Diet of the Tibetan Mastiff. Nutrition of the Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a fairly rare breed of dog today, belonging to the group of Schnauzers and Pinschers, Molossians, Swiss Cattle Dogs and Mountain Dogs from the Molosser section and the Mountain Dog subsection. One of the most ancient working breeds, it was used as a guard dog in Tibetan monasteries and as an assistant to nomads in the Himalayan mountains.

History of the origin of the breed

Tibetan Mastiffs were first mentioned in ancient times, but this breed is still surrounded by various legends and myths. Marco Polo and Aristotle, as well as many other authors, praised the natural strength, intelligence and power of Tibetan mastiffs. Even the barking of such dogs is considered to be a unique and highly valuable breed trait. Many prominent dog experts, including Martin, Jaatt, Menin, Beckmann and Sieber, as well as Strebel and Bilandt, were fascinated by the origins of the Tibetan Mastiff and their place in the cultural heritage of Tibet, and therefore actively studied the breed.

This is interesting! The existing opinion, according to which Tibetan mastiffs are the ancestors of all breeds of the Molossian group, has not yet received scientific substantiation, and therefore is most likely erroneous.

The very first known Tibetan mastiff to reach the coastline of Western Europe was a dog that was sent as a gift to Queen Victoria by Lord Hardinge. In the eighties of the nineteenth century, Edward VII brought a pair of dogs of this breed to England, and already in 1898 the Berlin Zoo was replenished with an officially registered litter of Tibetan mastiff.

Description of the Tibetan Mastiff breed

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful giant with a strong, harmonious physique and well-developed muscles. The dog has a luxurious thick coat with abundant undercoat, which forms a real mane in the neck area. This makes the dog surprisingly similar to a lion.

As for the use of dogs of this breed, today they act as a companion, watchman, and bodyguard. But a dog can fully perform its functions when it matures; in males this happens by 24-36 months, and in females only by 4 years. Representatives of the breed have a well-defined sexual type - males are superior in size and body power.

The dogs have a strong build, with some dampness and roughness. The skin is thin, elastic, tightly fitting to the body and slightly loose in the head and neck area. Minimum height Tibetan Mastiff males are 66 cm, females are 61 cm. Average weight– 60 kg.

The standard stipulates the following appearance of Tibetans:

Wool in males it is longer and thicker, tougher and has a shine - it is able to protect the animal from any bad weather. The coat, in addition to the collar, also forms feathering on the limbs and dewlap in the tail area. The hair must be straight; wavy hair is considered a fault.
Head large, strong, with a wide forehead, on which, in case of anxiety, wrinkles form. In adult dogs, folds appear on the head and above the eyes. In dogs, the occipital protuberance and the transition from the frontal bone to the muzzle are clearly visible, but without sharp outlines.
Muzzle short, square-shaped, with a large, wide nose and thick, slightly saggy lips. The jaws are strong, with a full set of large teeth, and a scissor or, less commonly, level bite.
Ears medium, triangular in shape, ends rounded. They hang on cartilages, and when the dog is excited, they rise a little.
Eyes small, slanting, with a brown or nutty iris (depending on color).
The neck has a convex scruff and a pronounced dewlap, developed muscles. The withers are hidden by the collar and are also well defined.
Back straight, with excellent muscle mass, flowing into a wide, slightly convex loin. The croup is somewhat sloping and also has developed muscles.
Tail medium, set high, carried over the back or pressed against the croup.
Rib cage differs in depth, the ribs are convex and slightly flattened on the sides. The stomach is tucked, but not much.
Limbs with large compact paws, set parallel, straight, strong bones, all parts muscular. The rear ones are spaced slightly wider than the front ones.

These giant dogs move confidently, freely, easily and naturally. They have sweeping steps, however, due to their massiveness, it seems that the dogs are leisurely.

Colors

In the description of the Tibetan Mastiff breed, three main colors are considered.

Black - Black color predominates over the entire surface of the coat in combination with yellow hairs.
Tan - This color is characterized by black color with brown spots - tan marks. Tan marks have a clear pattern and boundaries and are located in certain places.
Red - Red color comes in various shades - from red to golden.

IMPORTANT! The standard allows for a small white spot on the chest in all colors. Other coat colors are unacceptable for show class dogs.

Character

The Tibetan Mastiff has excellent guarding and protective qualities. In a family, a dog does not single out a single owner for itself; the dog treats all family members equally. Mastiffs are unusually affectionate with children, very sensitive, get upset and retire if there is discord in the family.

Representatives of the breed are not inclined to show aggression in the presence of family members.
They are distrustful of strangers.
They have high intelligence and are stubborn at the same time.
Dogs are calm and balanced, they do not rage without reason.
They easily take root in any family, both large and small.
They tend to protect everything that is dear and familiar to them.
The dog is moderately active in comparison with other relatives.
They have a restrained character and know how to control their ardor.

The character of these giants combines fearlessness, kindness and devotion. If the pet is initially accustomed to society, is not deprived of food and walks, then aggression is not characteristic of it.

