Buying or Adopting a Tibetan Mastiff
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Tibetan Mastiff until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Tibetan Mastiff the right breed for you?
Tibetan Mastiff Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Tibetan Mastiff?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No other dogs in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 24 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Tibetan Mastiff stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- Brushing – moderate
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Tibetan Mastiffs are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding, and occasional slobbering
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Tibetan Mastiff to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the right relationship with your Tibetan Mastiff, where you are the Leader and he is the Follower; I call this Respect Training
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Tibetan Mastiff?
Tibetan Mastiffs are uncommon in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Tibetan Mastiffs rank 125th. That's a good thing, because this breed is not suited to most households.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Tibetan Mastiff available from a Dog Rescue group. Owners may give up their Tibetan Mastiff when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. There might be dominance or aggression issues. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Tibetan Mastiffs are very rarely found here. Tibetan Mastiff Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Tibetan Mastiff turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Tibetan Mastiff from a show breeder, who breeds Tibetan Mastiffs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Tibetan Mastiff from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Tibetan Mastiff puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Tibetan Mastiff ends up with cataracts and crippled joints.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I have never seen a Tibetan Mastiff in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Tibetan Mastiff Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Tibetan Mastiff puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Tibetan Mastiff puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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