Tibetan Mastiff Breed Standard
AKC's original and updated Tibetan Mastiff Breed Standard Side-by-Side
AKC FSS original Breed Standard shows changes when the Tibetan Mastiff became
AKC recognized. Presented together for TM breeder analysis and breed historians.
History (original Eff. 1/1/05 - italic represents
information removed from newer 2/10/12 version)
The history of the Tibetan Mastiff - the large guardian dog of Tibet - is hidden in the mists of legend, along with the people of the high Himalayan Mountains and the plains of Central Asia. Accurate records of the genetic heritage of the dogs are non-existent.
Even so, history has reserved a special place for the Tibetan Mastiff. They are considered by many to be the basic stock from which most modern large working breeds, including all mastiffs and mountain dogs, have developed. Even though a great deal has been written about them since the 17th Century, there are few specific details available.
Earliest written accounts place a large dog around 1100
BC in China. Skulls of large dogs date from the stone
and bronze ages. Ancestors of today’s Mastiff breeds are
believed to have accompanied the armies of the
Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans and later,
traveled with Atilla the Hun and Genghis Khan as far
west as Europe. During these centuries, it is believed
that the Tibetan Mastiff remained isolated on the high
plateaus and valleys of the Himalaya to develop into the
magnificent animal so highly prized by the people of
Tibet.
Today in
Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and other Himalayan regions, a pure Tibetan
Mastiff is hard to find, though they are still bred by the nomads of
the Chang-Tang plateau. They are bred and live at an average
altitude of 16,000 feet, and some are brought to the Barkhor, the
market that surrounds the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple for
Tibetan Buddhists, for sale. Although Tibetan Mastiffs are
traditionally kept tied to the gates of the house or monastery, or
tied to stakes in the nomad camps, they are let loose at night. In
addition, when the flocks are moved to higher pasture, the Tibetan
Mastiffs were traditionally left behind to guard the tents and the
children. The dogs are expected to defend
the flocks of goats, sheep and yak, the women and the
children and the tents of their masters against
predators such as wolves and snow leopards, as well as
human intruders.
Prior to the early 1800’s, few Westerners were allowed
into Tibet so little was known about Tibetan dogs. In
accounts of visits to Tibet by early travelers, very
little mention was made of the dogs they encountered.
Marco Polo wrote of the dogs in Tibet being as large as
donkeys, and Jesuit missionaries in the 17th Century,
wrote of the ferocious, huge dogs ("Many of the Thibetan
dogs are uncommon and extraordinary. They are black with
rather long glossy hair, very big and sturdily built,
and their bark is most alarming" I. Desideri, 1712). In
1800 Captain Samuel Turner, in his "An account of an
Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet"
mentioned his experience with huge dogs ("The mansion
stood upon the right; on the left was a row of wooden
cages, containing a number of huge dogs, tremendously
fierce, strong and noisy. They were natives of Tibet;
and whether savage by nature, or soured by confinement,
they were so impetuously furious, that it was unsafe,
unless the keepers were near, eve to approach their
dens.").
In 1847, Lord Hardinge, Viceroy of India, sent a "large dog from Tibet" called "Siring" to Queen Victoria. England had its first dog show in 1859; and in 1873, The Kennel Club was formed with the first Stud Book containing pedigrees of 4027 dogs. In the official classification made by The Kennel Club (England), the "large dog from Tibet" was officially designated the "Tibetan Mastiff" for the first time.
Two more Tibetan Mastiffs were brought into England in 1874 by the then Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) and they were exhibited at the Alexandra Palace Show, December 1875. From then until 1928, there was a trickle of imports into England and Europe. In 1928, the Hon. Colonel and Mrs. Bailey imported four Tibetan Mastiffs which they obtained while Colonel Bailey was on duty as Political Officer in Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet. In 1931 Mrs. Bailey formed the Tibetan Breeds Association in England and the first official standard for the breed was adopted by The Kennel Club. It was also the standard used by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
In the late 1950's, two Tibetan Mastiffs were sent from Tibet to President Eisenhower. They were taken to a farm in the midwest and nothing more was heard of them. Beginning in 1969, several Tibetan Mastiffs were imported from Nepal and India into the US. The American Tibetan Mastiff Assoication was formed in 1974, with a dog imported from Nepal, Jumla's Kalu of Jumla as its dog #001. The first National Specialty Match was held in the USA in connection with the California Rare Breeds Dog Association in October 1979 and the first National Specialty Show was held in 1983.
The close relationship of the Tibetan Mastiff with man throughout the centuries has given the dog a almost uncanny "human" understanding. Generations of working as a guardian of yak, sheep and, more importantly, women and children, requiring always a protector and not a killer, has produced a disposition and temperament of controlled strength, initiative, and fearlessness, tempered with patience, loyalty, and gentleness.
