Mastiff

History of the Tibetan Mastiff breed

Tibetan Mastiff
The history of the origin of Tibetan mastiffs is shrouded in a trail of mystery, since the first dogs appeared long before the emergence of writing in certain regions of Tibet. The approximate age of the breed could only be determined through genetic research, initiated by employees of the Chinese University of Molecular Evolution. By comparing the mitochondrial DNA of a wolf and a dog, scientists found that the first signs of their differences from each other appeared about 42 thousand years ago. A similar experiment with mastiff DNA showed a different result - 58 thousand years. This allows us to consider the breed one of the oldest in the world.

Archaeological finds - animal bones and skulls - suggest that the ancestors of mastiffs walked side by side with people back in the Stone and Bronze Ages. As for mentions of the breed in written sources, they date back to the first half of the 12th century. In 1121, the Emperor of China received a luxurious gift - huge hunting dogs that looked like mastiffs.

Tibet is considered the birthplace of the breed - a sacred place for followers of Buddha and his teachings. Thanks to their physical and intellectual strength, dogs became indispensable companions in those harsh living conditions. The animals often demonstrated ferocity, which is why many owners kept the mastiffs locked up, only letting them out to stretch their paws at night: mountain villages always needed increased protection.

Mastiffs were also widely used to protect the peaceful tranquility of monasteries. Then the animals worked in the company of Tibetan spaniels. The latter started barking uncontrollably when strangers invaded and thereby called on mastiffs for help - heavier “artillery”. Considering the fact that these large dogs fearlessly entered into battle even with snow leopards, monks and novices did not have to fear armed raids and invasions.

It was the geographical remoteness of Tibet that became the reason why the breed managed to retain its original features for thousands of years. Only occasionally did mastiffs “migrate” to other countries - mainly as trophies or valuable gifts. According to historical data, similar dogs accompanied Genghis Khan's army in battles, and the rest of the time they performed guard duty. The distant ancestors of mastiffs were also found in other armies of the ancient world, who fought with the Romans, Greeks, Assyrians and Persians.

At the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, Marco Polo, an Italian traveler and merchant, set foot on the lands of Tibet. In his writings, he mentions the mastiff - a huge and angry dog, which was almost larger in size than a pack donkey. Her voice was loud and booming, like the roar of a lion, and her eyes became bloodshot at the slightest hint of danger. Although, perhaps, the merchant only recorded the observations of other travelers, who could have embellished the reality. By the way, many dog ​​handlers adhere to precisely this point of view, although they admit that such a colorful description excites the imagination of impressionable people.

Tibetan mastiff puppy

For a long time, the whole world was content with only fragmentary stories from travelers about the powerful and majestic dogs of Tibet. The spread of the breed throughout Europe began in 1847, when the future Viceroy of India, Lord Harding, presented Queen Victoria with an unusual gift - a Tibetan mastiff, which was later named Siring. In the second half of the 19th century, Edward VII returned to his homeland along with two representatives of the breed. They were later shown at an exhibition at the London cultural and entertainment center Alexandra Palace.

These were the first glimpses of the West's timid acquaintance with the Tibetan mastiffs, which for several millennia were completely isolated from the outside world. This amazing breed began to gain popularity among aristocrats, and mastiffs increasingly began to be imported into Great Britain, from where they later spread throughout Europe. This process took the next fifty years.

In 1931, interest in mastiffs resulted in the creation of the Tibetan Dog Breeds Association. At the same time, the first breed standard was formulated. Its author was the wife of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Bailey, who acquired four Tibetan mastiffs and returned with them to England. This standard was later taken as a basis by such cynological organizations as FCI and Kennel Club.

The outbreak of World War II almost put an end to the spread of the breed around the globe. The flow of mastiffs, which were brought from Nepal and Tibet, temporarily stopped, and breeders had to make enormous efforts to preserve the breed. It has not yet been established how the dogs ended up in the United States in 1950 as a gift to then-President Eisenhower. However, this gesture of goodwill was not received with enthusiasm, and the breed itself did not win the love of the Americans. Gradually the mastiffs were sent to the ranch and forgotten for twenty years.

