson said Country living: “The Tibetan Mastiff is often considered one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, and the ancestor of all Mastiff breeds. Originally from the Himalayan region, they were bred to protect farms and livestock.”

But now they have become pets, and with their calm and thoughtful nature they are becoming more and more popular.

Keep reading to find out everything you want to know about this dog breed, from how friendly they are to how big they can get…

two dogs breed tibetan mastiff on the grass

DevidDO

How much does a Tibetan Mastiff cost?

When you consider that the most expensive dog ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff (nearly £1 million), it certainly makes it one of the most expensive breeds to own – even though the average puppy won’t cost you that much.

But you do need to factor in the cost of food, grooming and equipment for a larger breed like the Tibetan Mastiff, with the PDSA I estimate the cost of looking after it is well over £100 a month.

Tibetan Mastiffs are also prone to developing certain health conditions due to their size, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which will eventually lead to arthritis and other joint problems. So, you’ll want to keep this in mind when insuring your four-legged friend.

Are Tibetan Mastiffs legal in the UK?

Although they are banned in some cities worldwide, they are completely legal to possess in the UK.

How big is a Tibetan Mastiff?

A male Tibetan Mastiff grows to a minimum height of 66 cm, while a female grows to an average height of at least 61 cm.

A male can weigh between 40 and 45 kilos, while a female weighs an average of 32 to 54 kilos. This makes them one of the largest dog breeds in the world. However, the official title for the largest dog breed in the world goes to another Mastiff: the English Mastiff.

portrait of tibetan mastiff puppy he is a cute and very messy little dog

s5iztok

Are Tibetan Mastiffs Friendly?

When it comes to the temperament of a Tibetan Mastiff, they can certainly be friendly with family members and people they know. However, they are also strong-willed and independent, which is why they are known for their protective nature.

As for socializing with other dogs, if they are well socialized or have been raised with another pet or pets in the same household, they should get along fine. However, the PDSA adds, “we always recommend supervising your Tibetan Mastiff with other dogs, as they are likely to remain suspicious of them. And any introductions to other pets should be done very carefully.”

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Is a Tibetan Mastiff a good family dog?

Because of their history of working closely with humans, the Tibetan Mastiff is known as a “loyal companion and protector,” according to experts at The Kennel Club. And they tend to form strong bonds with their owners.

However, due to their large build and strength, they are not recommended for families with smaller children. This means they are ideal for a family with older or teenage children or even an adult-only household.

Despite being calm and patient, “they can be wary of strangers at first,” warns The Kennel Club. Therefore, it is always important to supervise them when they are around children or people who are less comfortable with large dogs in particular, as they often do not know their own strength.

But if a Tibetan Mastiff is properly socialized from an early age, this will help him get used to new people.

adult tibetan mastiff female lying down, with a characteristic deep red coat thick winter coat

Grzegorz Majchrzak

As for the best living conditions for the breed, the Kennel Club explains: “They are a large breed, so they will need a larger living space with access to a large garden, and they will need up to an hour of exercise a day, as well as regular grooming.” So, a family home could be a great option.

Is the Tibetan Mastiff the most powerful dog?

While the average human bite is between 120-160 PSI (pounds per square inch), as you might expect, a dog’s bite is much larger. And a Tibetan Mastiff has one of the strongest bite forces of any dog, often reaching around 550 PSI.

This, plus their enormous size and stature, makes them one of the most powerful dogs in the world.