Purpose of the breed

Initially, Tibetan mastiffs were intended to guard and herd livestock and guard homes. The impressive size of the animal causes fear among uninvited guests. Therefore, today the mastiff is the best guard. There is no need to specially train him to defend the territory; he will do this thanks to his natural instinct.

The Tibetan Mastiff is intended for herding livestock and protecting homes.

The qualities of a watchdog do not prevent the Tibetan Mastiff from being affectionate with all family members. Therefore, he is ideal for the role of a companion and family pet. It will be a great play partner for children.

Varieties

Chinese dog handlers confidently divide Tibetan mastiffs into two varieties - Do-Khi and Tsang-Khi. At eastern dog shows, dogs are judged differently based on the species to which they belong. For Western Europeans, this division is simplified. The table explains the difference between do-hi and tsang-hi and indicates their main characteristics.

Table - Chinese varieties of Tibetans

In China there is a proverb that goes something like this: “Even the best do-hi is the worst tsang-hi.” It is obvious which type of breed Easterners value more.

In China and Nepal, white and red dogs are considered not purebred. The Chinese standard only allows colors such as blue, sable, black, golden and black and tan.

A feature of Tibetan mastiffs in puppyhood is noticeable inertia. They don’t run around endlessly like other babies and don’t show much activity. These dogs are tall and heavy, so the least amount of puppy energy is spent on play. Most of it is spent transforming the furball into a solemn bear with intelligent, focused eyes. Therefore, do not worry if the baby sleeps a lot, sometimes even soundly.

Grooming. Tibetans shed heavily, this is a feature of the breed. However, caring for their coat is quite easy. Dogs do not require grooming. It is enough to comb out the shedding undercoat two or three times a week and treat the dog with vitamins for the coat. After overcoming the shedding period, the regularity of grooming can be reduced to once a week.
Bath procedures. The Tibetan Mastiff needs bathing no more than once every three months. If you are the owner of a show dog, you will have to bathe him more often, and after bathing procedures you must definitely dry the male or female dog with a hairdryer. This is done together with combing. The hot air flow is directed against the wool. This way you can achieve a lush coat, turning your watchdog into an elegant representative of its kind.
Care for claws and eyes. The dog's claws do not require additional procedures; the animal grinds them down on its own, subject to the walking schedule. But you need to wipe your eyes once a week with a cotton swab dipped in a weak solution of tea leaves.
Content. You can keep a furry baby, who will very soon turn into a giant, both in a city apartment and in a private house. Preferably - directly in the building, and not on the street. But at the same time, the dog must be provided with daily walks twice a day. Apartment owners should be aware that the oldest and largest breed of dogs will not be able to feel comfortable in a Khrushchev apartment building. These dogs need space and freedom.

A female dog's first heat begins at eight months. She will be ready for her first mating no earlier than in a year and four months. Pregnancy lasts from 58 to 64 days, shortened to 54 days if the expectant mother is carrying a large number of puppies. Childbirth is quite long: the first baby appears an hour after the start of pushing, and the rest are born gradually, with a large interval.

Diet

Lu Liang, a breeder who became famous throughout the world for selling a puppy to a Chinese tycoon, recommends feeding Tibetan mastiffs with high-quality non-veined beef and delicious seafood. But if you don’t have such an opportunity, build your pet’s diet based on the table.

Table - Rules for feeding a Tibetan Mastiff puppy

Age, months	Feeding frequency, once a day	Diet	Meat norm per day, g
1,5-3	5-6	- Boiled beef; - cottage cheese; - sour cream; - kefir	100-150
3-8	4-5	- Beef scalded with boiling water; - pureed vegetables; - dressing from a spoon of vegetable oil; - fermented milk products	300-700

The food is not suitable as food for puppies. It can be gradually introduced into the diet in adulthood. First, by mixing it into natural food, and then by giving it in dry or slightly softened form, separately from the rest of the food. It is not worth feeding soggy food that has turned into porridge.

It is noteworthy that representatives of the breed are protected from obesity at the genetic level. Adult dogs never overeat; they eat exactly as much as they need at the moment.

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.

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.

Health problems

The Tibetan Mastiff has excellent health and enviable longevity. But dogs of this breed also have a risk of developing the following diseases:

articular dysplasia;
obesity;
inflammation of the ears;
bloating;
glaucoma;
allergic reactions;
osteochondrosis;
hypothyroidism

Dog hygiene and health

Coat care

Caring for long-haired Tibetan Mastiffs will require some effort. Brush your dog's coat several times a week using a long-toothed comb and a slicker brush.

During seasonal molting, which mainly occurs in the spring, the animal sheds excess hair. You will have to comb out the dead hairs every day until they are gone. As a result, a large amount of hair is removed from the dog.

During molting, the Tibetan Mastiff develops tangles in the area of the ears, neck and “pants” on the hind legs. They are removed using a tangle cutter and a special spray for easy combing. After this, the wool is again passed through with a slicker brush and a comb with long teeth.

