If you’re looking for a challenging, yet rewarding breed, you’re probably already familiar with the Tibetan Mastiff breed. These are among the largest canines out there, which makes them amazing guard dogs, but their personality can also make them great family companions.
However, to get the best dog possible, you’ll have to look for reputable Tibetan Mastiff breeders who know how to dedicate time to this amazing breed.
The history of the Tibetan Mastiff dog isn’t really known other than that they were originally known as Do-Khyi dogs. This is an ancient breed that seems to have been around forever. Not just that, but Tibet is an isolated land, so many things behind its history have remained a myth.
They seem to be guardians for the people on the Himalayas, and they are likely the descendants of all modern Mastiff-type breeds, including the Cane Corso, the Neapolitan Mastiff, and others.
Travelers who would befriend Himalayan people would sometimes get this large-breed dog as a gift. This is how Tibetan Mastiffs found their way to China and the Chinese people.
As the years passed, these large dogs spread to Europe and the U.S., and their unique appearance made them one of the more popular breeds among those who know how to deal with such large dogs.
If you’re planning on owning one of these huge dogs, it’s important to look for reputable Tibetan Mastiff breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with a dog that is too much to handle.
We’ll explain.
Tibetan Mastiff Puppies For Sale
Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t the most common dogs in the U.S. However, they certainly are the ones that will make everyone turn around in awe.
While huge, their long, double coat, with a thick undercoat gives them that fluffy appearance that many people will find adorable. Still, due to their size, many will remain intimidated by them.
It’s no surprise that Tibetan Mastiff puppies are quite large. By the time you bring them home at 8 to 12 weeks, they will likely already weigh 12 to 18 lbs! And, they’ll grow rather fast.
Before you bring home a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, you need to prepare to accommodate a puppy of that size. This isn’t as easy as you might think. You’ll need a large-size bed, lots of high-quality dog food, and you’ll have to prepare to train and socialize such a powerful breed.
Don’t let their fluffiness fool you. Tibetan Mastiff puppies are not for everyone. If you’re faint of heart and have a soft spot for a puppy face, you might not be able to tame this giant dog.
However, if you’re certain you have what it takes and that you can train this dog properly, you’ll be happy to hear that Tibetan Mastiffs can make amazing family dogs. The first important step you need to take is to know from which Tibetan Mastiff breeders to buy.
Tibetan Mastiff Breeders In The U.S.
There aren’t that many Tibetan Mastiff breeders in the U.S., especially if you’re looking for those certified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do your research before you opt to buy from a dog breeder in your area.
Tibetan Mastiff breeders are essential for the preservation of this dog breed. They will conduct all necessary health tests to ensure your dog is healthy and free of many hereditary health issues.
Tibetan Mastiffs have a long life span, especially if you look at other large breeds, such as Great Danes. They usually live between 12 and 15 years. This is partly because they are highly prized, and breeders will make sure that only healthy dogs have been reproduced.
Many unreputable or backyard breeders will try to trick you and sell you Tibetan Mastiff crossbreeds, and this isn’t a good thing. While we’re not saying you shouldn’t buy mixed-breed dogs, you should always know the background of the pup you’re getting.
When you have an allegedly dangerous dog, such as a Tibetan Mastiff, adding an unknown dog’s genes into the mix can be a terrible idea.
This can alter the dog’s temperament and you might not be able to handle him. Not to mention the health problems this might contribute to!
Unless you’re aiming for a specific crossbreed, influencing the breed’s temperament is never a good thing because of the behavioral change.
It’s never a good idea to risk it if you have a dog that might be heavier than you.
The best way to be sure you’ll get the perfect puppy is to buy from the best Tibetan Mastiff breeder possible.
Here are some names you might want to check out:
1. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; California.
Photo from: @drakyi_tm
If you live in the state of California, the best Tibetan Mastiff breeder you can find is Drakyi Tibetan Mastiff.
This kennel has been active since 1975, and ever since then, it has been compelled to produce top-quality, historically correct examples of Tsang-Khyi Tibetan Mastiffs.
They produce dogs to serve various purposes, such as being family companions, dogs for personal protection, show dogs, and dogs that will participate in breeding programs.
