Congratulations
on Your New Tibetan Mastiff
Introduction and Welcome
The American Tibetan Mastiff Association would
like to congratulate you on the new addition to yourfamily. The TM is a wonderful dog but it is not theeasiest and your puppy will need help to turn into
the wonderful dog that it can be.
ATMA is a national organization dedicated to theprotection and preservation of the Tibetan Mastiff,and would like to share the following information
with you.

Brief History
Tibetan Mastiffs come from Tibet, in the highHimalayas. In Tibet, TMs are traditionally kept tied
to the gates of the house or monastery, or tied to
stakes in the nomad camps, and let loose at night.
The Tibetan Mastiff was used to guard the nomad
tents and the women and children. The dogs areexpected to defend the flocks of goats, sheep andyak, the women and the children and the tents of
their masters against predators such as wolves andsnow leopards, as well as human intruders.

Characteristics of the BreedThe Tibetan Mastiff is a large but not giant dog,
measuring from 26-30 inches for males (90-150pounds) and 24-28 inches for bitches (70-120pounds). The TM is a powerful but surprisingly
agile dog of great intelligence.
The TM has a beautiful, shining, all-weather,double-coat, perfectly suited to extremely harshweather conditions. TMs generally only shed oncea year, when they “blow” their coat—be preparedto groom and vacuum agreat deal when yourTM is blowing its coat.
TMs should have
impressive heads, heavybone, and a beautiful
plumed tail that is carried over the back.
Allowed colors areblack, blue gray andbrown, all with orwithout tan markings, and shades of gold, with orwithout sabling.

TemperamentThis is a highly intelligent breed which has theability to adapt to a variety of functions, but it is abreed that has been making its own decisions forthousands of years. The Tibetan Mastiff by nature
is a guardian dog.
One should never compare them to the more easily
trainable breeds, because they are intelligent andindependent. They are aloof and capable of making
good judgments, and definitely believe that theyknow better than their owner.

Training
Because TMs are a large and very strong breed,
basic obedience training should be a part of every
TMs upbringing. Extensive socialization is essential
for each puppy. To find obedience and socialization
classes, contact your local kennel clubs.
Always take your puppy out as much as possible toas many new situations as possible. Positive reinforcement training works best for most TMs.
Tibetan Mastiffs do not need protection training
under any circumstance, and should not be used forschutzhund or similar work.

With Children and Others
Most Tibetan Mastiffs are excellent with their own
children and other people that they know or withnew people to whom they are properly introduced.
They are a guardian breed, however, and can bevery protective of “their” children and their home.
Most TMs do very well with small dogs and cats.
In Tibet, TMs traditionally live with Lhasa Apsos,
Tibetan Spaniels and Tibetan Terriers.

Copyright 2012, The American Tibetan Mastiff Association

numerous homes; and be sure you can take unwanted
puppies back for the next 10 or 12 years. And then,think about it again.

Spaying and Neutering
The American Tibetan Mastiff Association recommends spaying or neutering all dogs not intended
for the breed ring.

HealthThe Tibetan Mastiff is generally a hardy breed,with many living to 12 and beyond. There aresome health issues found in the general canine
population that are found in TMs as well.
Responsible breeders will have screened theirdogs and can explain these problems and theirincidence in their lines. These problems include
hip and elbow dysplasia, low thyroid and seizure
disorder. Please be sure to discuss these issues
with your breeder and your veterinarian.

Spaying or neutering your TM has positive benefits
for your pet and you. Spayed females often live
longer and have fewer health problems. Spaying
eliminates uterine and ovarian cancer and, if done
before the age of 1, greatly reduces the risk of
mammary cancer. Neutered males are generally lessinclined to wander and are generally less inclined
to be dog aggressive.
Remember—the American Kennel Club welcomesspayed and neutered TMs in obedience, tracking,agility and junior showmanship.

American Tibetan Mastiff Association

TMs come from a very high altitude (16,000' andmore) and love cold, dry weather. Heat and mostespecially humidity, can be very difficult forthem. If you live in the south, your TM will need
to be in air-conditioning most of the year.

ATMA is dedicated to the well-being of this breed.
Please visit our web site at www.tibetanmastiff.org
for more information on the club and the breed.
Please consider subscribing to the ATMA Gazette,published quarterly, for up-to-date information on
this wonderful breed. Information on joining
ATMA can also be found on the site or please contact us at info@tibetanmastiff.org.

Identification

Tibetan Mastiff Rescue, Inc.

Temperature Tolerance

TMs are escape artists and love to wander. Please
identify your TM with a collar and tags as well aswith a microchip. A permanent identification(microchip or tattoo) can be registered with AKC
Companion Animal Recovery. A 24-hour toll-freehotline helps locate the owners: there is a 100% rehoming rate with enrolled animals! Call 800-2527894 or see www.akccar.org for information.

Before You Consider Breeding
Your TM
Breeding any dog is a serious responsibility andnot an easy way to make money. No female needs
to have a litter and no male needs to have sired alitter in order to have a full life. Nature is notalways kind and bad things can happen to themother and the puppies. Even though Tibetan
Mastiffs are a “rare” breed, Tibetan Mastiff
Rescue is always full. We strongly encourage you
not to breed your dog casually: attend dog showsand specialties for evaluations of your dog; have all
health checks performed; have reservations forTibetan Mastiff Rescue, Inc. is a national, charitable rescue organization. Unfortunately, there arealways more rescue TMs than there are goodhomes. ATMA urges you to suggest adoption of arescue to your friends who love your TM. For more
information on TM rescue, or if you know of a TM
in need of a new home or in a shelter, please e-mailtmrescue@tibetanmastiff.org.