The Tibetan Mastiff is bathed with shampoo extremely rarely - no more than four times a year, and then only when it is very dirty. The rest of the time it is better to use dry shampoo.

Dogs that are being prepared for a show career are best entrusted to the hands of an experienced groomer, because in this case there is much more hassle with caring for the coat.

How to care for a Tibetan Mastiff

The ideal place to keep a Tibetan mastiff is a private house with a spacious local area. It is enough for the dog to equip a spacious enclosure and a kennel; it is also suitable for keeping in the house, but with access to the yard. Naturally, the fence must be such that the dog does not break it or jump over it.

Due to the thickness and density of the coat, Tibetans do not tolerate hot, humid climatic conditions very well. It is easier for them to tolerate heat in dry climates. Dogs of this breed need daily physical activity; for this dog you need to walk for 40-50 minutes in the morning and evening or give him the opportunity to frolic in the yard during the same time.

Tibetans love to play with other dogs; of course, the companion should not differ significantly in size. Puppies gain weight and grow quite quickly, however, we can only talk about full physical development after 2 years. The owner must take into account that his pet, despite its impressive size, remains a puppy for some time.

To avoid problems with joint tissues, which occur in all representatives of giant breeds, long walks for up to a year are undesirable, and you also need to limit the time you spend freely in the yard. You need to communicate and exercise your dog regularly. A dog who does not receive emotional and physical relief will be sad, but not silently and quietly, but making noise and destroying everything around him.

Tibetans are not subject to frequent molting; this process occurs once a year. But in some climatic zones, molting may not occur at all. The coat requires regular care, and so that it does not get tangled and the dog looks neat, it is combed once every 2-3 days. Representatives of the breed do not have a specific odor, so they are bathed infrequently, mainly as needed.

In addition, the animal’s teeth and claws need care. It is recommended to brush your teeth every two to three days. Nails are trimmed 2-3 times a month or as they grow. Considering the size of Tibetans, your pet should be taught hygiene procedures from puppyhood.

Purchase and price of Tibetan puppies

Many people know that this breed is the most expensive in the world. However, how much does a Tibetan puppy actually cost? By advertisement or by hand, you can purchase a baby of this unique breed in Russia for 50,000-60,000 rubles. A lower price should alert you to the fact that these are kids who deviate from the standard, or have no documents at all. In this case, no one takes responsibility for his health - physical and mental.

The cost of puppies from the nursery is much higher and can reach 300,000 rubles. In European countries, the breed is so valued that a puppy can cost up to 600,000-700,000 rubles. There is probably no other breed whose price varies so much within different limits.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a dog that requires a firm hand, good care and proper living conditions. In addition, by getting such a pet, the owner takes on a number of obligations, and failure to fulfill them can result in tragedy. The Tibetan is not a toy, and this must be taken into account when choosing a dog. If all the conditions are met, the family will acquire an excellent guard, protector and devoted friend.

Tibetan mastiff kennels

Moscow http://grandbis.com
St. Petersburg http://www.giantpets.ru
Kyiv http://tibetmastif.com.ua

Lifespan

The average life expectancy of dogs of the Tibetan Mastiff breed is approximately twelve years and is an excellent indicator, since the animal belongs to the category of large ones that experience serious stress in everyday life.

Diet is the correct distribution of food intake throughout the day. For a healthy and balanced diet, following a regimen is very important. In fact, there is nothing difficult in organizing a diet if you follow it yourself. Over time, the diet will become firmly established in your life. Believe me, the correct eating schedule perfectly disciplines both the Dog and its owner, which, by the way, is important.

Proper balanced nutrition is necessary for the Tibetan Mastiff as for any other breed. There are lazy owners who prefer to use dry food or canned food to feed their pets - this greatly simplifies their life (but does not add health to the dogs), the amount of food needed each day is calculated depending on the weight of the dog, ensure the availability of fresh water and that’s it, as they say, "in the hat"!

The Tibetan Mastiff's diet must include foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, oils and minerals. Protein is my priority - it strengthens the immune system, increases the Dog’s activity, and is indispensable for the development of muscle mass and strengthening bones. Meat is the main source of protein and it must be present in the Dog’s diet every day. Meat in any form - beef, chicken wings, offal, please your friend, make his diet as varied as possible.

Feeding puppies and adults

When my Sean was very young, I fed him quite often - several times a day. Tibetan Mastiff puppies should eat at least five times a day until they are four months old. In the future, as they grow older, the number of meals per day can be reduced - when the puppy turns 6 months old, we feed him 4 times, a year - 3 times, and subsequently - 2 times a day.

Proper nutrition is the key to health and I never forget about it. Kids are just beginning to explore the world around them, they are very active and curious - they poke their noses everywhere.

Pay great attention to the complete and healthy nutrition of your puppy - regularly feed him cottage cheese (you can prepare a cottage cheese casserole if he refuses to eat cottage cheese in its pure form) so that the necessary amount of calcium enters the body. In this case, the Dog’s bones and teeth will be strong and no diseases will be scary for her.

