Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Dangerous Are Tibetan Mastiffs? Vet-Reviewed Temperament, Training & FAQ

Tibetan Mastiff on the road

Tibetan Mastiffs are a large dog breed with an intimidating appearance. While they may look scary at first, these dogs are actually affectionate family dogs with a strong intuition for guarding and protecting their families.

With that being said, Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t dangerous if they’re properly trained and socialized. However, they’re not the best dog breed for novice dog owners because they have strong and independent personalities, and untrained Tibetan Mastiffs can get into significant trouble. So, make sure to know what you’re getting into before you bring home a Tibetan Mastiff.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament

Tibetan Mastiffs are a working breed that was initially bred to be flock guardians and watchdogs. These dogs were selectively bred to have protective instincts and use their intuition to protect flocks and homes independently. They’re highly intelligent, but they can sometimes be challenging to train because they tend to have a mind of their own.

Tibetan Mastiffs won’t shy away from being non-compliant if they don’t trust their owners and disagree with them. So, it’s important to build strong bonds with Tibetan Mastiffs and start obedience training with them as early as possible.

Red Tibetan mastiff for a walk in the forest
Image Credit: Kat_marinina, Shutterstock

Are Tibetan Mastiffs Dangerous?

Tibetan Mastiffs have the potential to become dangerous, and much of it is due to improper or inadequate training. While Tibetan Mastiffs may not show aggression toward their families, they’re usually wary of strangers and often choose to confront a threat rather than run away.

These dogs can be gentle and loving to children in their own families when supervised, but they can be unpredictable with other children. They can mistake children playing as acts of aggression, especially if they’re running around and making loud noises.

When outside of the home, it’s important to keep Tibetan Mastiffs leashed at all times. Again, they’re not afraid to charge and attack a potential threat. They’re strong dogs that can do a lot of damage, and their strong bites can cause significant injuries.

It’s important to note that Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t bad dogs. If they’re in the right families and live with people who invest in proper training and provide for their daily needs, they’re excellent and loyal companions.

Tibetan Mastiff dog standing in the snow
Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock

Training a Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs require an ample amount of training and daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Because they can naturally be wary of strangers, it’s important to socialize them as early as possible and get them used to interacting with different people, children, and dogs. They’ll also benefit from being taken to different environments to explore and get used to a variety of new settings.

Training a Tibetan Mastiff is relatively challenging, especially in the beginning. This breed is not known to excel in obedience training, but it’s not because they’re unintelligent. Quite the contrary. They tend to have a mind of their own and want to follow their own instincts. It’s important to keep training short and fun to keep Tibetan Mastiffs interested and motivated. They’re also very sensitive to tone of voice, so make sure to stay calm and firm during training sessions. Your veterinarian can be a great source of training tips and pointers.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

Tibetan Mastiffs also require a lot of exercise throughout the day. They were bred to work all day, and while they may not be dogs that are bouncing off the walls, they do have a lot of stamina and energy to expend. Dogs that don’t get adequate exercise will eventually become bored and find their own ways to alleviate boredom. This often results in engaging in destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and aggression.

Tibetan Mastiffs will need daily physical and mental exercise. They’ll enjoy running around in a fully fenced yard and going on daily walks. They’ll also like accompanying you on outdoor adventures, including camping and hiking.

As intelligent dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs also need a lot of mental stimulation. They’ll appreciate having enrichment activities incorporated into their daily routine. Giving them treat dispensing toys and puzzles are great ways to keep their minds active. They’ll also enjoy sniffing and foraging for treats and other scent games. Tibetan Mastiffs are a working breed, so they’ll also thrive on having a job or responsibility.

Black Tibetan Mastiff laying on woman outdoors
Image Credit: Veronika Kraeva, Shutterstock

divider single dog paw oct 2024

Conclusion

A properly trained and socialized Tibetan Mastiff can be one of the most loyal and loving companions, while unruly ones can easily become a safety liability. There’s no denying that Tibetan Mastiffs are capable of destroying property and causing injuries. However, these incidents are preventable with training.

