Today, an increasing number of people have dogs, and there is nothing strange in this, since these creatures sincerely love their owners and will be faithful to them for the rest of their lives. A vivid example of a faithful and intelligent pet is the Tibetan shepherd.
Tibetan Sheepdog: breed description
The Tibetan Shepherd or Tibetan mastiff is an excellent guard. These are strong animals, with a height of 60-65 cm, reaching a weight of 60-70 kg.
The breed is famous for its thick wool with double undercoat, which perfectly protects the animal in winter. Thick hair in the neck area visually resembles a mane, therefore the Tibetan shepherd has a nickname "Tibetan lion".
The coat color varies from gray-blue to deep black. There are individuals with a variety of red shades. On the chest and legs there are white areas.
Origin history
The Tibetan mastiff has long been surrounded by myths and legends. The breed itself is quite ancient, was formed due to the geographical isolation of Tibet.
Since the 13th century, when Chinese merchants passed through Tibet, the mixing of the gene pool of local and Chinese dogs began. Purebred Tibetan dogs remained only among individuals living in the mountains.
The first mention of these strong and hardy animals begins to appear centuries before our era. In the 13th century, during his trip to Asia, Marco Polo admiredly described these dogs. They were introduced to Europe in 1847.
Tibetan mastiffs impressed European residents with their appearance, which is why the first individuals brought there were kept in zoos.
Many dog handlers study Tibetan mastiffs with interest. Some of them even express the opinion that this breed can be considered the ancestor of Molossians (this is a group of dog breeds, which includes dogs, bulldogs, mastiffs, boxers, pugs).
Show breed standards
The breed standards for the Tibetan mastiff are not very detailed.
Some individuals within the breed differ markedly from each other in color and size. The minimum height of males is 66 cm, females - 61. Different colors of black, gold, chestnut, red and gray colors with tan are allowed in the color.
Tibetan Shepherd (photo) - the largest dog of all the ancient breeds on Earth. She 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 level of 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. The ears are hanging, have a triangular shape, low set and tight to the head.
Character
The character of the Tibetan shepherd dog harmoniously combines patience and fearlessness, which makes it an ideal protector of the house. However, like every breed, it has its own behavioral characteristics that should be considered by future owners.
The character of the Tibetan mastiff is sometimes stubborn and independent, so it is very important that the dog, from a puppy's age, has learned not only to obey, but also to trust its owner.
The Tibetan shepherd (photo in the article) loves communication and attention, so it is perfect for keeping in a family. Despite the patient disposition of character, it is better not to let young children adhere to the animal, because the guard dog can take an excessively active behavior characteristic of babies as aggression against themselves.
A large crowd of strangers in the house Tibetan mastiffs also do not approve. Therefore, lovers of noisy and crowded parties to get a dog of this breed is not worth it. A similar attitude is characteristic of all dog breeds with protective qualities.
During walks, it is necessary to adhere to various routes, otherwise the mastiff will consider someone else's territory as its "protection zone".
If a Tibetan shepherd dog is kept 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 cease to trust the owners, or even run wild.
Features of care and maintenance
Given the size and nature of the Tibetan mastiff, it is best to keep it in the spacious courtyard of a private house, where he can play and move in plenty.
Thick double undercoat creates certain difficulties for keeping the animal in a hot and humid climate. The Tibetan shepherd tolerates high temperatures only when kept in a dry climate.
Every day it is necessary to provide the dog with walks and outdoor games, lasting at least half an hour. During a walk with the puppy, the owner should be extremely attentive and careful. The fact is that it is during the growing up period that the majority of limb injuries occur, therefore outdoor games with a small mastiff are best carried out in a familiar area, for example, in the courtyard of the house.
Shedding at the Tibetan mastiff usually occurs once a year, depending on the climate. Several times a week, the dog must be combed out with a special grooming brush. Koltuny need to be untangled by hand or sheared. Bathing is carried out once a month and if necessary.
Proper and timely care will ensure a long and healthy life for your pet.
Health and Disease
Owners should remember that most infectious diseases can be avoided by vaccinating the pet in advance. These procedures must be repeated annually, making revaccination in a veterinary clinic.
The Tibetan shepherd does not suffer from specific diseases unique to its breed. The most common disease in dogs, including Tibetan mastiffs, is an inversion of the eyelid, when the lower movable part of the eye is wrapped inward. This problem is solved relatively easily, with the help of simple surgical intervention.
Large dogs often have joint problems, and although Tibetan shepherds are not very susceptible to this ailment, no one is safe from the risk of hip dysplasia. To prevent the disease, it is recommended from time to time to conduct x-ray examinations (but not more often than once a year), as well as closely monitor the visual manifestations of possible diseases.
Proper Tibetan Shepherd Nutrition
The Tibetan shepherd, especially during the period of active growing, 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 complete 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.
Basic nutritional rules to be followed:
- You can not overfeed the dog. If for some reason she is very hungry, it is necessary to provide more frequent feeding in small portions.
- It is forbidden to soak dry food with water or milk. This can lead to poisoning.
- A sharp change in feed from natural to ready-made dry food can cause digestive problems, so this transition should be carried out gradually.
- Choosing a pet food is necessary taking into account its age.
- Smoked, salted food, raw fish and meat cannot be given to animals.
Training
In order for the dog to be obedient, it is necessary to train with it, starting from puppyhood.
Tibetan shepherd by nature is a smart and attentive dog, needs instruction and a firm hand of the owner. However, training should take place so that the animal has learned not only to obey, but also to fully trust the owner, so screaming or violence is unacceptable. In no case should you suppress the puppy’s natural playfulness, otherwise he will experience a hidden fear of the owner, which in the future may result in uncontrolled behavior.
Tibetan shepherd dogs, like most guard breeds, need socialization - from time to time you need to introduce them to other people and dogs. If the animal is deprived of socialization, it may begin to show excessive aggression and suspicion. Of course, in this case it is necessary to observe the golden mean - the dog should not forget about its protective duties.
If the animal shows unreasonable aggression, it is necessary to seek clarification from professional dog handlers and trainers. Being practically familiar with the characteristic features inherent in a particular breed, they will be able to determine with high probability the reasons for this behavior of the mastiff.
Tibetan Mastiff and Caucasian Shepherd Dog: Comparison
When planning to purchase a guard dog, many future owners are faced with the choice of taking a Tibetan mastiff puppy or Caucasian shepherd. Both breeds are distinguished by excellent protective qualities, but it is also necessary to take into account the specific character traits inherent in each of them.
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is more difficult to train, so inexperienced dog lovers should choose a Tibetan mastiff. What is the significant difference between the two? The Caucasian Shepherd Dog against the Tibetan mastiff has a more cocky and cunning disposition, while the Tibetans are more flexible and calm.
Of course, the nature of the dog will depend not only on its affiliation with a particular breed. The upbringing and the psychophysical qualities obtained from birth of each individual are important, which are impossible to predict with absolute probability.
Price for puppies
On average, a Tibetan shepherd puppy will cost 30 thousand rubles. The breed is not too 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 looking after him, then you will provide yourself with a loyal friend and guard.