Since 1969, dogs were again brought to the United States - this time straight from their historical homeland. Five years later, on the initiative of dog handlers, the American Tibetan Mastiff Line Association (ATMA) was created. It also became the main club for breed lovers. In 1979, mastiffs bred in the USA took part in the exhibition for the first time and gained dizzying success.

Today the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the rare dog breeds. Thus, about three hundred purebred specimens live in the UK. As for the United States, mastiffs are ranked 124th out of 167 existing breeds. In Russia, these dogs continue to gain popularity, but it is still not enough to open full-fledged nurseries.

History of the Mastiff breed

There is currently no single point of view regarding the origin of mastiffs. Visually similar dogs lived in Central Asia two thousand years ago . These dogs had enormous strength and excellent fighting qualities, therefore they were used in combat operations, as well as for baiting large wild animals (tigers, bears, lions and even elephants), they were indispensable for protection and guard duty.

They were most likely brought to the islands of Foggy Albion by Roman legionnaires, and subsequently spread throughout the European continent. Large mastiff-like dogs were shackled in armor and released onto the battlefield; in those days it was believed that one well-equipped dog could cope with two warriors of the opposite side. In times of peace, animals fought in gladiatorial arenas and took part in bloody dog ​​fights.

Fighting dogs are considered the ancestors of modern mastiffs

The existing alternative version claims that mastiffs came to Great Britain as a last resort, gradually moving from East to West along with nomads and travelers.

What unites representatives of this group

All mastiff-like dogs are characterized by very large dimensions (height from 70 cm, weight from 60 kg), as well as a large head with large, powerful, square jaws and characteristic hanging jowls . Huge dogs are united by a calm and balanced, slightly phlegmatic character; they almost never show unreasonable aggression.

How do mastiffs relate to humans?

Mastiffs are strongly attached to people, they are distinguished by a constant need to take care of all members of the family in which they live, and a fearless readiness to instantly rush to their defense. However, dogs tend to be independent and do not tolerate loneliness well. Such large animals need as early socialization as possible, good upbringing and competent training.

Appearance of the Tibetan Mastiff

Muzzle of a Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large breed of dog. This is a strong animal with heavy and durable bones. Despite its impressive size, the mastiff looks proportional.

The FCI standard suggests that the minimum height for males is 66cm, while females typically grow to 61cm and above. As for body weight, ideally it reaches 64-78 kg.

Head and skull

The head of the Tibetan Mastiff is commensurate with its dimensions: it is very heavy and strong - in general, ideally matching the appearance of the dog. The rounded skull has a pronounced bump on the back of the head.

Muzzle

The Mastiff has a very wide muzzle, which looks square from the front. The transition to it from the forehead is well defined. A wide nose with large nostrils is distinguished by black pigmentation or as close as possible to it. The fleshy lips are adjacent to the lower jaw. In adult Tibetan Mastiffs, a fold on the side of the muzzle is acceptable.

Ears

Triangular ears are set above the eyes, but not reaching the line of the skull. The Mastiff's ears are drooping and droop slightly forward, but can be raised if the dog is restless.

Eyes

The oval eyes are set slightly obliquely and widely apart. They have a brown tint, and the richer it is, the better. The eyelids fit tightly.

Jaws and teeth

The jaws of the Tibetan Mastiff are quite strong. The dog's upper incisors overlap the lower ones, thereby forming a scissor bite (straight bite is also allowed). The teeth “sit” vertically and tightly in relation to each other.

Neck

The dog's muscular and strong neck has a pronounced scruff and a slight dewlap. The thick fur forms a mane. It is worth noting that it is less noticeable in females than in males.

