Tibetan Mastiff (Do-Khyi)

The Tibetan Mastiff is a unique and gorgeous breed. It is highly intelligent, independent, loving, gentle, patient, and understanding. This is a very powerful dog with strong bone structure. The Tibetan Mastiff is a natural guardian that will be generally quiet when its needs and living conditions are met.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed originated in Tibet. There is a theory that it is a direct descendant of the first dogs that appeared on earth about 5,000 years ago.

Chinese documents had first notes about the Tibetan guard dogs in 1121 BC. The dogs were called Do-khyi, meaning «tied dog», because they were limited during the day but allowed to roam at night. The dogs were used to guard property and herd flocks.

In 1847, the first dog from Tibet was imported to England. In 1873, England’s Kennel Club (KC) was formed and the breed was officially entered into the Stud Book as the Tibetan Mastiff, leaving its earlier title as «large dog from Tibet» behind.

The American Tibetan Mastiff Association was formed in 1974 and serves as the breed’s official registry and network in the United States. The Tibetan Mastiff was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2006.

The Tibetan Mastiff can still be found performing its role, but it also enjoys life as a family companion and show dog.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a brave, fearless, calm, thoughtful and smart breed. This breed is one of the best personal and property guardians, because it has really vivid natural protective instincts. The Tibetan Mastiff could be very quiet inside and active or even aggressive outside.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a loyal and good family companion. This dog usually has a strong relation with its owner and serves him/her well. It’s always ready to play and spend time with its family and also makes an excellent guardian.

The Tibetan Mastiff loves children, but does best with the older ones, because it’s important for this dog to be treated right and as an equal, not as a pet.

But, unknown children, adults or strangers should be careful; the dog could be aggressive if they step into its territory.

The same situation takes place with the other dogs, because the Tibetan Mastiff is a giant breed and feels itself dominant with the other animals.

The most common problems for the breed include:ё
• canine hip dysplasia (CHD);
• elbow dysplasia;
• hypothyroidism;
• skin problems;
• heart problems.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a pretty cleanliness breed but needs regular grooming. This dog has long and thick coat, that’s why it should be brushed every week or even several times a week. During the shedding seasons (spring or summer) you will need to do it every day to keep the coat clean from dirt and bad hair. Also the ears, teeth and claws should be checked regularly and be neat.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an intelligent, independent and capable of quick learning, but the last feature is not its strongest side. It can be also stubborn and therefore, this breed can be quite challenging to train.

You need to start training from the first day you bring your dog home. You should be careful and patient. Try to create good and trustful relation with the dog. The owner should be strict, but diplomatic during the training, and shouldn’t use a lot of punishment.

Leash training is absolutely important for the breed. The Tibetan Mastiff must have good manners and never walk off leash.

Socialization is a necessity for this breed. Go to parks and dog walking places, visit and invite friends home, so the dog knows that the other people can step into its territory.

The properly trained and socialized Tibetan Mastiff will become a lovely member of the family that will guard and protect you.

The Tibetan Mastiff has moderate exercise requirements. The main exercise for the breed is a daily walk on a leash. It needs to be outdoors and be in a good shape. But take care of the bones, muscles and joints of the young dog. It mustn’t overwork during the growing period.
In general, half an hour of play (preferably with another dog the same size) or a walk will absolutely satisfy this breed.