If you decide to buy food for your pet, then let it be “Royal Canin for giant breed puppies”, but do not exclude natural products - sources of proteins, such as meat, eggs and fish.

Before purchasing a Tibetan Mastiff, you need to know a few points: - excessive physical activity is contraindicated for a growing puppy; - an adult dog needs a well-fenced area for walking; - can be noisy at night; - can be very stubborn; - requires early socialization with other animals and people.

Rational feeding is the basis for raising a Tibetan Mastiff puppy. A 45-day-old puppy needs to be fed 5-6 times a day. Dry food alone, even the best quality, is not enough in the opinion of many Tibetan Mastiff breeders. At a minimum, during the active growth and formation of a puppy, many breeders recommend including in the daily diet fresh meat (beef), dairy products (cottage cheese, bifidokefir, milk (goat milk, since it is similar in amino acid composition and proportional content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, bitch's milk.

You can also add steamed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, pumpkin, zucchini, etc., except potatoes), fruits (carefully), mineral supplements and vitamins. Our view on this issue is this: you still need to approach each puppy individually. If the puppy is genetically and physically healthy, its weight, height and other physical health indicators correspond to its age, then you can choose super-premium dry food as the basis of the diet. You can add low-fat cottage cheese and good quality vegetable oil to the diet 1-2 times a day at the age of 2-9 months. We believe that mixing different types of food in a puppy’s diet is unsafe for the animal’s female sex workers. Therefore, if problems arise when feeding dry food, it is better to step away from it for a while and switch to 100% feeding with natural products, but the diet should be thought out to the smallest detail and consist exclusively of the high-quality products mentioned above.

The basis of the diet is meat and cottage cheese.

Complementary feeding should begin when puppies are 21 days old. Each new product is introduced gradually. It is better to slightly soak dry food with water at room temperature, but not to the point of porridge. The food pellet should retain its shape and be only slightly softened. Fresh water should always be available. The bowl should be shallow, wide, heavy and stable to make it difficult for puppies to tip over the dish. This is a favorite game at this age. From about 30 days of age, raw meat in the form of finely chopped pieces is introduced into the puppy’s diet. You need to cook the meat yourself from lean beef; a puppy eats about 100-150 g of meat per day at the age of 30 days. A 4-5 month old puppy should eat 300-500 g of meat.

Next, cottage cheese is introduced; it can be calcined. It is advisable that the puppy, at least during the first month of its stay with its new owners, remains on the breeder’s feeding regimen. You also need to think carefully about where the baby will live. It would be great if it was an outdoor enclosure with spacious shelter from rain and wind.

Puppies need to be taught to use a leash from the age of three months. Walking on a leash should become regular. During the walk, you need to prepare the puppy for a show career; if you miss this moment, it will be difficult to make up for it. Even if you have not yet decided for yourself whether you will seriously engage in exhibitions, it is better to use the puppyhood age to accustom the puppy to stand and walk in the show ring. It's not difficult, but it can be very useful.

After 15 months, you can begin training the puppy to develop its protective and watchdog qualities. It is better to do this by inviting a trainer who is well acquainted with the Tibetan Mastiff breed. From childhood, the Tibetan Mastiff needs to develop the basics of obedience, using games for this. Like all Molossians, the Tibetan Mastiff can be very stubborn; he will defend his independence, but at the same time maintain a good relationship with people. A Tibetan Mastiff puppy requires a demanding approach to training. Patience, love and determination are the key to raising a Tibetan Mastiff.

In the first year of his life, a puppy must get to know himself, his family and the world around him. This is a process of close psychological contact, the main part of which is the puppy regularly accompanying you in a variety of situations. Take it with you wherever possible. The dog must be trained from the first day it comes to you and at every opportunity.

The learning process must be continuous. You need to support your puppy in their exploration of the world around them and help him gain confidence. The more interesting and different situations you create for the puppy, the more confident and appropriate the dog will behave in the future. It is very useful to change the routes of your daily walks. This is necessary to expand the dog’s complete understanding of the surrounding world. Encourage your dog to be friendly with people who admire him.

There will probably be a lot of them, so let a stranger come up to the puppy, touch it, stroke it. Give your dog the opportunity to interact with children as early as possible.

Watch the children very carefully, explain to the child what can be done when in contact with a dog and what cannot be done. Children should behave in such a way that their behavior does not seem like a threat to the puppy. When the puppy feels confident, he will understand that children do not pose any threat to him, you can calmly allow the child to play with the Tibetan Mastiff, being sure that the game will not bring any trouble.

It is also important to allow the puppy to communicate with other animals so that in the future they do not cause causeless aggression in her. If the puppy suddenly encounters an unfamiliar situation or an unfamiliar object and at the same time demonstrates his wary attitude, then the owner should not force the puppy towards the object, but should calmly wait until the puppy dares to come up and sniff the unfamiliar object. The owner must definitely praise the determination and courage of the baby. At the same time, touch the object yourself, while continuing to talk calmly and monotonously to the dog.

