Tibetan Mastiff

The double-coated Tibetan Mastiff has a thick, woolly undercoat and coarse guard hair. Their low-maintenance coat only needs occasional grooming throughout most of the year. All that is required is a weekly brushing with a slicker or long pin brush to remove surface filth and a wide-tooth comb to detangle the tail, mane, and breeches. The undercoat of TMs "blows" once a year in a large-scale shedding that occurs in the late spring or summer. Use a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake at this time if possible. The breed standard states that TMs must be displayed naturally; only trimming to form the feet and provide a neat appearance is permitted.

Daily moderate exercise is required for Tibetan Mastiffs, but it does not have to take the shape of a scheduled activity. TMs choose controlled play activities like chasing a flying disc or playing fetch above play-related activities like protecting their territory. In lower temperatures, they become more active. They frequently only engage in brief spurts of activity and tend to save their energy until they are absolutely necessary. In the winter, they make nice throw rugs, and in the summer, air conditioner vent covers!

Traditional obedience training does not yield positive results with Tibetan Mastiffs. They are extremely intelligent, pick things up quickly, and don't need to be reminded of what they already know. They will comply with their owners' requests because they respect and trust their discretion, but if there is ever a doubt, the TM will rely more on his gut than on training. The breed is typically not food-driven, and training with treats does not consistently get the desired results. They are also infamous for giving flawless performances in class but utterly disobeying all orders when they return home. They are unreliable in their recall, thus you should never let them off the leash.  

Whether commercially produced or made at home under the guidance and consent of your veterinarian, the Tibetan Mastiff should thrive on high-quality dog food. Any diet should be suitable for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Given their size, Tibetan Mastiffs typically only consume two to four cups of high-quality food per day as adults. They only eat when they are truly hungry, and it is common for a TM to completely forgo a meal. Males frequently skip meals during the time when females are in season, and they can lose up to 10% to 15% of their total weight during that time. Find out which meals from humans are safe for dogs and which are not. If you have any worries about your dog's weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. The Tibetan Mastiffs don't need a special diet, and fresh, clean water should always be accessible.