El Tibetan Mastiff It is not a dog that we can see anywhere nor is it the fashionable dog. It is a breed bred to defend its territory and therefore not everyone is suitable to have it. In addition, it must be borne in mind that it is a giant dog breed, which makes it a dog that not everyone can have.
This is one of the oldest breeds out there, because it has remained quite isolated in the area of Tibet, as a guardian. Today it is much more popular but they are very expensive dogs, because there are not many in the world. We are going to know something more about this peculiar giant race of Tibet.
History of the Tibetan Mastiff
As we have said, this is one of the oldest races out there. There are references to this mastiff from up to 2.000 BC. C. In its beginnings you can see paintings that show it as a war dog and guardian of prisoners. Their size and character saved them a place as herding working dogs in the Himalayas and also as guardians of Buddhist monasteries. With the arrival of the British occupation in India, these dogs began to be known in the West. In England they were even used in circuses to look like big lions. At present they have become the most expensive breed of dog in the world, since one of their copies acquired the highest value for which it has been sold to a dog.
Physical appearance
The appearance of the Tibet Mastiffs is of great strength. These dogs are among the giant dog breeds, as they can weigh between 80 and 100 kilos. It has a robust and muscular body covered in very dense and quite long fur. This coat has a characteristic reddish or coppery color, although there are specimens that have a darker coat, between gray and black, with some reddish details. As adults they can measure up to 76 centimeters at the withers. Its tail is woolly and curved, resting on the back. The coat has the characteristic of having two layers. One of them is internal, since it serves as an insulator against low temperatures, and the other is more external and longer. In Nordic dogs that come from areas with low temperatures it is common to see these two layers of fur.
Dog character
Tibetan Mastiffs were used for many generations as defense dogs. They are dogs with a generally calm character, but they can be fierce when it comes to defending their territory. Nowadays they are used much more as pets and their character is quite soft. In any case, they are intelligent and really powerful dogs with a lot of strength, so you have to focus on their training to avoid them having character problems in adulthood. They are loyal dogs to their owner if you create a great bond with them. But like other working dogs they are independent and can have their own criteria when doing things, so obedience training will be essential in their learning. If they are educated well, they can be loyal, intelligent, loving and very faithful dogs.
Health and nutrition
The Tibetan Mastiff, like other giant breed dogs, can have joint problems and Osteoarthritis. It is essential that your diet is balanced or of quality throughout your life. You have to let them exercise, for which they must walk or have wide spaces in which to walk. This will improve your muscles, joints, and bones, keeping them strong.
This dog is going to require a large dose of food daily. Without a doubt, it must be taken into account that large dogs will need a significant financial investment, both in their diet and in the veterinarian. That is why you have to be willing to assume the expense that it may involve.
Tibetan Mastiff care
The Tibetan Mastiff requires some care. His dense, two-layered coat sheds twice a year. However, it needs extensive brushing almost daily. These long coats with an undercoat need constant brushing and specific brushes. Especially in the molting season they will have to be combed a lot. Sometimes they may even require hairdressing sessions or cut out areas if knots are tied.
El daily walk is necessary to keep your physique in top shape and avoid joint or circulation problems. However, it is not a dog that requires intense physical exercise. Going for walks and a little run can be more than enough for this breed. It is a type of guard dog that does not perform intense exercise or is prepared for it, so moderate exercise is recommended.
This dog is a dog that has been used as a working animal. This kind of dogs they need some challenges to stay entertained and motivated. It is essential that given their intelligence they can be challenged. From playing games with prizes for the dog to learn new commands to using them as a guard dog. It is in urban environments that they do not feel so focused, since there are many stimuli and they do not have as much space. But if they get used to them when they are little, it is also a place where they can live.
Why have a Tibetan Mastiff
These giants are good-natured and very faithful, so they can be the ideal dog for any family. A Tibetan Mastiff is a dog that has revalued itself, so a large investment is required, both to achieve it and for its care. You also have to take into account that you need a lot of space to be able to live with it. This is important so that the dog can enjoy an adequate standard of living. It must be said that at present it is quite difficult to get hold of a dog of this breed, since they are also considered the most expensive dogs in the world.