The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed dog that originated from the nomadic cultures of Tibet, Nepal, China and India. This is one of the breeds that is widely used by the local tribes of Himachal Pradesh China. The dog was used to protect the sheep from leopards and guard homesteads. It was also kept for the purpose of guarding monasteries and palaces. The dog had to be left loose so that it can run around performing its guardianship duties.

The dog acquired its name mastiff from its size; it is a big dog hence the early western visitors referred to as Tibetan Mastiff. The dog is heavily built, has more facial wrinkling, is better structured and well muscled. A grown up male can reach a height of 33 in. If the dog is bred in the west, it can attain a weight of between 95 -150 lbs. Even though, specimen of up to 330 lbs. has been recorded. The specimen were bred in Chinese and western kennels. The nomads preferred the 95-150 lb weight because it allowed the dog to perform its property guardianship duties with ease.

In the west, the dog is considered a primitive breed because it retained the features that enabled it survive in Tibet and the high altitude of the Himalayan range in the northern part of Nepal, India and Bhutan. Despite its size, the dog has a high level of energy, it is quiet indoor and is fairly calm. This is a polite dog that is generally a good apartment dog.

The Tibetan Mastiffs is a quiet dog especially when its needs are met and kept under a good living condition. However, it can be a barker when left outside alone. If it is kept in a confinement that is not well fenced, the dog can easily climb the fences and escape.

The Tibetan Mastiff dog is tolerant with children and other family members. Unfortunately, it is not well suited for homes with young children since it can easily mistake the yelling and the playing of visiting children as a sign of aggression and therefore will not allow visiting children to play around.

Generally, the Tibetan Mastiff has a strong instinct for people and may have a good reason when they don't get over disliking a particular person. The dog requires daily walks on different routes to stop it from being territorial. It is active in the morning and evening but you can take it for exercises whenever you are free.