Tibetan Mastiffs are strong dogs that require strong and dedicated owners that know how to train them and keep them happy. So, it’s best to reserve these dogs for people who have more extensive experience training dogs and have the time to ensure that the breed’s specific needs are being met.


Featured Image Credit: Sergey Lavrentev, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Surprising Tibetan Mastiff Facts: Vet Approved Guide

Though Tibetan Mastiffs are fairly rare in the United States, you’ve probably seen one or two in your time. These giant majestic dogs...

Red Tibetan mastiff for a walk in the forest

Is a Mastiff a Good Guard Dog? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

The magnificent Mastiff is a breed that can be traced back to ancient Rome and Greece and is one of the biggest dogs...

English Mastiff drooling

Brindle Mastiff: Info, Pictures, History & Origin

The brindle Mastiff is a powerful and majestic dog breed that has been around for centuries. If you are interested in getting one...

Brindle mastiff sits in a field of green and purple flowers

Are Rottweilers Good Dogs? Facts, Temperament & Tips

With a long history of serving humankind, Rottweilers are one of the oldest and most respected dog breeds. Because of negative stereotypes amplified...

Rottweiler dog in park

More related

close up English Mastiff

English Mastiff Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, Care & Traits

Looking to add a new dog to your home? If you have a large house and backyard, you might want to consider adopting...

Two irish wolfhound dogs at the field

16 Types of Giant Dog Breeds (With Vet-Verified Info & Pictures)

While some people prefer small dogs, there are those of us who adore giant dog breeds as well. Big dogs have a reputation...

german shepherd dog standing at the park

22 Dog Breeds Built to Have the Strongest Bite Force: What the Science Says

Some people look at dogs and think, “Their bark is worse than their bite.” However, that may not be the case for all...

Catahoula Leopard Dog jumping over training bar

How to Train a Catahoula Leopard Dog: 7 Vet-Verified Tips

Catahoula Leopard Dogs are an exotic-sounding breed with muddled ancestry, but most believe they’re descended from Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Wolfhounds, and possibly Mastiffs. With...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Treating your dog sometimes takes a little creativity when you’re out of their usual fare. We know apples make for a healthy snack, but what about their more kid-friendly cousins, the jars of applesauce? While not all varieties are suitable,...

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce

How Much Should I Feed My Dog? Vet-Approved Feeding Chart & Guide

How much food to feed your dog is best determined by open and honest communication with your veterinarian. She will help calculate the appropriate number of daily calories for your dog based on criteria, such as breed, age, health, activity...
woman feeding a poodle at home

Which Dog Foods Have Never Been Recalled? 10 Popular Brands

The last thing that you want to do is feed tainted dog food to your dog. One of the best ways to determine if a dog food company might have a recall in the future is to check if they’ve...

close up beagle eating

Can Dogs Eat Deviled Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition, Risks & Alternatives

Deviled eggs, sometimes also called stuffed or curried eggs, are a popular appetizer for holiday dinners and potlucks. These creamy and tangy treats are made with basic ingredients most people already have in their pantry, so they’re not only delicious...

Can Dogs Eat Deviled Eggs

Why Does My Dog Poop on Concrete? 8 Potential Causes

Your daily walks with your dog are usually pleasant experiences. You meet other people and their pups, exercise, and enjoy the fresh air. Even when you’re a responsible owner who carries poop bags to collect the waste, your dog may...

woman throwing dog poop

Can Dogs Eat Vegetable Oil? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Vegetable oil is used in cooking and found in a variety of products, which may have you wondering if it’s safe for your dog. After all, it’s easy to accidentally give your dog something with vegetable oil without realizing it....

can dogs eat vegetable oil featured graphic Dogster

4 Best Vet-Approved Dog Vitamins in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Our canine pals are members of our families like anyone else, so of course, keeping them healthy and thriving is our top priority. Suppose your dog’s body is missing some vital vitamins and minerals. In that case, they may be...

Owner giving medicine in a pill to his dog

10 Best High-Protein Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like humans, different types of dogs benefit from different kinds of diets. Most dogs don’t require a high-protein diet, but dogs that can do well with protein-dense meals are puppies, athletic dogs, and pregnant or lactating dogs. For dogs...

boston terrier eating dog food