At a glance the quick version
From Wikipedia; the FCI standard gives only minimum heights and no weight.
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.12
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.142
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.32
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.32
Company who they like around
Strongly bonded to its household and territory; thoughtful socialisation from puppyhood helps it accept visitors calmly.12
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
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
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tibetan Mastiff. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI breed standard no. 230 fci.beused for history, temperament, coat, colours, height
- Wikipedia: Tibetan Mastiff en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, other names, history, fun facts
- The Royal Kennel Club: Tibetan Mastiff royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, home needs
- AKC: Tibetan Mastiff akc.orgused for temperament
- FCI nomenclature: Do-Khyi (230) fci.beused for recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.