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American Kennel Club "AKC"
FSS Miscellaneous Class
Approved: Nov 8, 2004 - Eff: Jan 1, 2005
General Appearance
Noble and impressive: a large, powerful, heavy, well
built dog, well muscled, with much substance and bone,
and of solemn but kindly appearance. The Tibetan Mastiff
stands well up on the pasterns, with strong, tight, cat
feet, giving an alert appearance. The body is slightly
longer than tall. The head is broad and impressive, with
massive back skull, the eyes deep-set and almond shaped,
slightly slanted, the muzzle broad and well-padded,
giving a square appearance. The typical expression of
the breed is one of watchfulness. The tail is well
feathered and carried over the back in a single curl
falling over the loin, balancing the head. The coat and
heavy mane is thick, with coarse guard hair and a wooly
undercoat. The tail and britches are well feathered.
The Tibetan Mastiff has been used primarily as a family
and property guardian for many millennia, and is aloof
and watchful of strangers, and highly protective of its
people and property.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size: Dogs - minimum of 26 inches at the withers.
Bitches - minimum of 24 inches at the withers. Dogs and
bitches that are more than one inch below the minimum
heights to be severely faulted. Proportion:
Slightly longer than tall (9-10), (i.e.,the height to
length, measured from sternum to ischium should be
slightly greater than the distance from withers to
ground). Substance: The Tibetan Mastiff should
have impressive substance, both in bone and structure,
as well as strength. When dogs are judged equal in type,
proportion and movement, the more substantial dog, in
terms of substance and bone, not merely height, is to be
given preference.
Head
Broad, heavy and strong. Some wrinkling in maturity,
extending from above eyes down to corner of mouth. A
correct head and expression is essential to the breed.
Expression: Noble, intelligent, watchful and aloof.
Eyes: Very expressive, medium size, any shade of
brown. Rims to be black except in blue/grey, blue/grey
and tan dogs and brown dogs, the darkest possible shade
of grey or brown. Eyes deep-set, well apart,
almond shaped, and slightly slanting. Any other color or
shape to be severely faulted since it detracts from the
typical expression. Ears: Medium size, V-shaped,
pendant, set-on high , dropping forward and hanging
close to head. Raised when alert, on level with the top
of the skull. The ear leather is thick, covered with
soft short hair, and when measured, should reach the
inner corner of the eye. Skull: Broad and large,
with strongly defined occiput. Broad back skull. Stop:
Deep and well defined. Muzzle: Broad, well filled
and square when viewed from all sides. Proportions:
Measurement from occiput to stop and stop to end of
nose, equal or slightly shorter. Nose: Broad,
well pigmented, with open nostrils. Black, except with
blue/grey or blue/grey and tan dogs, the darkest shade
of grey and brown dogs, the darkest shade of brown. Any
other color to be severely faulted. Lips: Well
developed, thick, with moderate flews and slightly
pendulous lower lips. Bite: Complete scissor
bite. Level bite acceptable. Essential that dentition
fits tightly, to maintain square form of muzzle.
Teeth: Canine teeth large, strong, broken teeth not
to be faulted. Faults: Missing teeth, overshot,
undershot bite.
Neck, Topline and Body
Neck: The neck is well muscled, moderately
arched, and may have moderate dewlap. The neck,
especially in dogs, is shrouded by a thick upstanding
mane. Topline: Topline straight and level between
withers and croup. Body: The chest is rather
deep, of moderate breadth, with reasonable spring of
rib. Brisket reaching to just below elbows. Underline
with pronounced (but not exaggerated) tuck-up. The back
is muscular with firmly muscled loin. There is no slope
or angle to the croup. Tail: Medium to long, but
not reaching below hock joint; well feathered. Set high
on line with top of back. When alert or in motion,
curled over back or to one side. Tails that are double
curled or carried in an incomplete curl to be faulted.
Forequarters
Shoulders: Well laid back, muscular, strongly
boned, with moderate angulation to match the rear
angulation. Legs: Straight, with substantial bone
and muscle, well covered with short, coarse hair,
feathering, and with strong pasterns that have a slight
slope. Feet: Cat feet. Fairly large, strong,
compact, may have feathering between toes. Nails may be
either black and/or white, regardless of coat color. A
single dewclaw may be present on the front feet.
Hindquarters: Powerful, muscular, with all parts
being moderately angulated. Seen from behind, the hind
legs and stifle are parallel. The hocks are strong, well
let down (approximately one-third the overall length of
the leg), and perpendicular. Feet: A single or
double dewclaw may be present on the rear feet. Removal
of rear dewclaws, if present, optional.
Coat
In general, dogs carry noticeably more coat than
bitches. The quality of the coat is of greater
importance than quantity. Double-coated, with fairly
long, thick coarse guard hair, with heavy soft undercoat
in cold weather which becomes rather sparse in warmer
months. Hair is fine but hard, straight and stand-off;
never silky, curly or wavy. Heavy undercoat, when
present, rather woolly. Neck and shoulders heavily
coated, especially in dogs, giving mane-like appearance.