Update: October 2017

A huge dog with an aristocratic posture and a calm, intelligent look in his dark eyes - this is a Tibetan mastiff. Its impressive size, more reminiscent of a bear than a dog, thick and long hair that is not afraid of any frost, and its menacing and menacing appearance create the impression of some kind of giant from a fairy tale. In fact, this giant is good-natured and affectionate. He wouldn't hurt a fly and loves children. This breed's eyes are surrounded by patches of golden-brown fur, giving the illusion that the dog never sleeps. Because of these spots, Tibetans call dogs “four-eyed” and attribute to them the magical property of looking into a person’s soul and seeing his true thoughts.

According to the characteristics of the breed, the Tibetan Mastiff is characterized by the following qualities:

Despite such temperamental traits as kindness and balance, when left alone in the territory entrusted to him, he is an attentive and vigilant guard.
Unpretentious in food. Compared to other large breeds, it is content with very small portions of food: 200–300 grams per feeding is enough for an adult.
Loves children.
He is distinguished by enviable health. Rarely, entropion of the eyelids or joint dysplasia occur.
Suitable for people allergic to dog hair, as it has almost no odor and is highly clean.
It is famous for its loud, majestic and booming bark, which resembles the roar of a lion.

Disadvantages of the content include:

High cost of a puppy.
An adult needs a large fenced area for walking.
Can be very stubborn if not brought up correctly, “deciding” on its own who to let near its owner and who not.
Requires socialization to relate peacefully to other animals and people.
Can be annoying with loud barking at night if he spends the night outside.

Tibetan Mastiff Hong Dong is considered the most expensive dog on the planet, as he was purchased by his owner, a coal magnate from China, for $1.5 million. The mastiff's nickname translates to "Big Splash." In 2012, he was surpassed by a representative of the same breed named Emperor. Its owner purchased it for $1.6 million.

Breed characteristics

What is the reason for such a high cost of puppies of this breed?	The breed is at the stage of its formation. It appeared on Russian territory recently, about 12–16 years ago, and now its population does not exceed two thousand. The Russian breeding stock has not yet been formed, there are few dogs being bred, but the breed is fashionable and relevant, and there is great demand for it. This demand gives rise to high prices for good purebred puppies.
Why do Tibetan bitches only whelp once a year?	Indeed, females of this breed, like wolves in the wild, produce offspring only once a year. This is due to the fact that the breed has not yet been domesticated enough.
What difficulties will you face in terms of maintenance?	Mastiffs shed, losing all of their thick undercoat. During the molting season, the abundance of their fur can cause a lot of inconvenience. Increased salivation requires attention. During puppyhood they may snore in their sleep. The loud, booming bark of an animal can cause many unpleasant moments.
Is it possible to keep an animal in an apartment?	This is possible, but the dog will experience inconvenience. Due to the fact that his ancestors lived for many centuries in the vast expanses of the Tibetan mountains, he requires a large territory.
How do mastiffs treat children?	Mastiffs love children. They are incredibly gentle, patient and affectionate with them. They vigilantly protect them from the slightest danger and take part in children's games with pleasure.
Are they aggressive?	Aggressiveness and the Tibetan Mastiff breed are incompatible concepts. An angry Tibetan will become indifferent and icy, like an iceberg, but will not show any emotion. The maximum reaction to strangers can be manifested in the expression of a “goat face”. Even if an attempt is made to attack the owner or strangers enter the territory entrusted to him, the dog will not be aggressive. He will knock down, but will not bite a person.

Character and temperament

The character of the Tibetan Mastiff is almost perfect. Sometimes it’s even difficult to call this good-natured giant a dog. He is all about caring for his pack - the owner, his family, children, pets. Sometimes he is too attentive and vigilant, it happens that he even tries to decide and show who is their enemy and who is their friend. Security and protection are two elements of an independent and reliable dog. He independently resolves all issues related to his service, often without waiting for a command. Nothing and no one can hide from his keen, serious gaze. Loyalty is in the blood of this breed. If the owner earns the trust and love of a charming Tibetan, he will, without hesitation, give his life for him. But at the same time, the dog will not show his feelings particularly clearly; he needs a firm hand and is distinguished by an outwardly cool attitude towards his owner.

The mastiff has a high natural intelligence and is very sensitive to relationships in his pack, that is, family. May become upset when witnessing a family scandal. He will withdraw into himself if he receives a beating in a rude manner or in a raised voice. He loves outdoor active games, especially in the fresh air, but if necessary, he can pretend to be a piece of furniture and not make a sound for several hours. The dog idolizes children and is ready to endure any pranks and antics. He may be more likely to need adult supervision and protection than they are. Bitches of this breed can become excellent nannies, with whom it is not scary to leave even a very small child.

The Chinese have a proverb that says that one Tibetan mastiff can fight three wolves alone, and two can fight a tiger.

