Sheepdog Tibetan: photo, description of the breed

To date, more and more people are starting dogs, and this is not strange, because these creatures sincerely love their owners and will be loyal to them for the rest of their lives. A vivid example of a loyal and intelligent pet is the Tibetan Shepherd.

Sheepdog Tibetan: a description of the breed

Tibetan Shepherd Dog or Tibetan Mastiff is an excellent guard. These are strong animals, with an increase of 60-65 cm, reaching a weight of 60-70 kg.

The breed is famous for its thick coat with a double undercoat that perfectly protects the animal in the winter. The thick coat in the neck area visually resembles a mane, so the Tibetan sheepdog has the nickname "Tibetan lion".

Wool in color varies from gray-blue to saturated black. There are individuals and with a variety of red hues. On the chest and paws there are areas of white color.

History of origin

Tibetan mastiff has long been surrounded by myths and legends. The breed itself is quite ancient, formed due to geographical isolation of Tibet.

Since the 13th century, when Chinese merchants passed through Tibet, a mix of the gene pool of local and Chinese dogs began. Thoroughbred Tibetan dogs remained only among the individuals living in the mountains.

The first mention of these strong and hardy animals begins to appear over the centuries BC. In the 13th century, during his trip to Asia, Marco Polo admired these dogs admiringly. They were brought to Europe in 1847.

Tibetan mastiffs impressed the European inhabitants with their appearance, which is why the first animals brought there were kept in zoos.

A lot of dog handlers study Tibetan mastiffs with interest. Some of them even express their opinion that this breed can be considered the ancestor of the Molossians (this is a group of dog breeds that includes dogs, bulldogs, mastiffs, boxers, pugs).

Exhibition standards of the breed

The breed standards for the Tibetan mastiff are not spelled out in detail.

Some individuals within the breed differ markedly in color and size. The minimum height of males is 66 cm, females - 61. Different colors of black, gold, chestnut, rusty and gray flowers with tan marks are allowed in color.

Tibetan Shepherd (photo) - the largest dog of all ancient breeds on Earth. It has a powerful muscular body, a strong neck with a slight bend and mane, strong, evenly set limbs. The tail is of medium length, set above the line of the back, bent. The head is wide, with a massive and strong skull. The ratio of the skull to the muzzle is 1: 1.

Eyes of medium size, far apart, expressive. Ears hanging, have a triangular shape, low set and tightly fitting to the head.

Character

The character of the Tibetan Shepherd harmoniously combines patience and fearlessness, which makes it the ideal protector of the house. However, like every breed, it also has its own behaviors that should be taken into account by future owners.

The nature of the Tibetan mastiff sometimes differs in stubbornness and independence, so it is very important that the dog learn not only to listen to pups from the puppy age, but also to trust their master.

Tibetan Shepherd (photo in the article) loves communication and attention, so it is perfect for keeping in the family. Despite the patient character store, it is better not to allow small children to approach the animal, because the overly active behavior peculiar to the kids, the guard dog can take for aggression against himself.

The Tibetan mastiffs also do not approve of the large gathering of strangers in the house. Therefore, fans of noisy and crowded parties start a dog of this breed is not worth it. This attitude is characteristic of all breeds of dogs with protective qualities.

During the walks it is necessary to follow different routes, otherwise the mastiff will consider the foreign territory its "guard zone".

If the Tibetan sheep dog contains most of the time in the yard, it is necessary to enclose the territory with a sufficiently high fence.

It is not recommended to leave the Tibetan mastiff for a long time alone or with unfamiliar people. By nature, a sociable dog can harbor resentment and stop trusting the masters, or even run wild at all.

Care and maintenance features

Given the size and nature of the Tibetan mastiff, keeping it is best in the spacious courtyard of a private house where he can play and move.

A thick double undercoat creates certain difficulties for keeping the animal in a hot and humid climate. The Tibetan sheep-dog tolerates high temperatures only when kept in dry climates.

Every day it is necessary to provide the dog with walks and moving games, lasting at least half an hour. While walking with a puppy, the owner should be extremely attentive and careful. The fact is that it is during the period of growing up that most of the injuries of the limbs occur, so that mobile games with a small mastiff are best spent on familiar terrains, for example, in the yard of the house.

