Description: The Tibetan Mastiff is the largest of the Oriental breeds, it’s a native to Central Asia. The Tibetan Mastiff can be found throughout the Himalayan region. They’re prime function has been guard dogs, herding dogs, but most importantly, they make an ideal family companion. Generations of working as a guardian of yak, sheep and, more importantly, women and children, requiring always a protector and not a killer, has produced a disposition and temperament of controlled strength, initiative, and fearlessness, tempered with patience, loyalty, and gentleness. The Tibetan Mastiff has incorporated many attributes, impressive stature, formidable appearance and great strength. Noble and impressive: a large, powerful, heavy, well built dog, well muscled, with much substance and bone, and of solemn but kindly appearance

Other Names: Bangara Mastiff

Height: 22 - 28"
Weight: Up to 180 lbs.

Colors: Rich black, brown, gold and black/tan, grizzle, sable, blue/tan.
Coat: Thick, medium length, double

Temperament: Highly intelligent, independent, reliable, loyal and strong willed.
With Children: Good, gentle with their own family, can be overprotective.
With Pets: Good, they’re not usually dog aggressive.
Special Skills: Protectors

Watch-dog: Good
Guard-dog: Good

Care and Exercise: Exercise daily vigorously. daily brushing especially during the shedding season.
Training: Socialization and discipline should begin at a very early age.
Learning Rate: High

Activity: Moderate
Living Environment: Urban civilization, house within a fence, or on farm.

Health Issues: Low susceptibility to illness.

Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Litter Size: 3 - 10

Country of Origin: Tibet
History: Originating in the Himalaya Mountains, in certain areas of Tibet and parts of India. The Tibetan Mastiff’s existence has been documented back to 159 A.D. by the Greeks and Romans. The rest of the history of the Tibetan Mastiff is hidden in legend, along with the people of the high Himalayan Mountains and the plains of Central Asia. The Tibetan Mastiff are considered to be the basic stock from which most modern large working breeds have developed. They first appeared in England in 1847 when Lord Hardinge, Viceroy of India, sent a "large dog from Tibet" called "Siring" to Queen Victoria. The Tibetan Mastiffs were introduced into England Alexandrea Palace Show in 1874 by the then Prince of Wales. In 1931 Mrs. Bailey formed the Tibetan Breeds Association in England and the first official standard for the breed was adopted by The Kennel Club. In the late 1950's, two Tibetan Mastiffs were sent from Tibet to President Eisenhower. They were taken to a farm in the midwest and nothing more was heard of them. Then in 1969, several Tibetan Mastiffs were imported from Nepal and India into the US. The American Tibetan Mastiff Association was formed in 1974.

First Registered by the AKC: January 2005
AKC Group: Miscellaneous Class
Class: Working
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI, KC(GB)

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