Fluffy watchman

Frame

Adult Tibetan Mastiff next to a man

The Tibetan Mastiff has a strong body. The muscular back extends into a wide croup. The “heart” shape that the chest has is quite remarkable. It is formed by the slightly rounded ribs of the dog. The lower part of the chest is below the level of the elbows.

Tail

The tail is of medium length and set quite high. It is casually thrown on the back and raised during the movement of the mastiff or at the moment when the dog is alarmed by something. Covered with long and close-lying hair.

Forelegs

They have strong bones and pronounced articulation angles. The Mastiff's muscular shoulders are well sloping and flow into straight forearms. Elbows point straight back. The breed standard does not allow them to turn outward or inward. The pasterns are set at a slight angle. The forelimbs end in large and strong paws with curved toes.

Hind limbs

Parallel to each other, which is noticeable when examining the Tibetan Mastiff from behind. The long thighs are quite muscular. The dog's knees are well defined. Dewclaws are often removed at the request of the mastiff owner. The pigmentation of the paw pads is predominantly black or matches the color of the animal.

Movement style

The movements of the Tibetan Mastiff combine strength and lightness; They are distinguished by a confident push and extension of the limbs. When walking at an accelerated pace, the dog moves its legs to a conventional line in the center. In other cases, the animal moves slowly, demonstrating nobility.

Coat

Tibetan Mastiff puppy at an exhibition

Under the hard and straight coat lies a thick undercoat, which sheds during the warm season. A mane forms on the dog’s neck, which gently falls onto the shoulders. Feathering is visible on the dorsal surface of the hind legs.

Color

The breed standard calls for shades that are as pure as possible (regardless of the base color). Tan varies between light and rich chestnut. Moreover, it is located mainly above the dog’s eyes, on the lower part of the limbs and tail. The presence of “glasses” is acceptable. The same applies to the white spot on the chest, but on the paws this color should not be intense. The main colors of the mastiff include sable, golden (shades of any saturation are possible), blue (with or without points), black and tan and black.

Possible defects

The slightest deviations from the standard are considered defects. Among them the most common:

• smoothed or defined angles of the limbs;
• large or very low-set ears;
• rounded ribs (like a barrel);
• light color of the iris of the eyes and nose;
• loose lips;
• brightly defined dewlap;
• stiffness of movements;
• curled tail.

Disqualifying defects include:

• color different from that accepted by the standard;
• cowardly or aggressive behavior;
• overshot or undershot jaws;
• undescended testicles.

American Mastiff

A fairly young breed, recognized in 2000, is the American Mastiff. Appeared as a result of crossing the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Shepherd. The purpose of breeding is to match the appearance of the mastiff and eliminate health problems. The external outlines are similar to those of the English Mastiff. The difference is a tendency towards greater muscularity and athleticism.

American Mastiff breed standards:

• the largest height for males is 91 cm at the withers, for females it is 71-86 cm;
• weight 72-91 and 63-81 kg, respectively;
• the head is voluminous, but moderately;
• the presence of several wrinkles on the face, or their complete absence;
• flat forehead with a groove;
• the muzzle is wide and powerful. In some individuals it is elongated, in others it is shortened. The bridge of the nose is smooth, the transition from the forehead is smooth;
• dangling chins covering the lower jaw. The teeth are developed, the bite is scissor-shaped;
• nose flat black;
• the eyes are widely spaced, the iris is dark in color;
• ears – triangular in shape, drooping;
• the tail is long, tapering to the tip;
• the forelimbs are slightly rounded, the fingers are gathered into a ball;
• hind limbs – erect, muscular;
• The coat is short and thick, the color is fawn, apricot or brindle. A black mask must be present on most of the muzzle. The ears may also be black. Small white spots are allowed in the area of ​​the chest, paws and neck.

The breed is characterized as a companion pet. But sometimes huge mastiffs can be overly intrusive, which becomes a big problem for the breeder. If a dog is well brought up, then he is a true companion and a loving family member. Mastiffs get along well with children, are gentle and tolerant. In society, the dog is polite and patient. But he doesn’t crave communication with strangers.