Moulting in the Tibetan mastiff occurs usually once a year, depending on the climate. Several times a week the dog needs to be combed out with a special brush for grooming. You need to untangle the coils with your hands or cut them off. Bathing is carried out once a month and as needed.

Correct and timely care will ensure a long and healthy life for your pet.

Health and disease

The owners should remember that most infectious diseases can be avoided by vaccinating a pet in advance. These procedures must be repeated annually, by making a revaccination at the veterinary clinic.

Sheepdog Tibetan does not suffer from specific, inherent only her breed disease. The most frequent disease in dogs, including Tibetan mastiffs, is the turn of the century, when the lower movable part of the eye is wrapped inside. This problem is solved relatively easily, with the help of simple surgical intervention.

Large dogs often have joint problems, and although Tibetan sheep dogs are not very prone to this disease, no one is immune to the risk of hip dysplasia. For the prevention of the disease it is recommended to conduct x-ray examinations from time to time (but no more often than once a year), and also closely monitor the visual manifestations of possible diseases.

Proper nutrition of the Tibetan sheepdog

Sheepdog Tibetan, especially in the period of active growing up, eats a lot. Adult dogs need less food, but their diet should be balanced.

It is not recommended to mix ready-made dry food with natural food. A full-fledged diet should include cereals, eggs, vegetables and meat.

Feeding should be done at regular intervals. Puppies up to six months of age should eat at least six times a day, adults - up to four times.

The basic rules of nutrition that need to be followed are:

1. You can not overfeed a dog. If for any reason it is very hungry, it is necessary to provide more frequent feeding in small portions.
2. Do not soak dry food with water or milk. This can lead to poisoning.
3. A sharp change of food from natural food to ready-made dry food can cause digestive problems, so this transition should be carried out gradually.
4. Choose pet food for your age.
5. Smoked, salted food, raw fish and meat can not be given to animals.

Training

That the dog was obedient, it is necessary to be engaged with her trainings, since puppy age.

Sheepdog Tibetan by nature intelligent and attentive dog, needs guidance and a firm hand of the owner. However, the training must pass so that the animal has learned not only to obey, but also completely trust the owner, so screaming or violence are unacceptable. In no case can not suppress the natural playfulness of the puppy, otherwise he will experience a secret fear of the owner, who may in the future lead to uncontrolled behavior.

Tibetan Shepherds, like most watchdogs, need socialization - from time to time they need to be introduced to other people and dogs. If the animal is deprived of socialization, it may begin to exhibit excessive aggression and suspicion. Of course, in this case it is necessary to observe the golden mean - the dog should not forget about his protective duties.

If the animal shows an unreasonable aggression, it is necessary to address with explanations to professional cynologists and trainers. Being in practice familiar with the characteristics inherent in this or that breed, they will be able to determine the reasons for such behavior of the mastiff with great probability.

Tibetan Mastiff and Caucasian Shepherd: a comparison

Going to buy a guard dog, many future owners are facing a choice - to take a puppy of a Tibetan mastiff or a Caucasian sheepdog. Both breeds have excellent protective qualities, but it is necessary to take into account also the specific character traits peculiar to each of them.

Caucasian Shepherd is more difficult to train, so inexperienced dogs should choose a Tibetan mastiff. What is the difference between them? The Caucasian sheepdog against the Tibetan mastiff is more cunning and cunning, while the Tibetans are more accommodating and calm.

Of course, the character of the dog will depend not only on its belonging to a particular breed. The importance of upbringing and the psychophysical qualities of each particular individual obtained from birth are predictable, which is impossible to predict with absolute probability.

Price for puppies

On average, a Tibetan shepherd puppy will cost 30 thousand rubles. The breed is not yet well known in Russia, so the price is appropriate. Before buying, you need to check the pedigree, and how to inspect the puppy, not only for physical compliance with the prescribed breed standards, but also for the visual absence of diseases.

If you follow all the above rules when choosing a puppy and caring for him, then you will provide yourself with a loyal friend and guard.