Lifespan

Average of 12 to 15 years

 

Temperament

Due to their long history of working closely with people, Tibetan Mastiffs are believed to form a close bond with their owners. Their large size means that owners need to be ready and committed to their Mastiff’s needs for feeding, training, and exercise.

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Head

The head is broad, heavy and powerful. Proportions from occiput to stop, and stop to the end of the nose, range from equal lengths to a muzzle that is slightly shorter than the length of the topskull.

 

Skull

The skull is slightly off square, wide from ear to ear and slightly rounded, showing a strongly defined occiput. The stop is moderate, but well-defined.

 

Eyes

Tibetan Mastiffs have very expressive eyes, of medium size and mostly a dark brown in colour. Their eyes are wide set, almond to diamond in shape with a slight slant.

 

Ears

Ears are of medium size, triangular, pendent, and set between the level of the skull and the eye, hanging close to the head. When alert, their ears are carried forward. Ear leathers covered with soft, short hair.

 

Muzzle

Fairly broad, well padded, and blunt and square in appearance. The lips are well-developed, with moderate flews that cover the line of the underjaw. The Tibetan Mastiff is a dry mouthed breed.

 

Teeth

The mouth should contain a full complement of strong, white teeth which will meet in a scissors bite, and fit tightly and maintain a strong chin. The jaws are particularly strong.

 

Neck

The neck of this species should be strong and well-muscled, slightly arched. With little dewlap.

 

Forequarters

Tibetan Mastiffs boast strong boned muscular forequarters with well-laid shoulders. Strongly boned, straight legs.

 

Body

Slightly longer than the  tall in proportion, with a strong, straight back. The chest is quite deep and wide in more mature dogs. Ribs are nicely sprung in a heart shape. Brisket reaches below the elbows. Strong, slightly arched loin.

 

Hindquarters

Powerful, muscular, with moderate angling and strong, low-set hocks. Hindlegs, seen from behind should be parallel. Single or double dewclaws may be present.

 

Feet

Quite large, strong, with thick pads, rounded and compact. Having good feathering between toes.

 

Tail

Medium to long. Set on high. Loosely curled over back to one side and well feathered.

 

Gait

Powerful and exhibiting both purpose and agility. Measured and deliberate when walking. At speed will have a tendency to single-track.

 

Coat

The Tibetan Mastiff is double coated, with males carrying noticeably more than females. The outer coat is harsh in texture, thick, heavy and stands off the body, ranging from fairly short to moderately long. The undercoat is dense and woolly in cold climates and becomes sparse in warm weather.

 

Colour

Ranging from a rich black, with or without tan; to slate grey, with or without tan; and rich golden.

 

Height and Weight

Dogs: (26 to 30 inches). Bitches: (24 to 28 inches). Dogs range from 45 kgs to 72 kgs + . Bitches range from 34 to 54 kgs +. Weight must be in proportion to height.

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Faults

Any deviation from the above description will be penalized in accordance to the extent of the deviation.

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Disqualifications

• Dogs under 25 inches (63.5cm) at 18 months or older, females under 23 inches (58.5cm) at 18 months or older.

• Undershot or overshot bite.

• All other coat colours (e.g., white, cream, wolf sable, brindle) and markings other than those specifically described.