Photo of Tibetan Mastiff

Character of the Tibetan Mastiff

Self-confident, balanced and independent - these are the epithets that come to mind when meeting a Tibetan mastiff for the first time. A dog has an indestructible sense of self-esteem and requires an appropriate attitude towards itself: not as a pet, but as an equal being. The Mastiff is not prone to show nervousness, cowardice or unreasonable aggression, like representatives of small breeds. This is a discreet and independent animal that behaves with royal dignity and never barks over trifles.

Tibetan Mastiff with owner

The thousand-year history of the breed and the original purpose of its representatives explain the fact that mastiffs have excellent instincts when it comes to protecting the territory entrusted to them. For the same reason, dogs tend to be nocturnal, because their distant ancestors gained energy and strength during daytime sleep in order to begin work at nightfall. So don't be surprised if your Tibetan suddenly becomes restless and noisy when you go to bed. In rare moments, a dog may bark, seeing a potential danger in a quiet rustle or creaking. Consider this fact if you have overly irritable neighbors who will not miss the chance to express their indignation.

The animal's attitude towards strangers is mostly reserved - especially in the presence of the owner. The mastiff will never rush to attack first in the absence of a threat, but rest assured: not a single movement of an uninvited guest will escape his gaze. Representatives of this breed have well-developed intuition, so a dog can put up with the company of not every person. And this is an excellent reason to think, are you really communicating with a friendly and pleasant company?

Speaking of friends... If you are a fairly sociable person and regularly invite guests for tea, the mastiff will not fully come to terms with this fact and will make any attempts to limit the number of people in your house. Families with children should also pay attention to this fact. Excessively active and loud games of a child with his friends can be perceived by a Tibetan as a threat and a manifestation of aggression. The mastiff, without hesitation, will come to the defense of its little owner, and taking into account the dog’s powerful dimensions and impressive body weight, this can end in very disastrous circumstances.

Tibetan mastiff with a child

Representatives of this breed are dominant towards other pets. The exception is the pets with whom the Tibetan grew up: in this case, the dog considers them members of its pack. This applies equally to cats and other dog breeds. However, it is not recommended to get new animals if an adult mastiff already lives in your home. In this case, rivalry cannot be avoided.

When around family, Tibetans are friendly and love to spend time with their owner, so get ready to have a miniature version of Chewbacca from Star Wars lying at your feet every day and snoring peacefully in response to the dog's dreams. Adult mastiffs are calm, but puppies are full of strength and energy. If not properly trained, these plump cubs will turn your home into ruins in a matter of minutes, so do not leave them unattended for a long time.

Beware if your pet gets bored! Tibetan Mastiffs tend to chew on everything that is within their sight. If you value your furniture, make sure you have enough toys and don't forget to walk your dog in the city park. Tibetans will run after a frisbee with puppy delight, and after the game they will happily lie down in the shade of spreading trees. A winter walk is especially appreciated by representatives of this breed: when else will there be a chance to tumble in the snow, which is so reminiscent of the historical homeland of mastiffs - Tibet?

Tibetan Mastiff puppy with mom

How to choose a dog?

TYPES OF MASTIFFS AND THEIR FEATURES

There are several varieties of the mastiff breed known in nature, all of them have their own similarities and differences.

The English Mastiff is the largest of all representatives of the genus. This species can be considered young. This type was formed only in 1883, and the color standard was established in 1906. Its weight reaches 100 kg with a height of 70-75 cm. It is well coordinated and has different colors. Shorthair.

After the First World War, there were practically no examples of this breed left. But now the English Mastiff has been completely restored and is very popular.

They are characterized by special restraint and silence, and are wary of strangers.

INTERESTING! The four-legged representatives of the English Mastiff are particularly tender and hypersensitive. You cannot raise your voice at them, much less punish them with force. If the owners in the family begin to quarrel, the dog stands between them and attempts to reconcile.

