The Noble and Impressive Tibetan Mastiff
Dogs

The Noble and Impressive Tibetan Mastiff


By Linda Cole

The Tibetan Mastiff is a perfect example of why getting the right dog for your lifestyle is so important. According to the American Tibetan Mastiff Association, “If you want an obedient dog, a dog that you can walk off leash, a dog that will come when called, the TM is not the dog for you. If you lead an active social life with many people coming in and out of your house, the TM is not the dog for you. If you have small children or many children come to visit, the TM may not be the dog for you. If you prize your wood furniture (or your plaster walls) and you will be upset if they were chewed on (or eaten in their entirety), the TM is not for you.”

It's not that the Tibetan Mastiff is a bad dog that can't be controlled. He's an intelligent, strong willed and independent dog who believes he knows more than his owner. However, he is loyal and extremely protective of his family and property. People the dog doesn't know will most likely not be allowed to enter your home. He's adaptable, likes to think on his own and make his own decisions, and is quite capable of having good judgment.

History

The Tibetan Mastiff was bred as a guard dog and will protect family and home with a fierce determination. This rare dog breed is descended from the ancient Tibetan Mastiff that is thought to go back as far as 1100 BC in China. Little is known about the history of the early dogs. They lived and worked in the high Himalayan Mountains as guard dogs and were isolated for centuries. During the day, the dogs were kept confined and released at night to patrol the entire town. Some villages only had one dog on guard duty at night.

The dogs were also effective fighters and protectors, and were used in armies of the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. They even went into Europe with Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan. However, the breed continued to exist only in the Himalayans and central plains of Asia until 1847 when one was given to England's Queen Victoria. Today, this giant rare dog breed is even hard to find in their homeland. They are still used to guard livestock and protect their owner from mainly wolves and snow leopards.

Appearance

This is not a dog to be reckoned with – they stand at 25-28 inches and weigh 140-170 pounds. They're set apart from other breeds because they are still considered to be a primitive breed. The female has only one heat cycle a year, which is usually during the fall. She doesn't reach maturity until around three to four years, and the male between four to five years.

They have a double coat that keeps the weather at bay, and shed it usually just once a year in the spring. It's an eight week process. Unless you live in the country, leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside at night isn't recommended as they will instinctively bark all night. Inside the house, they're as quiet as a mouse.

Temperament

This dog will not make a good pet for people who don't understand what this breed is all about. You can train them, but it requires lots of patience and commitment. They don't do well with obedience because they are so independent, but they are very intelligent. ‘Come’ is not a command the TM is likely to learn, although it never hurts to try. According to one Tibetan Mastiff owner, “Oh, TMs want to be with you, it’s just that TMs think that if they are in the same country as you, they are with you.”

This dog must be properly socialized with other animals and people in order to keep him under control. What's interesting about the Tibetan Mastiff is how sensitive they are to human moods. Our anger upsets the dog because of their long history of guarding and protecting people and property. They need plenty of exercise or lots of space to roam, but you don't want to let them wander outside a fenced in area. A bored TM can practically dismantle an entire house in one afternoon when left to his own entertainment. And digging is one activity this dog can really get into!

With the right owner, the Tibetan Mastiff is a wonderful and loving pet that will quickly bond with you. However, you have to be their leader and be ready to out think this smart and interesting rare breed.

Adult dogs: photos by Ken Schneider
Puppy: photo by Brent Olsen

Read more articles by Linda Cole




- The Tibetan Terrier And Willy - Crufts Most Advantageous Of Indicate 2007 - Family Members - Pets
Considering the fact that the Tibetan Terrier 'Willy' (entire name Stunning Willy) won the trophy for Easiest in Illustrate at Crufts Dog Illustrate 2007, countless buyers might possibly now be taking into consideration deciding the Tibetan...

- What Makes A Tibetan Mastiff?
The type connected with Tibetan Mastiff dogs, can search for it has the sources back to olden days and hails through Tibet and also neighboring nomadic regions. The history in the type may be tracked returning in order to since that Bronze or Stone...

- Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Description, History, Grooming, Health Issues And Living Conditions
Description: The Tibetan Mastiff is usually a significant doggie that is definitely significant boned in addition to sturdy. This breed stalls during 25-28 in . as well as the weight is actually 140-170 pounds. The brain can be broad, heavy, and possesses...

- Tibetan Mastiff- Detailed Tibetan Mastiff Dog Canine Data
OMyPet - Tibetan Mastiff information Origin In Chinese, Tibetan Mastiff is known as (Zang'Ao), usually means significant ferocious dog. It is an extremely expensive puppy that could sell off for countless yuan. Just like all different mastiffs...

- Taking Care Of English Mastiff Puppies
If you are planning to own a dog at your home, then you should be aware of various dog breeds, so that you can get a dog that suits to your requirements. There are more than hundreds of dog breeds and each breed is different in the aspect of nutrition,...



Dogs








.