Tail and britches densely coated and heavily feathered.
The Tibetan Mastiff is shown naturally. Trimming is not
acceptable except to provide a clean cut appearance of
feet. Dogs are not to be penalized if shown with a
summer coat.
Color
Black, brown, and blue/grey, all with or without tan
markings, and various shades of gold. Tan ranges from a
very rich shade through a lighter color. White markings
on breast and feet acceptable. Tan markings may appear
at any or all of the following areas: above eyes as
spots, around eyes (including spectacle markings), on
each side of the muzzle, on throat, on lower part of
front forelegs and extending up the inside of the
forelegs, on inside of rear legs showing down the front
of the stifle and broadening out to the front of the
rear legs from hock to toes, on breeches, and underside
of tail. Undercoat, as well as furnishings on breeches
and underside of tail, may be lighter shades of the
dominant color. The undercoat on black and tan dogs also
may be grey or tan. Other markings such as sabling,
brindling, white on other areas of the body, or large
white markings, to be faulted. All other coat colors,
while accepted, are to be faulted.
Gait
The gait of a Tibetan Mastiff is powerful, steady and
balanced, yet at the same time, light-footed. When
viewed from the side, reach and drive should indicate
maximum use of the dog’s moderate angulation. Back
remains level and firm. Sound and powerful movement more
important than speed.
Temperament
The Tibetan Mastiff is a highly intelligent,
independent, strong willed and rather reserved dog. He
is aloof with strangers and highly protective of his
charges and his property. In the ring he may exhibit
reserve or lack of enthusiasm, but any sign of shyness
is unacceptable and must be severely faulted as
inappropriate for a guardian breed. Conversely, given
its aloof nature, judges should also beware of putting a premium on showiness.
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American Kennel Club "AKC"
Working Group
Approved: Feb 10, 2012 - Eff: Feb 10, 2012
General Appearance
Noble and impressive: a large, but
not a giant breed. An athletic and substantial dog, of solemn but kindly
appearance. The Tibetan Mastiff stands well up on the pasterns, with strong,
tight, cat feet, giving an alert appearance. The body is slightly longer than
tall. The hallmarks of the breed are the head and the tail. The head is broad
and impressive, with substantial back skull, the eyes deep-set and almond
shaped, slightly slanted, the muzzle broad and well-padded, giving a square
appearance. The typical expression of the breed is one of watchfulness. The tail
and britches are well feathered and the tail is carried over the back in a
single curl falling over the loin, balancing the head. The coat and heavy mane
is thick, with coarse guard hair and a wooly undercoat.
The Tibetan Mastiff has been used primarily as a family and property guardian
for many millennia. The Tibetan Mastiff is aloof and watchful of strangers, and
highly protective of its people and property.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size – Dogs - preferred range of 26 to 29 inches at
the withers. Bitches - preferred range of 24 to 27 inches at the withers. Dogs
and bitches that are 18 months or older and that are less than 25 inches at the
withers in the case of dogs or 23 inches at the withers in the case of bitches
to be disqualified. All dogs and bitches within the preferred range for height
are to be judged equally, with no preference to be given to the taller dog.
Proportion - Slightly longer than tall (10-9), (i.e., the length to height,
measured from sternum to ischium should be slightly greater than the distance
from withers to ground). Substance - The Tibetan Mastiff should have impressive
substance for its size, both in bone, body and muscle.
Head
Broad, strong with heavy brow ridges. Heavy wrinkling to be severely
faulted; however a single fold extending from above the eyes down to the corner
of the mouth acceptable at maturity. A correct head and expression is essential
to the breed. Expression- Noble, intelligent, watchful and aloof. Eyes - Very
expressive, medium size, any shade of brown. Rims to be black except in
blue/grey and blue/grey and tan dogs, the darkest possible shade of grey. Eyes
deep-set, well apart, almond-shaped, and slightly slanting, with tightly fitting
eye rims at maturity. Any other color or shape to be severely faulted since it
detracts from the typical expression. Ears - Medium size, V-shaped, pendant,
set-on high, dropping forward and hanging close to head. Raised when alert,
level with the top of the skull. The ear leather is thick, covered with soft
short hair, and when measured, should reach the inner corner of the eye. Low-set
and/or hound-like ears to be severely faulted. Skull - Broad and large, with
strongly defined occiput. Broad, flat back skull. Prominent, bony brow ridges.
Stop-Moderately defined, made to appear well defined by presence of prominent
brow ridges. Muzzle - Broad, well filled and square when viewed from all sides.