Photo of Tibetan Mastiff

For representatives of this breed, it is important to have a wide area for walking. The best option for maintenance would be a private house. If, after all, a pet was purchased to live in an apartment, then it needs to be provided with long walks, at least 30–40 minutes each, at least 3–4 times a day. In addition to daily walks, it is important to arrange regular outings into the world, or rather into nature - to the forest, park, village, or country house, where your pet can run around and take a break from the crowded city conditions. Remember the animal's thick fur, it is an additional source of heat. Since dogs do not have sweat glands, in the heat it is important for them to be able to stay in the shade to avoid overheating and stress on the cardiovascular system.

Before purchasing a Tibetan for your apartment, make sure you have enough space to meet his natural needs.

The dog should have enough space to fully stretch out while sleeping.
There should be a place to be present in the room where everyone in the household spends time. The dog should not feel like an outcast and sit on the balcony when everyone is watching TV in the hall.
She should have enough space to eat quietly, in an appropriate position.
The dog should have a problem-free and clear path to the water bowl. He should not feel guilty about getting underfoot on the way to the “watering hole.”
Remember that your pet will need to wash its paws after walks, that is, 3 to 4 times daily. Sometimes he will have to be bathed entirely.
It is important that the puppy first, before he acquires the appropriate skills, will do his “dirty deeds” in the apartment. Are you ready for this?

In a suburban area, the dog will not need a kennel. Thanks to its thick coat, it can easily withstand severe frosts.

When preparing for an exhibition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the “hairstyle”. It will give the animal a proud, imposing appearance characteristic of the breed. To do this, you can invite a specialist who will show you how to properly dry the coat with a hairdryer and comb the paws with a special slicker brush.

If necessary, you can wash your eyes with strong tea or chamomile infusion, and clean your ears with a cotton swab dipped in the same infusion or baby lotion that does not contain alcohol. Claws should be trimmed if they are overgrown, using a special trimmer for animals. Dogs' teeth are cleaned with a special treat made from beef veins. They are usually sold in veterinary pharmacies and look like seeds.

If upon examination it is discovered that the anal glands are swollen or there is discharge from them, you should contact a veterinarian who will teach you how to clean them at home.

It is also important to periodically trim the hair between the toes of the Tibetan Mastiff using special scissors with rounded tips. The need for the procedure is due to the fact that in winter snow can freeze on the wool, and in summer debris gets clogged up in it.

Mastiffs love to swim. You can allow your pet to swim in a pond at any temperature, if, of course, he himself wants to do so. It is enough to bathe the dog 2-3 times a year, preferably in the summer after molting, in order to wash all the old undercoat.

Knitting requires a serious approach. A feature of the breed is late puberty: in males it occurs by the age of four, in females - no earlier than three years. Early mating is extremely undesirable, as it can harm both the offspring and their parents.

Vaccination is carried out according to a standard scheme, which is repeated annually:

At 2 months.
At 2 months and 3 weeks.
At 6 months (10 days before deworming).
At 6 months and 3 weeks.
At 1.5 years.

Deworming:

At 3 weeks.
At 1.5 months.
3.5 months.

Then, up to the age of 10 months, deworming is carried out once every two months, and after ten months - three times a year.

To prevent ticks and fleas, the animal requires monthly treatment with drops or wearing a special collar during the spring-summer-autumn season.

The Mastiff cannot be kept on a chain. Only in the enclosure. He needs freedom. Don't be afraid that he will start digging holes or play pranks in other ways. A proud dog will spend most of his time in peaceful contemplation and leisurely walk around his possessions.

Feeding

The number of feedings of a Tibetan mastiff depends on its age:

Up to three months – 5 times a day.
Up to 4 months – 4 times.
Up to 5 – three times a day.
From 5 months, switch to adult mode - twice a day.

Feeding is based on the following essential products:

Meat is the main source of protein and a kind of constructor for a healthy and strong canine body. It is preferable to feed raw beef, without blood, as its smell can irritate the animal and cause it to refuse food. Up to 12 months 50 grams per kilogram of animal weight. After a year - about 250 grams daily. Chicken can be given only boiled, lamb - lean, offal - boiled.
Sea fish must be boneless and boiled to avoid infection with worm eggs.
Dairy products - cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, kefir. Remember that milk is not a drink, but a complete food.
Eggs – one or two weekly. It is better to eat raw and without protein, which is almost not absorbed by the dog’s body.
Cereals, preferably not boiled, but brewed rolled oats. Exclude rice, pearl barley, semolina and buckwheat.
The bread is coarsely ground, the ideal option is rye crackers (they are not given to puppies).
Vegetables - everything except potatoes and peas, plus raw berries and dried fruits. Add finely chopped or grated to cereals, and can be boiled separately. Particularly useful are pumpkin, cauliflower, greens, and beets.
Raisins, cheese, dried fruits can be given as encouragement during training.
Salt – in small quantities. You can add salt only to vegetables or give a piece of salted herring two to three times a month.
Coal and sand are important food for dogs. Should always be within reach in small pieces.

