Also called Do-Khyi, Tibetan mountain dog, Himalayan mountain dog · Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs · The Tibetan Plateau and Himalaya
A self-assured, independent guardian that is gentle and devoted with its own family but reserved and watchful with outsiders.
A self-assured, independent guardian that is gentle and devoted with its own family but reserved and watchful with outsiders. It tends to be settled in the house and most alert in the evening and at night, true to its sentry heritage.241
how to spot oneTibetan Mastiff coat and colours
medium to long double coat
A hard, straight outer coat that stands away from the body over a thick woolly undercoat in the cold months. Males carry noticeably more coat, forming a lion-like mane over the neck and shoulders. Quality matters more than sheer volume.21
Comes inblackbluegold (fawn to deep red)sableany of these with tan markings21
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tibetan Mastiff. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
how busy a day looksTibetan Mastiff exercise needs
Moderate: up to about an hour of exercise a day is enough for most adults.3
where they are happiestTibetan Mastiff at home
Best in a large home with a spacious, securely fenced garden, in town or country; it is not an apartment dog and suits experienced owners.31
who they like aroundTibetan Mastiff with people and other pets
Strongly bonded to its household and territory; thoughtful socialisation from puppyhood helps it accept visitors calmly.21
the hands-on bitsTibetan Mastiff grooming and care
Brushing more than once a week, with extra work during the yearly heavy moult of the undercoat in late winter or spring.31
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Tibetan Mastiff, and at what times?
Feed your adult Tibetan Mastiff at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Avoid free feeding, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.5
What should a Tibetan Mastiff eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, and alcohol. Never give human treats without checking with your vet.6
How often should I bathe a Tibetan Mastiff?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every four weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The general rule is at least once every three months. Use a dog-specific shampoo and rinse well.7
How often does a Tibetan Mastiff need brushing?
Brush your Tibetan Mastiff more than once a week, and daily during the heavy seasonal shed in late winter or spring. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every two days to keep its thick double coat healthy.31
How do I trim a Tibetan Mastiff's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7
How much exercise does a Tibetan Mastiff need?
A Tibetan Mastiff needs moderate exercise, up to about an hour a day for most adults. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. This breed is settled indoors but most alert in the evening, so adjust your routine accordingly.3
How do I look after a Tibetan Mastiff's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki suggests daily tooth brushing and weekly ear checks.7
How long does a Tibetan Mastiff live?
A Tibetan Mastiff typically lives around 10 years, with some living longer. Senior years often start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.3
Is a Tibetan Mastiff good with children and other pets?
This breed is gentle and devoted with its own family, but reserved with strangers. With thoughtful socialisation from puppyhood, it can accept visitors calmly. Its compatibility with other pets varies and depends on early training and individual temperament.21
Can a Tibetan Mastiff be left alone?
Tibetan Mastiffs are strongly bonded to their household and territory, so they may not do well if left alone for long periods. They are most alert at night and can be protective. For specific advice on your situation, ask a good breeder or a vet.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchTibetan Mastiff health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Tibetan Mastiff. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Faulty development of the hip or elbow joints that can cause lameness and arthritis; breeding dogs should be hip and elbow scored. Listed among the breed's health problems on Wikipedia and in OFA/CHIC requirements for the breed. ↗
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland, common in the breed, which can cause weight gain, coat and skin changes and low energy. Wikipedia names hypothyroidism as common in the breed. ↗
Canine inherited demyelinative neuropathy (CIDN)
A rare inherited nerve disease of young puppies causing weakness and loss of reflexes, which appeared in one prominent line in the early 1980s. Wikipedia describes CIDN in the breed. ↗
Eyelid and eye disease
Entropion, ectropion and progressive retinal atrophy are reported, so eye checks are sensible. Wikipedia lists these eye conditions for the breed. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Tibetan Mastiff costs
Running costs for a Tibetan Mastiff, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Tibetan Mastiff legal where you live?
3 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the Tibetan Mastiff. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
Permit requiredRegolamento sui cani (RCani, in force 1 Jan 2026) art. 14-20: the 32 listed breeds (Bull Terrier and Miniature Bull Terrier share one entry) and their crosses, born after 1 April 2009, need an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office before acquisition, a training course, and aptitude tests at 9 to 13 months and again in the third year. Applies to residents and to anyone staying with the dog in the canton for at least 30 days a year.
Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.
BannedSince 13 December 2024 it is illegal to breed, advertise or sell non-pedigree bully-type dogs of these breeds or their crosses, or to keep ones born after that date. Pedigree dogs with recognised kennel club registration are allowed, and existing non-pedigree dogs may be kept if they were microchipped and registered before 13 December 2024. Dogs brought from another EU country that the keeper has had for at least six months are exempt if registered within 30 days of entry.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Tibetan Mastiff tip
Tibetan Mastiffs are prone to bloat and stomach problems, so give treats in small amounts spread through the day, alongside smaller, more frequent meals.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Queen Victoria was given a Tibetan Mastiff in 1847.2
2
Unlike most dog breeds, females usually come into season just once a year.1
3
The breed carries a genetic adaptation that helps it cope with thin air at high altitude.1
I wake slowly, stretching my giant frame. I pad to the window and watch the morning sun light the peaks. My family is safe. I follow them to the kitchen, sit, and receive a gentle pat. I spend the day lying on my mat, one eye open, listening. When a stranger passes, I give a deep, rumbling bark. In the evening, I walk the fence line, my heavy paws silent. As dusk falls, I take my post on the porch, alert and watchful. I am the guardian of this home, and tonight I am at peace.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
The Tibetan Dog(チベット犬物語 金色のドージェ)2011
A boy moving to Tibet befriends a golden Tibetan Mastiff.
An ancient working dog of Himalayan herders and a traditional guardian of Tibetan monasteries. Reports of huge Tibetan dogs reached Europe over centuries; Queen Victoria received one in 1847 and dogs were shown in Britain in the early 1900s. Worldwide interest in the breed grew strongly from the 1980s.21
Listed as Do-Khyi, standard no. 230, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian mountain type; definitive recognition 22 August 1961, standard published 18 March 2015, country of origin Tibet (China).8
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