In our following breed portrait it goes high – up to the himalayan.
Because here – or in Tibet – he has Tibetan Mastiffalso Doh Khyi or Tibetan Mastiff called its origin.
What is this extraordinary dog all about and what should you pay particular attention to? You will find out now.
Tibetan Mastiff Wanted Poster
Size Male: 66 to 76 cm, female: 61 to 71 cmWeightMale: 41 to 68 kg, Female: 34 to 54 kgColorsBlack, Black/Tan, Brown, Brown/Tan, Red Gold, Blue GreyLife expectancy12 to 15 yearsOriginTibetcharacter/temperamentreserved, persistent, assertive, persistent, intelligent, stubborn, protectiveFCI groupGroup 2: Pinscher – Schnauzer – Molosser – Swiss Mountain Dogs, Section 2.2: Molossoids, Mountain Dogs, Without working trial
Look
One thing is certain: Whoever meets the Tibetan Mastiff for the first time will ask themselves whether it is here a dog or a bear or a lion coming towards him.
The big dog with the stocky, compact and muscular physique is actually an apparition.
The only slim or graceful on him are the long legs as well as the upturned, spring-loaded tail.
In addition to the strong body, especially the Head on the relatively angular and large is and from medium-sized lop ears is completed.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
The Tibetan Mastiff’s coat is another hallmark of the breed. It is dense and medium length.
At the Neck may grow into a mane grow out, which contributes to the lion look. Also on the runs the dog is clothed in a lot of fur in winter.
That will be accompanied Outer coat from a dense and soft undercoat. This means that the Tibetan Mastiff is ideally equipped for the weather conditions in the Himalayas.
Good to know
While the Tibetan Mastiff looks like a lion in winter, he loses his dense undercoat in spring. Then he presents himself in slim optics.
Both Many colors are allowed – either in one color or in combination.
A Tibetan Mastiff is allowed according to the breed standard Black, Black/Tan, Brown, Brown/Tan, Red/Gold or Blue/Grey be.
eye colors
The almond shaped and small eyes of the Tibetan Mastiff are usually dark brownbut can in some cases also lighter shades of brown have.
Height Weight
A flyweight is the Tibetan Mastiff definitely not. And so distribute at Males between 41 and 68 kilograms on 66 to 76 centimeters shoulder height.
female are a bit smaller and lighter, but still achieve one Shoulder height from 61 to 71 centimeters and bring it between 34 and 54 kilograms on the scales.
History & origin of the Doh Khyi
As mentioned at the beginning, it’s about punct history and origin in the Tibetan Mastiff up high. In fact to the Himalayas and one of the countries lying here, Tibet.
The race is considered oldest dog breed in Asia.
She probably served already 3,000 years ago the Shepherds of the Himalayas as guard dogs for their cattle and the Tibetan monks as guards of their monasteries.
It is even assumed that the Tibetan Mastiff, as the dog is also called, Forefather of all mastiff-like dogs is. He is also still an original breed that was genetically hardly influenced by other dogs.
One first European mention we owe Marco Polowho initially thought he was facing a lion (although Marco Polo also had a fertile imagination).
To Europe came the Tibetan Mastiff only in the 19th century and found almost inevitably his way to the dog-mad Queen Victoria.
One purposeful breeding of the breed finds against only since the 1970s took place – and the Tibetan Mastiff has thus also become known beyond the Tibetan borders.
The Recognition by the FCI but took place already on August 22, 1961.
Nature & Character of the Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is considered to be perfect watchdog. And this fact is also reflected in his character. So the dog is considered very protective and alert.
In addition, a reserved temperament attests that of a high perseverance, stubbornness, assertiveness and perseverance is accompanied.
Keeping and training the Tibetan Mastiff
In the following you will find out how nature and temperament as well as character and size affect the attitude and upbringing of the Tibetan Mastiff.
attitude
One housing is for the Tibetan Mastiff not an ideal living situation.
It’s not just because of that size of the dogbut also on its geographical origin and the associated associated habits.
The Tibetan Mastiff needs lots of space. A home in a rural area, preferably a yard where the wakefulness can be lived out is perfect for this breed.
Upbringing
The one mentioned protective instinct is something you do when training the Tibetan Mastiff never forget or underestimate should.
this one to steer in the right direction – and already at puppy age – is enormously important. Because the protection of his loved ones is everything to this dog.
The necessary consequence and the sensitivity will most likely People with dog experience bring along – but not so much dog beginners.
Here is the one too enormous power of the dog disadvantage. Because once the Tibetan Mastiff gets going, problems can arise.
Our tip
you must your Leave Doh Khyi alone for once? Then please get the puppy used to this circumstance so that there are no problems later.
Health & Care of the Tibetan Mastiff
Anyone who grows up in the Himalayas or was/is bred there should have a particularly robust one Health and only rarely succumb to an illness.
Is that really the case and how much Care the Tibetan Mastiff needs, we’ll tell you now.
Grooming & General Grooming
When winter comes, so will it a great deal of fur that needs to be groomed, brushed and maybe even trimmed want to become, together.
The coat care of the Tibetan Mastiff is designed with it above all very expensive in the cold season.
In spring and summer you can reduce grooming a little because here significantly less fur present is.
The general care straightens up above all with the Doh Khyi the mouth and the paws as well as the sensitive eyes and ears (see point health).
Health
Due to very strict breeding requirements, some of which have been raised to the «standard» by the breeders themselves, there are Hardly any diseases that the Doh Khyi problems prepare.
As with all big dogs, he can also come along joint problems have to fight, including the well-known Hip dysplasia/HD.
Also the eyes and the hanging ears are vulnerable. Here, therefore, an increased level of care and control is necessary to avoid inflammation.
To ensure robust health is not just one reputable breeder needed.
Also one species-appropriate and meat-based diet is important for the Doh Khyi. This also applies to the annual routine visit to the veterinarian.
Good to know
Please don’t forget to take care of yourself regular dewormingone comprehensive parasite prophylaxis as well as one intact vaccination protection take care of.
Your Tibetan mastiff will thank you.
Life expectancy
A Tibetan Mastiff has one Life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Is the Do Khyi right for me?
The Tibetan Mastiff/Doh Khyi is properly raised and socialized a great family dogwho guards his people.
In addition, the breed is also suitable for single peoplebecause the four-legged friend can sometimes be left alone.
Ideally, one already brings some dog experience for living with.
Due to its origin, the Tibetan Mastiff is almost naturally also happy about extensive hikes in the mountains and is therefore the ideal companions for adventurous hikers.
Fun facts about the Tibetan Mastiff
Now you have received a lot of important information about the Tibetan Mastiff. And when it comes to origin, there is a guarantee some exciting fun factsor?
The Doh Khyi may like in cold weather be happy, but he’s just as comfortable indoors in the warmth.
While most dog breeds reach adulthood around 2 to 3 years of age, the Tibetan Mastiff needs a little longer.
The Late bloomers among the dogs is considered fully grown and mature between the ages of 4 and 7.
The Tibetan Mastiff loves to hunt and kill birds.
The Doh Khyi is excellent live at altitudes above 4,000 meters and survive – just like the Sherpas who accompany most expeditions on Mount Everest and Co.
So far, however, no Tibetan Mastiff has made it to the top of Mount Everest. The previous The record is 7,100 meters!
There are two types of Doh Khyi: Den Lion Mastiff and the Tiger Mastiff.
The Doh Khyi is especially active at night and then prefers to watch over his family.
A Tibetan Mastiff puppy from a reputable breeder will cost around €2,000.
Can you think of a story or two about this breed? Then we would be happy if you share them with us in the comments 😊