Tibetan Mastiff

Also called Do-Khyi, Tibetan mountain dog, Himalayan mountain dog

A self-assured, independent guardian that is gentle and devoted with its own family but reserved and watchful with outsiders.

Size	Giant
Weight	30 to 70 kg (66 to 154 lb)males 40 to 70 kg, females 30 to 55 kg1
Height	61 to 66 cm (24 to 26 in)males from 66 cm, females from 61 cm2 1
Lifespan	from 10 years3
Coat	Medium to long double coat
Origin	The Tibetan Plateau and Himalaya, where it worked with nomadic herders and guarded monasteries.2 1 3
Group	Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs (FCI group 2)

Recognised breedShort profile

steadfastly loyal to family and home

calm and composed indoors

natural, confident guardian

2 4

Personality what they are like

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.2 4 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

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.2 1

Coloursblackbluegold (fawn to deep red)sableany of these with tan markings2 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tibetan Mastiff. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: up to about an hour of exercise a day is enough for most adults.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brushing more than once a week, with extra work during the yearly heavy moult of the undercoat in late winter or spring.3 1

Home where they are happiest

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.3 1

Company who they like around

Strongly bonded to its household and territory; thoughtful socialisation from puppyhood helps it accept visitors calmly.2 1

The story where it all began

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.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

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
4
A litter was recorded at the Berlin Zoo in 1898.2

Name ideas for your new friend

Do-KhyiKarmaChomolungmaTibetYetiLamaZangpoNorbuDawaGuruMountainSentry

A day in the life told by a Tibetan Mastiff

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: 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).5
The Royal Kennel Club: Working group; not a vulnerable native breed.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.6

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.7

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.8 Pet Wiki plan

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.3 1 Pet Wiki plan

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.8 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.8 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.2 1

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.2 1

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.