Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is described by the AKC as reserved, intelligent, independent, a member of the Working Group, originally from Tibet.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | minimum 26 inches (male), minimum 24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Reserved / Intelligent / Independent [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Tibet [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 142 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Tibetan Mastiffs need daily moderate exercise, but it does not need to be in the form of an organized activity. TMs prefer to focus on work-related tasks, such as patrolling their territory, rather than structured play, such as chasing a flying disc or playing fetch. They are more active in cooler weather. [1]
Grooming
Tibetan Mastiffs are double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair. They have a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming during the majority of the year. A weekly brushing with a slicker or a long pin brush to remove surface dirt and the use of a wide-tooth comb on the tail, mane, and breeches to remove tangles are all that is required. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Tibetan Mastiff is a relatively healthy breed, and responsible breeders will screen their stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies including entropion and ectropion. Seizures have been reported, but the issue is not prevalent in the breed. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Tibetan Mastiff in 2006. [1]
- It ranked No. 142 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 133 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “TM.” [1]
- The AKC lists Tibet as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do Tibetan Mastiffs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Tibetan Mastiff get?
AKC breed information lists height minimum 26 inches (male), minimum 24 inches (female) and weight 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Tibetan Mastiff?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Tibetan Mastiff, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.