Tibetan Mastiff Types

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog originally from Tibet. It is a protective breed traditionally Tibetan sheepherders use to guard livestock. Pure Tibetan Mastiffs are rare. They mostly live in mountainous areas or traveling with Tibetan traders. The breed consists of two basic mastiff types, a smaller-sized domestic version and a larger type.

  1. History

    • Although accurate breed history records for Tibetan Mastiffs do not exist, some historians believe they may have been around as early as the stone age and bronze age. The earliest accounts of the breed begin around 1100 BC in China. Throughout centuries, Tibetan Mastiffs were mostly used as guard dogs or status symbols. The Greek, Roman and Persian armies used them as attack dogs or mascots. Tibetan Mastiffs also traveled with famous explorers and conquerors, such as Alexander the Great, Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan. The breed remained in Tibet until the late 1800's when England and Europe began to import them. Today, Tibetan mastiffs are a rare breed that is considered endangered in China due to years of isolation and inbreeding.

    Characteristics

    • The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest breed of dogs, with males averaging 90 to more than 140 pounds, and females weighing about 80 to 130 pounds. It is highly territorial and owners who want to keep it as a pet must socialize it. Because of its protective nature, expose it to people and other animals at an early age; otherwise it is prone to develop behavioral problems. The breed's main identifier is its thick, dense coat, which generally comes in various colors including black, brown and bluish-gray.

    Types

    • Throughout history, Tibetans and others used Tibetan Mastiffs for various tasks. Some accompanied nomads to protect their animals or served as guard dogs for an entire town, while others worked as rescue dogs in the mountains. Because of the differing jobs, two types of the breed emerged: a classic mastiff and a herding or mountain mastiff. Although both types share some similarities in appearance, demeanor and purpose, they also exhibit differences.

    Differences

    • Tibetan Mastiffs are categorized in various ways according to their coat and size. Chinese categorize the breed into two distinct groups, the "lion" and "tiger" variety. The lion mastiffs have a thick, fluffy dark brown coat with a mane that frames their head and neck, making them resemble a lion. The tiger type has a thinner and smoother black coat with no mane. The breed is also classified by size and purpose. The mastiffs that appear larger and heavier are considered classic mastiffs. This type is mostly used as a guard dog because of its size and overprotective nature. The smaller mastiff, referred to as the mountain type, is thinner and smaller, making it easier to domesticate. The mountain mastiff is usually a herd dog that protects livestock.