The Neopalitan Mastiff is the most regal of all representatives. Absolutely fearless and a little slow. He loves his owners very much. These individuals are best suited for the role of guards. In the absence of their owners, they guard the territory quite aggressively, but they are friendly or rather indifferent to strangers who enter the house in the presence of the owners.

REMEMBER! A Neopalitanian representative is not suitable for a family with children. They are not able to fully control their power, and can accidentally cause harm.

Dogs weigh up to 50 kg and are 60-70 cm tall at the withers. A distinctive feature is a white spot on the chest.

The most good-natured carrier of the breed, with a stable psyche and distinctive mental abilities, is the Spanish Mastiff . In the past, these dogs were excellent shepherds. Thanks to their intelligence and resourcefulness, they could stay in the mountains for a long time without water or food, watching over the cattle. The Spaniards are very loyal and are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of their master, solely because of their great love for him. They love children and are very affectionate towards them.

A large male reaches 70-75 kg and is 60-70 cm tall. It differs from other breeds in its thick coat and skin dewlap on the neck. Most often found in yellow, black and brindle colors.

The Japanese Great Dane (Tosa - Inu) is the most stubborn representative of its breed. Not suitable for the role of the first dog, as it is aggressive towards strangers, protects the owner to the last, even when not required. Tosa Inu is aggressive towards other pets. The only exceptions will be those who grew up nearby from the time of a puppy. If the owner manages to gain the authority of the dog, then he will reward his owner with loyalty and protection.

The dog's height is 75 cm, weight 60-70 kg. A distinctive feature is the small number of folds on the head.

Fila Brazilero is the best guard. The Brazilian Mastiff needs an experienced dog owner who will understand the ins and outs of the breed. These dogs are selfless and strive to protect even other animals. But they can’t stand strangers; there’s practically no chance of making friends with them. One of those representatives who are very trainable.

The color of the Brazilian can be either solid or brindle. With a height of 65-75 cm, the dog gains 40-50 kg.

Bullmastiff - this type of breed appeared as a result of the mating of English mastiffs and the Old English Bulldog. Dogs in general are not aggressive, but they are so loyal to their owner that while protecting them, they can even kill their enemy. Bullmastiffs are great with children, but they should not be left alone with the dog unattended.

The dogs are small in size. Height 50-60 cm, weight 50-60 kg. Any color, the distinctive feature is a black mask on the face, black spots on the ears and chest.

The Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff is a noble, highly intelligent breed. The dogs got their name in the 19th century, when they were first presented at a dog show in Bordeaux. Has a slightly stupid appearance and obvious slowness. A characteristic feature is the only color, orange-red.

Important! The breed gets along well with children, very patient with pranks and children's games. The dog can be left alone with the child without fear. She is not capable of harming him; on the contrary, she will provide him with protection.

Maximum height is 70 cm. They can gain 90 kg in weight.

The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive breed. They have an independent character and often do not listen to their masters, as they are confident that they are right. Previously they were used to protect livestock from attacks by leopards. And to this day they serve as good guards.

Externally, dogs resemble a lion; the dogs' fur is thick and lush. This distinctive ability allows them to withstand severe frosts. Therefore, it is popular in the East.

The color is different. They grow to 60-80 kg in weight and 66-77 cm in height.

The Major representative of the breed is distinguished by moderately calm behavior and in a home environment resembles an ordinary dog. Doesn't show aggression unless necessary. Loves children.

The color varies and is found in other types of the breed. He weighs 35-38 kg and height 55-58 cm.

The Argentine White Mastiff (Dogo Argentino) is rightfully considered the best hunting dog, first bred in Argentina. The dogs are designed as baiting hounds (in a pack) for large animals. It is distinguished by its snow-white color. The coat is short and smooth. Height – 60-68 cm, weight – 40-45 kg.