All of their dogs are registered within the AKC. They import breeding dogs all the way from China, Central Asia, Europe, and, of course, the Tibetan plateau. Also, they have produced more National Specialty winners than all other breeders combined!
Their pups have been certified by the OFA, so the risk of most health problems is rather low. Their puppies have also been tested for Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN), a disease of the spinal cord that Tibetan Mastiffs are rather prone to. In fact, none of their dogs has ever developed CIDN.
They are even the owners of the AKC’s first Tibetan Mastiff not just to win Best in Show several times in a row, but also to be a part of the Westminster Group placement.
They are also the AKC’s breeder of merit, which is the best proof of their quality.
They produce between 1 to 5 litters every year, depending on the number of female dogs as well as demand. They will only breed their dogs after reservations have been made as they want to make sure everyone gets a young puppy.
All of their puppies are sold with complete health records, a three-generation pedigree, and a lifetime buyer protection guarantee.
Sometimes, they also have older dogs for sale.
Website: Drakyi Tibetan Mastiffs
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
2. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; Texas.
Unfortunately, there are no Tibetan Mastiff breeders in Texas that are registered with the kennel clubs. However, you can order from Dawa Tibetan Mastiffs; a reputable dog breeder from Oregon. They will ship to aspiring dog owners all over the state.
They give all their Mastiffs love and care while adhering to the AKC’s breed standard. They try to save the authenticity of this magnificent breed while giving their pups proper socialization and dog training to ensure they are capable of most dog duties.
Dawa is one of the AKC’s breeders of merit, and they breed several showline dogs. All of their dogs come tested for various health conditions, up-to-date with vaccinations, and are microchipped.
To buy a new puppy from Dawa, you need to fill out their application form. If you are eligible, they will contact you with further instructions.
Website: Dawa Tibetan Mastiffs
Email: [email protected]
Social Media: Facebook
3. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; Florida.
Florida is a state with various breeders. However, it isn’t a good spot to find Tibetan Mastiff breeders as there are none. Instead, you can buy your dog from Kesang Camp’s Tibetan Mastiffs, which are located in Illinois, but ship state-wide.
They have about 30 years of experience breeding these dogs, making them one of the top Tibetan Mastiff breeders in the U.S.
They mostly sell working dogs, but all of their Mastiffs can participate in dog shows as they are recognized by major kennel clubs and are entirely up to the breed standard. Many of their dogs have ended up being amazing therapy dogs and rescue dogs.
All of their breeding dogs have been tested for CIDN, hypothyroidism, Entropia, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. This makes them as healthy as possible.
When you buy a dog from them, you’ll have to sign a contract stating that you won’t abandon your puppy at a shelter. Instead, you’ll agree to return it to the breeder so they could pursue a new, loving home for it.
Website: Kesang Camp’s Tibetan Mastiffs
Email: [email protected]
4. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; Illinois.
If you live in Illinois, you can buy from ADynasty Tibetan Mastiffs. They have been in the business since 2001, and over the past two decades, they have raised dozens of high-quality puppies and conformation show winners.
Instead of using kennels, ADynasty breeds all their dogs indoors in the comfort of their home. This ensures the dogs are comfortable and used to a human’s touch from an early age.
All of their dogs have been tested for genetic disorders, including OFA of hips, thyroid, elbows, echocardiograms, as well as eye exams. This way, you’ll know you’ll get the healthiest dogs possible.
If you’re interested in becoming the owner of one of their dogs, you might want to look at their website. They have listings of upcoming litters as well as all dogs that have been bred by them.
Website: ADynasty Tibetan Mastiffs
5. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders In Washington.
Aspiring dog owners from Washington can contact Alaska Tibetan Mastiffs. No, despite the name, they are not from Alaska, but we’ll explain that in a bit.
This breeder raises their dogs on their farm, allowing them enough space to freely roam around. While they breed dogs in all possible Tibetan Mastiff colors, their focus is on coats that are in the shades of red and gold.
They breed for proper structure and temperament, trying to produce great working dogs that can also make amazing family pets while excelling at dog shows if this is what you’d like them to participate in.
They got their name because they were originally located in Alaska. The local climate was suitable for these long-coated herding dogs, but they decided to move to Illinois when they became more serious about their dog breeding business.
