Are Tibetan Mastiffs good family dogs? If you want to find out, keep reading.
Anyone who has spent time with a Tibetan Mastiff will vouch for their gentleness, loyalty and sweet temper.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large Tibetan dog breed. The breed is also known as the Do-khyi, which means “Tibetan mastiff” in the Tibetan language.
They are an ancient breed of dog, and their origins are unknown. However, they are thought to be one of the oldest breeds of domestic dogs.
They were originally used as watchdogs and guard dogs by Tibetan monks, and they are still used for these purposes today.
This gentle giant is also one of the few breeds that like to snuggle up on the couch with you. Tibetan mastiffs make excellent family pets for this very reason.
However, it’s not just their sociable nature that makes them suitable for families but also their tendency not to stray too far from home.
Since they are not particularly active dogs, they need less space outside than some other breeds. Let’s take a look at whether or not these dogs make good family pets.
Table of Contents
Are Tibetan Mastiffs good family dogs?
Yes, Tibetan Mastiffs can be a good family dog however due to their size they are not suitable for a family with young kids.
Who is a good candidate for a Tibetan Mastiff?
Let’s begin with what you need to be aware of before bringing a Tibetan Mastiff into your family. First and foremost, if you have small children, a Tibetan Mastiff may not be the best fit.
You see, although gentle, these are very large dogs that have a tendency to knock little ones over. You also need to be prepared for the commitment a Tibetan Mastiff requires.
These dogs live for about 12-15 years on average and are prone to a few genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye issues and allergies.
This means your Tibetan Mastiff will need to be thoroughly vetted before being brought into your home.
Let’s have a closer look if Tibetan Mastiffs are good family dogs.
What to expect from a Tibetan Mastiff as a family pet
As we mentioned above, Tibetan Mastiffs are incredibly gentle and affectionate towards both humans and other animals.
They are definitely not a breed that will snap at children or other animals, making them one of the best family dogs.
You should also expect a casual walker and a relaxed cuddler. Your Tibetan Mastiff will not be the type to constantly follow you around the house or jump on you when you’re sitting down.
They like a low-key lifestyle and will happily settle down to a good cuddle on the couch.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff Good with Children?
As we mentioned above, Tibetan Mastiffs are not a good fit for families with small children. However, if you do have children who are older (approximately 12 and above), these dogs can make excellent playmates.
Tibetan Mastiffs are gentle and patient dogs, making them great with children who are learning to interact with animals.
They have a low-energy and playful nature which means they are not likely to knock the kids over or unintentionally injure them.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff good with other dogs?
If you own a dog that is not overly energetic, your Tibetan Mastiff should get along with it just fine. They are not the type of dogs that will try to fight for dominance or territory.
However, you should still be cautious when introducing your Tibetan Mastiff to other dogs.
Like all dogs, they have a natural instinct to chase and challenge other dogs. This can lead to aggressive and even violent behaviour if the dog does not know how to control their impulses.
You need to be sure to have adequate supervision and boundaries with your Tibetan Mastiff and other dogs in your home. This will help to minimise any aggressive or territorial behaviour.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff good with cats?
As with other dogs, the relationship between your Tibetan Mastiff and your cat will depend on how you introduce them to one another.
Tibetan Mastiffs are not aggressive towards cats, nor do they particularly like to chase them. They are also not aggressive towards cats in general.
However, most cats in your home may not be happy to have a giant dog constantly sniffing around them. It’s important to keep your Tibetan Mastiff and your cats separated until you are sure they get along.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff Good with Other Pets?
You should always be cautious when introducing your Tibetan Mastiff to other animals in your home.
Because they have a natural instinct to chase animals (particularly small furry ones), you run the risk of introducing them to your family’s smaller pets.
This can lead to serious aggression and even injury. You will need to keep your Tibetan Mastiff and other animals in your home separate until you are sure they get along.
While this may take some time, it will be worth it in the long run. Keep in mind that small pets that are kept away from the Tibetan Mastiff may become stressed and anxious if they hear their loud bark.
Can You Travel With a Tibetan Mastiff?
Tibetan Mastiffs are not the most active dogs in the world. But, they are not the type of dog that likes to be sedentary.
Your Tibetan Mastiff will happily lie on the couch with you but would prefer to be out exploring the world.
Having said that, Tibetan Mastiffs are not the most travel-worthy dogs. Their size, laziness and tendency to bark at new sights and sounds may make them difficult to travel with.
Your Tibetan Mastiff may need a bit of training to prepare them for life on the road.
Helpful Resources
Should you get a Tibetan Mastiff as a guard dog?
Are Tibetan Mastiffs a dangerous dog breed?
Why are Tibetan Mastiffs banned in many countries?
Helpful Video
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a family dog breed that will love and care for everyone in your home, look no further than the Tibetan Mastiff.
This breed is known for their gentle, affectionate nature and their ability to get along with just about everyone.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a big, furry, droopy-eyed dog that will warm your heart and steal your lap. They are excellent family dogs that are gentle and affectionate around older children.
The Tibetan Mastiff is also good with other dogs, cats, and other household pets. They make excellent guard dogs because of their size and low-temperament barking.
This breed is an all-around great family dog!
What do you think, are Tibetan Mastiffs good family dogs?