Pyrenean Mastiff - gives the impression of an angry and strict dog, but this is only for strangers. Animals are caring and kind to their owners. They can serve as excellent nannies for children. Peaceful individuals, very sensitive to their owner.

The minimum height of a male dog is 81 cm, weight is 70 kg.

Education and training

Due to its independent and somewhat stubborn nature, the Tibetan Mastiff is difficult to train (especially if it does not recognize the dominance of its owner). Tact and patience are your main weapons in the process of raising an animal and teaching it new commands. Avoid rude words and actions, otherwise the puppy will grow into a real problem, which will not be so easy to deal with.

The Tibetan mastiff lay down to rest and took over the entire bench

It can take about two years to fully train a Tibetan Mastiff. If you do not have enough time and experience, it is best to turn to specialists who will not only teach your dog basic commands, but also share effective tips for raising this furry giant.

An important aspect is imprinting - a set of techniques aimed at teaching an animal to unquestioningly trust its owner. Don't forget to pet the puppy and show affection. You may even have to sacrifice your own clothes for this: the mastiff loves to “chew” a person, thereby expressing his affection and desire to start another fun game. If this does not happen, and the laces on your sneakers are still intact, think about it: the puppy simply does not trust you and will not become a devoted friend in the future.

Early and proper socialization is very important for representatives of this breed. Already from the seventh week, the mastiff should be among people and other animals and thereby get used to the fact that the whole world does not revolve around his person. For the same purpose, it is recommended to invite guests to your home so that the dog gradually gets used to strangers on its territory and does not show aggression towards strangers.

When walking, you should not stick to one route. Firstly, your pet will quickly get bored and will soon stop enjoying the walk. Secondly, a change of place will allow the mastiff to understand that he does not own the whole world, and thereby make the animal more tolerant of other creatures.

Tibetan Mastiff at home

Care and maintenance

Huge size and long hair - this is why caring for a Tibetan mastiff takes so much effort and time. The dog’s thick coat, which has a dense undercoat, deserves special attention. Despite the fact that representatives of the breed rarely develop tangles, regular brushing is still necessary. It is carried out no more than three times a week, using a metal brush. Before combing, it is recommended to spray the hair with diluted conditioner or water: this will make the procedure a little easier.

Don't forget to take care of your Tibetan Mastiff's coat!

If you do find tangles - they mainly appear on the animal’s ears, neck and hind legs - use a tangle cutter and a special spray to gently remove them. Please note that Tibetan mastiffs shed heavily in spring and autumn, so additional devices can be used - a furminator or a slicker.

It is strictly forbidden to shorten a dog's fur using a hair clipper! This is fraught with impaired thermoregulation and, consequently, frequent pneumonia.

The Mastiff is not a breed that needs regular bathing. To maintain cleanliness, it is enough to give the animal a bath day once every three months. In addition, frequent water procedures hypertrophy the dog’s skin glands, which is fraught with the appearance of a specific and well-known “dog” smell. An excellent alternative to bathing is dry shampoo, which is rubbed into the Tibetan Mastiff's coat and then combed out thoroughly.

To shorten nails, use a nail clipper for large dog breeds, and to smooth out sharp edges, use a nail file. Soak your pet's paws in warm water first to make the procedure easier. It is repeated once a month. In this case, the hair between the toes of the Tibetan mastiff is carefully trimmed, and the paw pads are lubricated with oil. This will avoid the formation of cracks, which cause significant discomfort to the dog.

You should brush your pet's teeth twice a week. Use a brush or a special attachment on your finger and under no circumstances “share” your toothpaste with the Tibetan: there is a special one for dogs for this. In addition to plaque, tartar can also form in your pet’s mouth, so you need to take care of the presence of special toys and solid food in the dog’s diet. Thanks to them, the mastiff's teeth will retain their strength for a long time.

What are you watching? Pass by

The ears of a Tibetan also need your attention. To keep them clean, wipe your ears once a week with a damp cloth. In winter, do not go for a walk with your animal until its ears are completely dry. The same goes for the eyes. When doing this, use a soft, lint-free cloth moistened with chamomile infusion.

