Tibetan Mastiff Price & Lifetime Costs: (IMPORTANT TIPS)

When it comes to owning a Tibetan Mastiff, price is just the beginning of the equation. A thorough understanding of the breed’s characteristics will help you predict any unexpected expenses that may arise.

These fluffy giants are adorable, but what are you really getting into with a dog this big? How much food does a 100+ pound dog consume? Will his bark rattle the windows on your house and wake the neighbors?

We’ll provide a glimpse of the breed’s temperament, and other factors to consider before giving your heart away to a new pup. Additionally, we’ll offer insight into the Tibetan Mastiff average price, and why the investment doesn’t end there.

The Tibetan Mastiff, Up Close

These ancient canines were bred as guard dogs to protect people, property, and livestock. They later became favored by royals and were kept as pets.

Here's a Quick Tibetan Mastiff Breed Summary

Tibetan Mastiff Temperament

With their history in mind, it’s no surprise that these dogs are deeply devoted to their owners. However, that devotion doesn’t necessarily translate into a dog that is eager to please.

Tibetan Mastiffs can be stubborn when it comes to training, despite being highly intelligent. They require a strong leader (literally and figuratively) who can command their attention when they misbehave.

Because they tend to be an independent, free-thinking breed, it’s best to keep them on-leash when out for walks. Better yet, ensure they have a large outdoor area for frolicking, as they prefer self-directed play time.

Tibetan Mastiff Size

We know these pups are big, but just how big, exactly?

Tibetan Mastiff weight ranges from 70-120 pounds in females, and 90-150 pounds in males.

According to the breed standards, females stand a minimum of 24 inches tall, while males are 26 inches.

Of course, once you factor in the volume of their fur, these dogs seem even more enormous!

Tibetan Mastiff Price – How Much Do Tibetan Mastiffs Cost?

A quick Google search on Tibetan Mastiff cost reveals that they are one of the most expensive breeds in the world.

This is partly thanks to a red Tibetan Mastiff, named “Big Splash,” selling to a Chinese businessman for a mind-boggling $1.5 million.

Tibetan Mastiff puppies for sale command anywhere from $1500 to $5000. While this might seem like quite a wide range, remember Tibetan Mastiff price is influenced by many different factors.

These include the current market for the breed, the pedigree of the dog, the source, and more.

Scarcity

The Tibetan Mastiff is not only one of the world’s largest, but also one of the rarest breeds of dogs.

This could have something to do with the fact that the females only enter oestrus once per year. A slower reproduction rate means getting your hands on one of these pups takes planning.

This is especially true if you are hoping to purchase one to use as a show dog, or for breeding.

Demand

Buying one of these pups isn’t as simple as calling up a breeder and placing an order.

Tibetan Mastiff breeders often want to ensure that their stock is going to well-suited families. There is bound to be a competitive screening process before you can even be approved to purchase.

Even then, you may have to wait for the next oestrus cycle before a pup is available!

There could be competition for the puppies, and you may find yourself in a bidding war against other prospective owners with deeper pockets.

In China, there is a craze surrounding the breed, which has undoubtedly increased the Tibetan Mastiff price throughout the world. Wealthy individuals in China have been known to pay up to $3 million to get their hands on one of these dogs.

Pedigree

While show ribbons and awards may not mean much to you, a reputable and dedicated breeder should. Often, but not always, a strong pedigree is a good indication of a breeder who truly cares.

A reputable breeder will take care to avoid inbreeding, and eliminate unwanted health defects from their lines. In turn, they will often request higher prices for their stock.

Remember, paying a little more up front for a healthy dog may save you money down the road.

Tibetan Mastiff Adoption

Buying a Tibetan Mastiff puppy with prize lineage typically costs more than adopting a dog that was bred to be a pet.

But, if you’re in search of a pet rather than a show dog, adopting through a Tibetan Mastiff rescue organization is a good way to get a lower price. Plus, you’re doing a good deed by giving a home to a dog in need!

There is only one organization in the United States that is solely dedicated to rescuing Tibetan Mastiffs. You can learn more about their rescue efforts and find adoptable dogs on their website.

Tibetan Mastiff Cost of Ownership

As you know, your investment doesn’t end when you purchase your new dog. There are all kinds of related expenses that come into play aside from the initial “sticker price.”

Following are some of the possible expenses you should take into account when considering the Tibetan Mastiff price.

Cost of Food

Feeding a dog that weighs in the neighborhood of 100 pounds is liable to seem like a daunting task. However, Tibetan Mastiffs don’t eat as much as you think they do!

While the exact amount that they eat depends on their size and activity level, Tibetan Mastiffs eat less than other large breeds, proportionately. That said, they still eat up to 4 cups of food per day.

Health Care Expenses

If you settle for a purebred Tibetan Mastiff puppy at a bargain price, there’s a good chance your pup doesn’t have a great pedigree.

This could mean he comes from stock with less favorable characteristics, including health issues.

With this in mind, don’t simply settle for a puppy at the lowest price you can find. Instead, take care to choose the healthiest dog possible. You’re sure to have a much longer life together.

Training Programs

Because this breed is so large, training your Tibetan Mastiff is especially crucial. An animated dog, no matter how friendly, could be frightening to strangers who are unfamiliar with your pet.

For the safety of your dog, and the general public, take the time to train your Tibetan Mastiff effectively.

If you’re an experienced dog owner you may be able to train your dog on your own at no extra cost. However, those new to the breed, or dog ownership in general, may wish to enlist the help of a professional.

There are all kinds of different dog training programs to choose from, ranging from group classes to private sessions. There are even boarding schools for dogs! Depending on the needs of your dog, the price of training could be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

It may seem like a big investment, but nobody ever complains about a dog being too obedient!

Grooming Costs

Another ongoing expense to consider is the Tibetan Mastiff price of grooming. Their thick, double coat requires regular brushing and occasional bathing.

If your Tibetan Mastiff lives primarily outdoors, grooming may need to occur more frequently to prevent fur from matting.

While many owners take grooming upon themselves, others prefer to outsource this task. You’ll have to decide which option is best for you.

Final Thoughts on Tibetan Mastiffs

These fluffy canines make devoted and loyal pets for owners who are equipped to manage them, both physically and financially.

When choosing to add one of these dogs to your family, it’s important to look at the big picture. There are all kinds of different factors to consider that will add or subtract from the cost of ownership.

As you can see, Tibetan Mastiff price goes far beyond just the purchase cost.

Lastly, if you are interested in the Tibetan Mastiff then you might also enjoy these Tibetan Mastiff Mix-breeds.

Calvin L.

Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.