Once a week it is useful to give a Tibetan a clove of garlic, wrapped in minced meat or on a piece of bread with butter. This is an excellent folk remedy for worms.

Prohibited products:

Hot or cold food.
Sweets in all forms.
Salty.
Smoked.
Canned food.
Pickled foods.
Fat.
Spicy.
Raw sea and any river fish.
Pork.
Fatty lamb.
Raw chicken.
Bones in any form.
Pasta.
Legumes.
White bread and other baked goods.
Potato.
Sausages.
Spices: pepper, bay leaf, paprika and other spices.

When feeding dry balanced food, it is important to use only those that contain the super premium and premium class markings. Puppies switch to adult food from one and a half years of age. Food must be selected according to age.

Do not feed your dog treats from the table, even if it seems to you that he is not eating enough. Tibetans have an extremely moderate appetite. If a dog doesn’t eat for a couple of days, this is also normal.

Diseases of the Tibetan Mastiff

One of the advantages of a Tibetan is his good health. But poor nutrition or inappropriate care can cause problems with well-being. The breed is characterized by a predisposition to the following diseases:

Joint dysplasia, mainly of the hip or elbow- the scourge of almost all large breeds. It is important not to overfeed your pet, so as not to lead to obesity, which provokes such a diagnosis.
Obesity can also cause diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Due to the physiological characteristics of the Tibetan’s ears, they are droopy and may be susceptible to fungal and infectious diseases of the ears. Regular hygiene procedures will help solve this problem.
Abdominal bloating caused by rapid swallowing of food.
Glaucoma is transmitted at the genetic level.
Hypothyroidism is a disruption of the endocrine system.
Osteochondritis is an inflammatory process affecting bones adjacent to cartilage.
Willebragt-Jurgens disease– a disorder in the hematopoietic system, which is characterized by insufficient functioning of platelets.
Infectious diseases– distemper, rabies, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis. It is easy to prevent by promptly vaccinating the animal.

Puppy care

Important Rules

You cannot lift the puppy by its paws. Lifting should be done by holding the dog by the elbows with one hand and the rear area with the other.
Don't wake up! Sleep is an integral part of healthy development. Even if it seems that your pet sleeps too much, this is completely wrong. A young body itself is able to determine the amount of time for its natural needs.
Eating only after walking or playing. After eating, you should not be active, as this can lead to volvulus.
Organize a safe space for active pastime. The puppy is not able to understand that chewing wires or running on slippery surfaces is dangerous to his health.
The punishment should follow within 1 - 2 seconds after the offense, or not at all. After more time, the dog will not understand why he was punished. Thus, it is possible to provoke cowardice and a constant feeling of guilt in the animal.
The puppy should have his own toys.
The pet should be strictly prohibited from biting anyone’s hands or other parts of the case, even during play.
Tug games are prohibited. They have the most negative effect on the formation of bite.
The puppy should not be left alone for a long time. They will perceive this as punishment and cause stress.
The dog should have its own, bright, dry, warm and comfortable place where it can stretch out to its full height. It should not be in a draft or passage.
Walking at a tender age lasts no more than 15 minutes. This rule also applies to games.
It is important to take walks outside the yard where the dog lives. This is important for the animal's socialization process. When outside the home, train your pet to walk on a leash.
From puppyhood, accustom your Tibetan to procedures aimed at maintaining hygiene.

An important element of education for dogs of large breeds is imprinting - actions on the part of the owner aimed at making the pet understand that he and the owner belong to the same pack, and that the person is trustworthy. The essence of imprinting is that from birth until about seven weeks the dog comes into the closest, confidential contact with a person - to be caressed, hugged, allowed to lick his hands, chew the hem of his clothes.

In the absence of such contact, the animal will grow up distrustful of humans, cowardly, with an unbalanced character and a weak nervous system. Therefore, when choosing a puppy, it is important to pay close attention to behavior: a normally developing animal will show curiosity towards you without signs of timidity, begin to actively play, try to climb into your arms or gnaw on items of your wardrobe.

Breed standards

Tibetans are the oldest breed in the world. The first mention of them occurs in 1121 BC. e. The latest changes to the international breed standard were made in 2004, on April 2.

The breed is one of the five largest dogs on the planet. The largest known Tibetan mastiff named Lio Chang weighed 120 kilograms.