The health of the Tibetan Mastiff is largely determined by a balanced diet. In the first months of a dog’s life, it is necessary to take care of a sufficient amount of calcium: the joints of such a massive giant are subject to heavy load every minute. Otherwise, the optimal way to feed a Tibetan is premium dry food or natural food. Please note that combining the two types of food can cause problems with your dog's digestive system.

Do not include the following foods in your Tibetan Mastiff's diet:

• river fish (in any form);
• spicy and salty foods;
• tubular bones;
• flour products;
• fat meat;
• smoked meats;
• raw eggs;
• potato;
• sweets;
• nuts.

Natural food is always served fresh and not hot. The same goes for drinking water.

APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF DOGS

Modern mastiffs bear little resemblance to their ancestors, except in appearance. Today's dogs of this breed are good-natured and intelligent, with a highly developed mind. They are loyal to their owner and calm until he is in danger. In cases of attack, the dog comes to the defense, and it is always enough for him to simply show his formidable appearance.

In appearance, the dogs are more like a bear. Large square head, powerful neck. Huge body with a large back. Medium length tail, tapered to the tip. Short coat, lying close to the entire body. The limbs are strong and smooth. The color of the animal is red (tiger) or fawn (sometimes dark or silver). The ears, eye socket and muzzle, surrounded by wrinkles, are always equally black. The size of the dog reaches 70 cm, and it weighs at least 70 kg.

Mastiffs are not suitable for living in an apartment; the optimal condition for keeping them is a country house with a large enclosure. Average life expectancy is 9-15 years. The animal needs daily, three to four hours of physical activity. Prices for puppies start from 20 thousand rubles, depending on the specific breed. The most expensive is the Tibetan Mastiff.

Not everyone can afford to have such an unusual pet. Only people experienced in raising dogs can cope with great physical strength, enormous size and capricious character. The owner must gain leadership in order to achieve the animal's obedience and respect.

Tibetan Mastiff Health and Diseases

Running Tibetan Mastiff puppies

People from snowy Tibet enjoy excellent health. So, adult mastiffs practically do not get sick. However, there are diseases that are typical for all representatives of this breed:

• decreased thyroid function or disease;
• dysplasia of the elbow or hip joints;
• hypertrophic neuropathy;
• inflammation of the tubular bones;
• ear infections;
• osteochondrosis.

Visit the veterinarian on time and do not forget that a vaccinated pet is a healthy pet.

Health and major diseases, life expectancy

Mastiff dogs have fairly good health, are unpretentious in food and adapt well to external conditions, and are not afraid of cold or heat. Representatives of the breed are practically not susceptible to diseases and live on average up to 15 years.

But, like any living beings, mastiffs have weaknesses, they are characterized by the following diseases:

• hip dysplasia;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• eye diseases: cataracts, glaucoma, entropion, retinal atrophy;
• ear mite;
• obesity;
• skin diseases;
• infectious diseases.

Each type of mastiff has its own average life expectancy, let's present the data in the form of a table:

How to choose a puppy

It is best to buy a Tibetan Mastiff from nurseries that breed this breed. If pedigree is important to you, ask the breeder to provide all the information and photographs of adults who will later produce offspring. At the same time, you can book a puppy from a specific mastiff pair or take the baby you like four weeks after its birth.

Puppies should be kept in a spacious and carefully cleaned environment and should be playful and have a healthy curiosity. Carefully examine the baby's skin and mucous membranes. The eyes and nose should be clean and free of painful-looking discharge. Ideally, pustules and other types of irritation are also absent. A small Tibetan should be moderately heavy and well-fed, with a wide muzzle and thick feet. The thicker the coat, the better. Please note that the puppy should not be cowardly or aggressive.

Listen to your heart - and it will not deceive you!

Photos of Tibetan Mastiff puppies