They only have a few litters yearly, which is why their waiting lists tend to be long. They also advise you to research the breed well before opting to buy a dog as Tibetan Mastiffs are not for everyone.
Website: Alaska Tibetan Mastiffs
Email: [email protected]
6. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; Colorado.
People from Colorado can contact Araluen Kennel for their puppies as they are one of the best Tibetan Mastiff breeders in the U.S. Next to Mastiffs, they breed Australian Terriers, so you’ll have plenty of guardian dogs to choose from.
All of their pups have been tested by vets for all genetic disorders, and they have been socialized since birth as they are surrounded by other, smaller dogs. This makes them a great choice if you’re looking for a family pet.
Website: Araluen Kennels
Email: [email protected]
7. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders in Georgia.
Aujudon is one of the biggest Tibetan Mastiff breeders in Georgia. They have several available litters per year, but their dogs are constantly sought after. Their dogs won the Westminster Best of Breed two years in a row, in 2018 and 2019. They are the owners of the only dog that won more than once.
They focus on conformation and temperament in order to produce top-quality show dogs that can win all competitions. Of course, this also means that their pups make amazing family companions.
Out of 15 Tibetan Mastiffs they use in their breeding program, 12 are AKC champions or even Grand Champions. You can be certain you’ll get a dog from a reputable bloodline if you purchase from them.
However, to be able to buy from them, you must first complete their questionnaire and application form. If you are eligible, they’ll contact you with more information.
Website: Aujudon Tibetan Mastiffs
Email: [email protected]
8. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; Alabama.
Those who want to buy a Tibetan Mastiff in Alabama might want to look at the Comancheria Tibetan Mastiff kennels.
They are most well-known for being rather open about their breeding practices, and for wanting to help all aspiring dog owners learn more about this glorious breed.
They are also a participant of the AKC Breeder of Merit program, which speaks volumes about their good reputation and results.
They have several litters per year, and all of their dogs come with completed vaccinations, dewormed, and are up to date with vet visits. With them, you can be certain you’ll get a healthy dog that everyone will love.
Website: Comancheria
9. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders; Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania is the home of Endless Mountains Tibetan Mastiffs. This is a breeder whose goal is to produce many litters of happy puppies that can find their new homes.
They were founded in 2008, and ever since then, they want to combine their puppies with the best dog owners possible for them. As such, they won’t allow anyone to buy a dog from them. Instead, you’ll have to complete a questionnaire. Only if you pass, they’ll inform you on other steps.
They do all they can to minimize the chances of any of their dogs developing some form of genetic condition. This includes conducting various health tests and getting health certificates for all of their dogs.
They also offer a lifetime support guarantee. If anything happens and you can no longer take care of your dog, they require you to return the puppy to them instead of leaving him inside a shelter or with a rescue group.
Website: Endless Mountains Tibetan Mastiffs
Social Media: Facebook
10. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders in Virginia.
Photo from: @veteris_uk
If you’re looking for Tibetan Mastiff breeders in Virginia, your best option is to check out Himalaya. This is a reputable breeder that worked closely with the American Tibetan Mastiff Association; the main breed club in the U.S.
Not just that, but the kennel’s founder has been one of the judges for the Tibetan Mastiff breed for the AKC and its shows.
They were founded in 1992, and have been very careful about their breeding programs ever since. They raise their dogs on a large piece of land, giving them lots of space to deplete their high energy levels. This helps with socialization and dog training.
All of their dogs have pedigrees, and both the studs and the bitches have been carefully selected to make sure their genetics are a match. This helps them produce dogs of various purposes, something rather useful for this guardian breed.
They feed their pups premium dog food, and give them lots of raw nutrition and grain-free kibble to ensure they are full of strength. Also, they don’t allow their dogs to go to their new home until they are at least ten weeks of age.
Occasionally, they might sell adult dogs, although their focus is on top-quality Tibetan Mastiff puppies.
Website: Himalaya Tibetan Mastiffs
11. Tibetan Mastiff breeders in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin seems to be the perfect state for this cold-loving breed, and Kunlun Tibetan Mastiffs might be the perfect breeders for Wisconsin residents.
Through selective breeding, they produce the best family pets and watchdogs possible. This is because they treat all their dogs like family members, keeping them socialized and friendly from day one.
