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14 Interesting Facts About Tibetan Mastiffs

Published: by Yana Sosnovska · This post may contain affiliate links

Has a Tibetan Mastiff caught your attention? Well, why wouldn't it? With its massive size but gentle personality towards their families, it is impossible not to stop and stare at this giant softie.

Now that you are interested to know more about them, here are 14 interesting facts about Tibetan Mastiffs.

#1 Tibetan mastiff was bred in mountains of Tibet

head of a Tibetan Mastiff with its mouth open and tongue out while under the sun in the garden
Centuries ago dogs of this breed lived in Tibet monasteries with monks where they act as guards.

#2 Tibetan mastiffs have been known since ancient times

A large Tibetan Mastiff in the yard with its mouth open
There are references to them dated the 13th century.
Even Aristotle met Tibetan Mastiffs while his travels around Asia.

#3 Tibetan Mastiffs were purebred for a long time

A thick Tibetan Mastiff walking in the yard under the sun
The nature in Tibet is severe so Mastiffs became hardy and strong dogs. In the mountains, they were protected from the outside world and the breed remained pure for centuries.

#4 Mastiff is an ancient breed but these dogs arrived in Europe only in the 19th century

A furry Tibetan Mastiff
The first Mastiff dog was presented as a gift to the Queen of England.

#5 Tibetan mastiff is the most expensive dog in the world

A Tibetan Mastiff puppy jumping in the yard
In 2009 one Mastiff puppy was bought by a billionaire for $600 000!!!
But some years later one Chinese billionaire bought a puppy of this breed for $1,5 million!
Can you even imagine these figures?

#6 Tibetan Mastiff is one of the strongest breeds

A Tibetan Mastiff sitting on the pavement under the sun
There are some references that Mastiff can fight even with wolves and with a snow leopard.

#7 Buddha owned a dog of this breed
A Tibetan Mastiff lying on the ground with its tired face
#8 They can live in very cold conditions

A Tibetan Mastiff in snow
Tibetan mastiffs are covered in an unbelievably long and fluffy double coat, which helps keep them warm in even the coldest weather.

#9 They sleep during the day and stay awake at night

A young Tibetan Mastiff in the garden while under the sun
Originally used as guard dogs for livestock and property, Tibetan Mastiffs can still be found performing that role, but they also enjoy life as a family companion and show dog.

#10 Tibetan Mastiff has really complex nature

A Tibetan Mastiff lying on the pavement with its tongue out
To get obedience from Tibetan Mastiffs, they should start trainings from very young age. It is also necessary to instill puppies a love of people.

#11 These dogs are not for apartments

A Tibetan Mastiff with a thick and shaggy coat standing on the grass in the yard
Tibetan Mastiffs require really hard trainings and physical exercise, so they can`t live in apartments. They need a large territory for actions.

#12 Mastiffs are called puppies until they are 3-4 years old

A large Tibetan Mastiff sitting on the ground
Dogs of this breed grow and develop very slowly and their temperament can be unstable up to 4 years.

#13 Female Mastiffs are kinder than male
A lrge Tibetan Mastiff with a long fur lying on the grass
#14 People call Mastiff Tibetan Lions

A Tibetan Mastiff lying on the pavement under the sun
Their hair, strong temperament and physical stamina make Tibetan Mastiff really similar to Lions.
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