The Tibetan Mastiff is descended from the famous Tibetan dogs that were the source of the majority of Molossuses and Mastiffs throughout the world. Mollossian dogs accompanied Alexander the Great from Tibet to Europe, and during this period helped found many of today's other Mastiff breeds. Tibet later closed its doors to Westerners, so the breed developed for centuries in relative isolation. Soon more dogs were imported to England and the British began to refine and standardize the breed. The Tibetan Mastiff is very rare in their native land, though some dogs are now being exported from Tibet. The breed is gaining popularity in England and the United States. The Tibetan Mastiff is an excellent livestock guardian - willing to fight fiercely against predators and intruders and they are also outstanding guard dogs for the home. As a result of these practices and Tibetan selection of function, English-bred dogs are much more trainable and controllable than those from Tibet. The American Tibetan Mastiff Association formed in 1974 serves as the breed's official registry and network in the United States.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful dog with a sturdy bone structure. It is a very large dog with a broad, massive head and a heavy, dense, medium-length coat. The bear-like head is wedged-shaped with a wide, blunt muzzle. The upper lip usually covers the lower lip. The teeth form a scissors or level bite. Mature dogs, particularly males, tend to have moderate dewlap. The body is slightly longer than tall and the legs are heavy-boned and powerful. The muzzle is lighter than that of the English Mastiff, with an extremely strong jaw. Rear dewclaws should be removed, but front dewclaw removal is optional. The coat forms a heavy ruff around the neck. The Tibetan Mastiff is usually black, sometimes with gold or tan markings, though he may also come in chocolate, blue & tan, sable, gold, cream, or red, with or without tan markings.