They invite all aspiring Tibetan Mastiff owners to visit their kennels and meet their dogs in person. This will also give them the chance to meet you and decide whether you’re the right owner for their dogs.
All of their dogs are healthy, thanks to numerous health tests and high-quality breeding programs. The dogs will come to you with pedigree papers, vaccinated, and dewormed.
Website: Kunlun Tibetan Mastiffs
12. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders in Oregon.
Residents of Oregon might contact Liongate Farms if they want to get their Tibetan Mastiff puppy.
This isn’t a standard Tibetan Mastiff breeder as their goal is to produce Cashmere Goats. However, as they needed a livestock guardian, they bought their first pair of Tibetan Mastiffs. From time to time, they have Tibetan Mastiff litters, which are all approved by the AKC.
They focus on producing watchdogs and guardian dogs, which makes sense considering they focus on using livestock guardian dogs as a way of protecting their flocks from wolves and coyotes.
You can always contact them to see whether they have available litters of Tibetan Mastiff puppies.
Website: Liongate Farm
13. Tibetan Mastiff Breeders In New York.
Photo from: @sofithetibetan
New York isn’t necessarily the state you’d imagine Tibetan Mastiffs in. However, this is the home of one amazing Tibetan Mastiff breeder, Shambhala Tibetan Mastiffs.
This kennel has won Westminster Award of Merit prizes, and their dogs have been the best of the breed several times. They have been in business since 2005, making them a somewhat new name, but they have gained an amazing reputation.
They produce several litters per year, but their waiting lists can be long, which is why it’s always recommended to contact them beforehand so you can be certain you’ll get a dog you like.
Website: Shambhala Tibetan Mastiffs
Email: [email protected]
Is The Tibetan Mastiff The Biggest Dog In The World?
Photo from: @ask_the_tibetan_mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a rather large breed of dog. Their long, fluffy coat makes these dogs appear even larger than they truly are, giving them a somewhat scary appearance to those who aren’t familiar with the breed.
However, it is challenging to say whether they truly are the largest dog breed out there. One thing is certain, though, they are close relatives to the breed that has been called the largest dog of them all – the English Mastiff.
The largest dog ever, Zorba, was an English Mastiff that reached the height of 37 inches, and weighed around 345 lbs! This is more than many humans weigh. Learn more about this dog’s size in our Tibetan Mastiff growth chart.
Some other huge dog breeds include:
1. The Great Dane.
2. The Saint Bernard.
3. The Cane Corso.
4. The Irish Wolfhound.
5. The Leonberger.
6. The Newfoundland.
7. The Anatolian Shepherd.
8. The Great Pyrenees.
9. The Dogue de Bordeaux.
As you can see, many of these dogs belong to the Mastiff-type breeds. As such, it’s easy to say that, in a way, Mastiffs as a group can be called the largest dogs in the world.
Tibetan Mastiff Puppies; Price
While price isn’t the most important thing when it comes to dogs, it’s still an essential factor to consider. Of course, when you have large dogs, the initial price is just the tip of the iceberg, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The average price of a Tibetan Mastiff puppy is $1,500 to $5,000, but these prices can be even higher if you’re buying a show-quality dog from a top Tibetan Mastiff breeder in your area.
The highest price ever paid for a Tibetan Mastiff puppy was an astonishing $1.5 million for Big Splash, which is the highest price ever paid for a purebred dog in the U.S.
If this isn’t shocking enough, rich individuals in China will sometimes pay up to $3 million for a Tibetan Mastiff as they are a highly-prized dog breed in the country.
If you want to get a dog for a lower price, you can always consider adoption. Adopting a Tibetan Mastiff puppy is the more ethical thing to do, and it will save you money. Most dogs are given away at a rather small adoption fee that rarely goes above $500.
However, there are a few reasons why you might want to think twice about this decision.
Tibetan Mastiffs don’t have many health problems, so finding a healthy dog likely won’t be a huge issue. However, their behavior might not be as decent if you don’t know the dog’s background.
Many abandoned dogs have been abused or improperly socialized while they were younger. A lot of owners who abandon their dogs have never truly taken care of them, or they didn’t have the funds to provide them with adequate care.
