The Tibetan Mastiff is descended from the famous Tibetan dogs that were the source of the majority of Molossuses and Mastiffs throughout the world. The ancient Tibetan Mastiff may have been in existence as early as the stone or bronze age. Mollossian dogs accompanied Alexander the Great from Tibet to Europe, and during this period helped found many of today's other Mastiff breeds. Tibet later closed its doors to Westerners, so the breed developed for centuries in relative isolation. In the mid 1800's, a Tibetan Mastiff was given to Queen Victoria of England. Soon more dogs were imported to England and the British began to refine and standardise the breed. In the 1970's, foundation stock was imported from India, Ladakh, Afghanistan and Nepal to the United States. The Tibetan Mastiff is very rare in their native land, though some dogs are now being exported from Tibet. The Tibetan Mastiff is an excellent livestock guardian - willing to fight fiercely against predators and intruders and they are also outstanding guard dogs for the home. In Tibet, dogs were often tied up from two months of age to enhance aggressive tendencies. One dog was sometimes used to guard an entire village. As a result of these practices and Tibetan selection of function, English-bred dogs are much more trainable and controllable than those from Tibet.

Appearance
The Tibetan Mastiff is among the largest breeds. It is found in a heavier mastiff type and a more moderately sized mountain type. Its sturdy bone structure and large, wide head makes it appear considerably more massive than other dogs of a similar height. Like other types of mastiffs, the larger variety of the Tibetan Mastiff can have greater size, a heavier head and more pronounced wrinkling, while the mountain type has a smoother rather than wrinkled brow with less jowling, giving them a drier mouth than other mastiff breeds. The Tibetan Mastiffs are also hypoallergenic with a thick double coat that only sheds once per year.

Character
A natural family and guard dog, the Tibetan Mastiff is calm but highly protective and territorial. Tibetan Mastiffs should be trained to be mutually respectful of their owners. If another dog is to be introduced into the house, it should be of the opposite sex, non-dominant and spayed or neutered. Tibetan Mastiffs are not suited for apartment life and require a medium sized yard. This breed should be brought indoors at night as it is a nocturnal barker, but will be quiet in the house. The Tibetan Mastiff is a digger and a climber and will try to escape, so requires a well fenced yard around its perimeter.
 

Temperament
Like all flock guardian breeds, the Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience classes are recommended since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed with great size potential. Socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guarding instincts.

Exercise/Training
Tibetan Mastiffs enjoy walks but are not suited for jogging. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Tibetan Mastiff will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The double coat of the Tibetan Mastiff is long and found in a wide variety of colors from solid black, to black and tan, various shades of gold (light to dark) and occasionally the dilute gray and brown are also possible. In Tibet, a white patch or star on the chest signified a brave heart.

Grooming
The coat of the Tibetan Mastiff, whether long or short, needs weekly brushing, more so when shedding. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Tibetan Mastiff as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Tibetan Mastiff should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well. Additionally, like many other breeds, the claws need close attention.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.