Country of origin	Tibet
Purpose of the breed	Companion, guard, sentry.
General view	Of impressive size, powerful build, strong bones and impressive appearance.
Temperament	Calm, independent, with a stable psyche, not aggressive, but vigilant and extremely attentive. Characterized by a patronizing attitude towards the owner, his family and especially children, and a vigilant attitude towards protecting the entrusted territory.
Head	Large, wide, with pronounced stops and occipital protuberance.
Muzzle	The muzzle is wide, with a square end, the transition from the head to the front part is well defined. The nose is well pigmented, with wide nostrils. The lips are dark, tightly covering the jaw. Teeth – form a strong, strong jaw with a scissor or level bite. The ears are medium in size, triangular in shape, drooping. There is soft wool covering the entire surface. The eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped, dark in color, usually brown, and set obliquely. The look expresses seriousness and importance.
Frame	Durable and massive. The back is located in a straight line, with developed muscles. The chest is wide with well developed ribs.
Neck	With developed muscles
Tail	Medium length, fluffy, located on the upper line of the back. When in motion, it is thrown high on its back.
Limbs	Straight, strong, muscular, with strong bones, elbows not turned out, covered with a layer of dense thick hair over the entire surface, thighs long and strong.
Gait	When she walks, she looks leisurely and proud. The movements are powerful, but elastic, with a good push. Moves across terrain with ease.
Wool	Hard and dense, fine in structure and straight, in smaller quantities in females. The undercoat is dense. Forms dense feathers on the hind legs. In the cold season it is thicker and denser than in the summer. It forms a thick mane on the shoulders and neck, more pronounced in males.
Color	Blue, black, golden red, sable. Everything is in deep shades. Color options can be with or without markings. The markings, called "tan", should be located above the eyes, on the inside of the tail and paws. Small white markings on the tips of the paws and a small white spot on the chest are acceptable. The color of the markings varies from light beige to deep red. "Tan" may be above the lips. The color is encouraged to be as pure as possible.
Note	Males must have a pair of normally developed testes, completely descended into the scrotum.

Historical background

The Tibetan Mastiff is still one of the rarest breeds, although it has been known for quite a long time. Mentions of this majestic dog are found already in the 12th century in the Chinese book Shu King. Ancient mastiffs were used to hunt wild animals, particularly lions and buffaloes, and as fighting dogs. In ancient Assyrian bas-reliefs there are stone images resembling huge Tibetans.

The first European to see and describe the breed was Marco Polo in 1271. His baton was taken over in 1774 by Robert Boclet. The animals themselves came to Europe only in the 19th century.

Over time, the breed is becoming increasingly popular and in demand. This is not surprising, since the Tibetan Mastiff is a truly unique breed, which has a lot of undeniable advantages that distinguish it from other large breeds.

Growing up, the Tibetan Mastiff puppy turns into a large dog with an unusually showy and impressive appearance. Aviary keeping is recommended for this breed; With a balanced and sufficiently high-calorie diet, the animal can easily tolerate any vagaries of the weather. How to properly feed a Tibetan Mastiff puppy is one of the first tasks that the owner of the animal must solve.

Nutrition of the Tibetan Mastiffshould provide the energy needs of a large dog with strong, wide bones and powerful muscles. Luxurious fur, reminiscent of a lion's mane, needs to be sufficiently saturated with vitamins and microelements in the dog's diet.

A large dog needs a significant amount of food to be satisfied.How much does a Tibetan Mastiff eat?- depends on the size and physical condition of the dog. If your friend eats dry food, you can calculate the approximate amount of food using the table on the package. Super-premium food is perfectly balanced in composition and concentrated; dogs eat this food in smaller quantities than food of lower classes.

If you decide to feed your puppy natural products, take care of the following points:

the protein part of the diet should be up to 60% - these are lean meats, fermented milk products, eggs, boiled sea fish;

porridge is not the basis of a dog’s diet, it is only a source of carbohydrates; preference should be given to rice or buckwheat porridge;

The diet should include vegetables - greens, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, pumpkin;

source of fats is vegetable oil.

Dry food should have approximately the same composition if you decide to feed it to your dog. The advantage of a natural diet is that you personally control the components of your pet’s diet. In addition, nutrients and microelements are perfectly absorbed from natural products.

Dry food for Tibetan Mastiffgood because it is a ready-made balanced diet. This is an ideal solution for owners who do not have the opportunity to prepare proper food for their dog every day.

To make it easier to decide,what to feed a Tibetan mastiff, find out from the puppy’s previous owner what the baby ate. A good breeder will tell you in detail,how to care for a Tibetan Mastiffand feed him. It is ideal if the puppy is taught proper nutrition from an early age.

What not to feed a Tibetan Mastiff

Bad eating habits have a detrimental effect on a dog's health. In addition, the habit of treating a beggar dog during one's meal undermines the authority of the dog's owner, which should not be allowed for such large and strong animals as the Tibetan mastiff. Exclude the following foods from your dog’s menu:

sausage, frankfurters;

fatty meats, chicken skin, lard;

river fish, especially raw;

fried, smoked and pickled foods;

sweets;

flour products - rolls, pasta, pies;

food with seasonings, flavorings, sauces, salt;

tubular bird bones.

Unlike humans, dogs do not require variety in their diet, so there is no need to change foods in your pet's diet frequently. If a dog receives food that is balanced in composition every day and willingly eats it, there is no need to change anything by treating the animal with treats that are harmful to it. This will save the dog’s health, and the owner will not have to wean his friend from bad habits.