As such, we wouldn’t advise new or inexperienced dog owners to adopt a Tibetian Mastiff. You might end up with a dog that is too much to handle.
Another thing you should consider is the cost of owning a Tibetan Mastiff. Dogs of all breeds are a life-long commitment, and you have to be aware of this.
First and foremost, these large dogs can eat a lot of food, although they are not as voracious of eaters as some equally large dogs. They eat up to four cups of food each day, and a month has approximately 30 days, which ends up with lots of dog food each month.
Treating a large dog at the vet might also be expensive. Fortunately, this isn’t a large expense if you’ve bought a dog with a pedigree as they are less likely to get sick.
We would always advise even experienced Tibetan Mastiff owners to take their dogs to dog training classes. They are huge and powerful canines, and at least a few classes are mandatory.
There are various types of dog training you can choose from, from public to private classes. You might even enroll your dog in a boarding school! Depending on the program you choose, the cost of dog training can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Finally, Tibetan Mastiffs have long, thick coats that require lots of grooming. They might be a handful to brush and groom, so we would advise you to take your pup to a professional groomer every few months.
This isn’t mandatory, though, and you may choose to brush your dog every day on your own to save some money.
Why Are Tibetan Mastiffs So Expensive?
The price itself depends on many factors, such as the cost of raising this Mastiff dog breed, the health tests conducted, the price of large kennels and dog food, and, of course, the breeder’s reputation.
Another reason behind this high price is that Tibetan Mastiff females go in heat only once a year. This means that one female and one male can only produce one litter each year. As such, waiting lists can be very long, as not many breeders will have too many dogs on their property.
The demand will also greatly influence the dog’s price. If a dog is in high demand, and if there aren’t many breeders in the area, the few existing breeders can raise their price knowing they’ll still have customers.
Similarly, if a dog becomes rather popular in the area, it’ll cost more. This usually depends on the dog’s size and purpose. You won’t see many Tibetan Mastiffs in cities where most people live in small apartments.
However, you’ll see more of them in the countryside where they are being used as livestock guardians, and sometimes even as dogs for personal protection.
Keep in mind this one thing as well: Tibetan Mastiffs are among the rarest dog breeds in the world. This is likely because of the already mentioned fact that they only have one litter every year.
The slower the dog reproduces, the less common the breed will be as there will be fewer puppies. This is why it can be a challenge to find a breeder who will be willing to tackle this magnificent dog breed.
The pedigree can also influence the price. A dog with a pedigree and other paperwork will cost more than a dog without proof that they are purebred.
Not just that, but a strong pedigree is usually a sign of a great Tibetan Mastiff breeder. They will take their time to make sure that there hasn’t been any inbreeding, and they’ll do all they can to eliminate the chances of genetic conditions.
Of course, any decent breeder will have to charge you for these services and their time, which is why they will cost more.
Finally, while Tibetan Mastiffs are generally healthy dogs, all good breeders will still want to conduct health tests and screening. Later on, their dogs will come to you vaccinated and dewormed, and these are expenses that breeders pay from their own pocket.
It is only fair for the breeder to charge buyers with all the expenses that went into creating a nearly perfect puppy.
Sure, paying a high initial cost can weaken your motivation a bit. However, think about it this way: It is better to pay a high price for a dog than to constantly have to pay for vet bills later on.
Do Tibetan Mastiffs Make Good Pets?
This question does not have a straightforward answer. All dogs can make amazing family pets with proper dog training and socialization.
Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs, which on its own, makes them more dangerous than others. They are strong, and they could easily knock an adult man down. This is why they are generally not advised to be kept by families with small children.
However, they are not an aggressive breed, although they might not be as friendly as others during the first time they meet a new person or dog. This is because they were used as guardian dogs for generations, and they can be quite protective at times.
If you buy from reputable Tibetan Mastiff breeders, you’ll ensure you’ll get a dog with a predictable temperament. This can help you understand what it is you’re getting into.
Not just that, but good breeders will always begin socializing their dogs while they are still rather young. This helps you get a well-behaved, polite dog the moment you buy him.
All in all, there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. As Tibetan Mastiffs have some special requirements due to their size, though, you should always think about the breed characteristics and traits before committing yourself for the next 10 to 15 years.
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