Proportions - Measurement from stop to end of nose to be between one-half to
one-third the length of the measurement from the occiput to stop. Longer muzzle
is a severe fault. Width of skull measured from ear set to opposite ear set, to
be slightly greater than length of skull measured from occiput to stop (i.e.,
just off square). Nose - Broad, well pigmented, with open nostrils. Black,
except with blue/grey or blue/grey and tan dogs, the darkest shade of grey and
brown dogs, the darkest shade of brown. Any other color to be severely faulted.
Lips - Well developed, thick, with moderate flews and slightly pendulous lower
lips. Bite - Scissor bite, complete dentition, level bite acceptable. Teeth -
Canine teeth large, strong, broken teeth not to be faulted. Disqualifications -
Undershot or overshot bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck - The neck is well muscled, moderately arched,
sufficient in length to be in balance with the body, and may have moderate
dewlap around the throat. The neck, especially in mature dogs, is shrouded by a
thick upstanding mane. Topline - Topline level and firm between withers and
croup. Body - The chest is well developed, with reasonable spring of rib.
Brisket reaching to just below elbows. Underline with pronounced (but not
exaggerated) tuck-up. The back is muscular with firmly muscled loin. There is no
slope or angle to the croup. Tail - Well feathered, medium to long, not reaching
below the hock, set high on line with the back. When alert or in motion, the
tail is always carried curled over the back, may be carried down when dog is
relaxed. Faults-Double curl, incomplete curl, uncurled or straight tail. Severe
faults - Tail not carried in the proper position as set forth above.
Forequarters
Shoulders - Well laid back, muscular, strongly boned, with
moderate angulation to match the rear angulation. Legs: Straight, with
substantial bone and muscle, well covered with short, coarse hair, feathering on
the back, and with strong pasterns that have a slight slope. Feet -Cat feet.
Fairly large, strong, compact, may have feathering between toes. Nails may be
either black and/or white, regardless of coat color. A single dewclaw may be
present on the front feet.
Hindquarters - Powerful, muscular, with all parts being moderately
angulated. Seen from behind, the hind legs and stifle are parallel. The hocks
are strong, approximately one-third the overall length of the leg, and
perpendicular. Feet - A single or double dewclaw may be present on the rear
feet. Removal of rear dewclaws, if present, optional.
Coat
In general, dogs carry noticeably more coat than bitches. The quality of
the coat is of greater importance than length. Double-coated, with fairly long,
thick coarse guard hair, with heavy soft undercoat in cold weather which becomes
rather sparse in warmer months. Hair is fine but hard, straight and stand-off;
never silky, curly or wavy. Heavy undercoat, when present, rather woolly. Neck
and shoulders heavily coated, especially in dogs, giving mane-like appearance.
Tail and britches densely coated and heavily feathered. The Tibetan Mastiff is
shown naturally. Trimming is not acceptable except to provide a clean cut
appearance of feet and hocks. Dogs are not to be penalized if shown with a
summer coat.
Color
Black, brown, and blue/grey, all with or without tan markings ranging
from a light silver to a rich mahogany; also gold, with shades ranging from a
pure golden to a rich red gold. White markings on chest and feet acceptable. Tan
markings may appear at any or all of the following areas: above eyes as spots,
around eyes (including spectacle markings), on each side of the muzzle, on
throat, on lower part of front forelegs and extending up the inside of the
forelegs, on inside of rear legs showing down the front of the stifle and
broadening out to the front of the rear legs from hock to toes, on breeches, and
underside of tail. Undercoat, as well as furnishings on breeches and underside
of tail, may be lighter shades of the dominant color. The undercoat on black and
tan dogs also may be grey or tan. Sabling, other than wolf sable and sabling in
a saddle marked color pattern, is acceptable on gold dogs. Large white markings,
to be faulted. Disqualifications - All other coat colors (e.g., white, cream,
wolf sable, brindle and particolors) and markings other than those specifically
described.
Gait
The gait of a Tibetan Mastiff is athletic, powerful, steady and balanced,
yet at the same time, light-footed and agile. When viewed from the side, reach
and drive should indicate maximum use of the dog's moderate angulation. At
increased speed, the dog will tend to single-track. Back remains level and firm.
Sound and powerful movement more important than speed.
Temperament
The Tibetan Mastiff is a highly intelligent, independent, strong
willed and rather reserved dog. He is aloof with strangers and highly protective
of his charges and his property. In the ring he may exhibit reserve or lack of
enthusiasm, but any sign of shyness is unacceptable and must be severely faulted
as inappropriate for a guardian breed.
Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Tibetan Mastiff. Any
deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the
deviation.
Disqualifications: Dogs under 25 inches (at 18 months or older). Bitches under
23 inches (at 18 months or older). Undershot or overshot bite. All other coat
colors (e.g., white, cream, wolf sable, brindle and particolors) and markings
other than those specifically described.
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06S152
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