The Tibetan Mastidoodle is a large working dog that will be loyal, protective, and surprisingly responsive to your needs as its pack leader.
If you live in a rural area with a large property and work from home, the Tibetan Mastidoodle could be the perfect fit for your active lifestyle.
What else do you need to know about this unusual breed? Our breed guide will provide all the answers you need to make an informed choice for your next furry friend.
What is a Tibetan Mastidoodle?
A Tibetan Mastidoodle is a large Doodle breed resulting from crossing a Standard Poodle and a Tibetan Mastiff. The mix can also be called a Tibetan Mastiffdoodle, Tibetan Mastipoo, Tibetan Mastiffpoo, or simply the Tibetan Mastiff-Poodle mix.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large protective working dog with ancient roots in the mountains of Tibet. It stands between 21 and 29 inches at the withers and weighs up to 150 pounds with a dual-layer coat and stocky, muscular frame.
The Standard Poodle stands between 21 and 27 inches, weighs up to 70 pounds, features the iconic curly-haired coat, and is known as an intelligent and athletic breed.
History of the Parent Breeds
Where did these two dog breeds first originate? Let’s look into their beginnings and how the breeds have changed through the centuries.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff first appeared in the Himalayan Mountains circa 1100 B.C. and was bred as a working dog able to protect livestock, property, and families. While there are many references throughout the history of a dok-khyi or “chained dog” in the Himalayas, the English name of the Tibetan Mastiff did not become popularized until the 1800s.
The drog-khyi was responsible for sounding a warning against intruders and then chasing down animals and people that posed a threat to their homes. For centuries there was not a true bloodline but rather a temperament and body type bred for the job, not an appearance.
They have been known to fight off wolves, bears, and large mountain cats. The thick coat is well-suited to living outdoors in the harshest environments.
Even today, when you visit the high mountain villages in Tibet, you may see a dog that looks like the Tibetan Mastiff. Still, few have the genetic markers associated with the recognized breed in the western world.
In the 19th century, dog breeders in Europe and America began to record breeding efforts and started the process of standardizing the breed. The double coat, stocky features, and fiercely protective temperament remained part of the new-yet-historic dog breed.
Like other dogs bred to live and work in cold climates, the Tibetan Mastiff is a vocal breed. Their booming bark is used to alert their humans and the other dogs in their pack and to warn off invaders.
Training one to stay silent is a challenge, and a new owner should not rely on the success of that training.
They are perimeter protectors, which means that they need to patrol their entire property every day. Their independent nature allows them to check in on the fence line while their person may still be back at the barn.
So focused on their job, they only sometimes respond to commands to come as they don’t see the need to stand by your side. If the dog thinks you are fine, it might bark, wag its tail, and continue on its tour.
This breed was designed to live in large open spaces while being part of the family unit. They are not suited for life in the city or even a small suburban yard.
They struggle to make new friends with both people and other dogs, so casual visits to the dog park can be problematic. Should you have multiple dogs, when they become part of the pack, they are known to work in teams.
Poodle
While you may associate Poodles with the highly stylized dog known to perform in circuses, show off fancy haircuts, and wear some serious bling, the breed was initially developed as a duck-hunting companion in Europe around 400 years ago.
Their duties in the field included retrieving ducks and geese from the water, providing companionship, and flushing out fowl from the brush.
Their curly-haired coat was designed to provide warmth around vital areas while swimming, but also able to be clipped to reduce fur catching on grass and weeds.
Over the centuries, it developed into the pom-pom style show clip seen at dog shows. For today’s homeowner, when properly groomed, you get a dog that does not shed and has fewer allergens in its dander.
They are intelligent, adaptable, energetic, and have a great love of outdoor sports. They are good with kids, love to meet other dogs, and can be something of a clown.
The Standard Poodle is the largest type of Poodle and the oldest Poodle breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are more reserved than Miniature or Toy Poodles.
Appearance
Your Mastidoodle shows off an interesting combination of features from both parents. Its size will be between 20 and 27 inches tall at the shoulders when it achieves maturity. Its frame is stockier than a Poodle’s but less chunky throughout the legs and back than the mastiff.
The Tibetan Mastidoodle does have an engaging face with pronounced eyebrows and long whiskers around the snout.
Coloring is available in a wide range as Poodles are known for single-color coats, while the Mastiff often has mixed shades from blonde to dark brindle.
The ears flop over, softening their intense expression when it is focused on their job. Like its personality, the tail is long, lush, and active. A deep chest hints at the power hidden under its muscular frame.
Coat Type
The coat of the Tibetan Mastidoodle is a curious blend of the curly Poodle hair and the double coat found on the Tibetan Mastiff. Individuals will have long, shaggy coats requiring brushing and occasional professional grooming. These are coats well-suited to cooler climates.
Coat Colors
A huge variety of coat colors is available as the Poodle features a single color coat, while the Tibetan Mastiff often features multiple colors in their lush coats.
It would be best if you asked to see pictures of both parents when considering a puppy, as some markings will become bolder as your dog matures.
- Black
- Brown
- Gold
- Light Silver
- Blue
- Gray & White
- Cream
- Apricot
- Unique combinations such as merle, brindle, tricolor, tuxedo, or phantom
Size
This big, muscular dog will demand its own space within your home. Since it can weigh as much as a small adult human, you must have it thoroughly trained to walk on a leash without pulling. The crate will take up a good chunk of your bedroom or living room.
If you enjoy apartment living, this is not the dog that will fit on your lap or even on the elevator without demanding attention.
Height
A female Tibetan Mastidoodle will mature to a height between 21 and 24 inches at the withers; males will reach 24 to 27 inches.
Weight
A female Tibetan Mastidoodle will weigh 55 to 85 pounds upon maturity; a male attains a weight of 75 to 110 pounds.
Traits & Characteristics
Temperament and Personality
The Standard Poodle and the Tibetan Mastiff are highly intelligent breeds, which means your hands will be full with one of their puppies.
You can expect your Tibetan Mastidoodle to be active and interested in everything that happens around the house. They require constant stimulation and the attention of their people or other dogs. They are easy to train and can learn complicated behaviors or agility courses.
They love living in a close-knit family or small community where they get to know the people, other animals, and buildings that are part of their home. They will fiercely defend their home from all potential threats.
Your puppy will be protective of you and your family and not that interested in making friends with strangers. However, they will include every family member as part of their pack and actively discourage strangers from entering your home or property.
Since they are such large dogs, they need access to some serious daily activity. Plan on long walks of up to an hour to tire them before bed. If you skip their exercise period, they may try to renovate your home with unexpected and unwelcome renovations.
Your Tibetan Mastidoodle will not make many friends at the dog park, but if you have several dogs at home, they will love living in a pack.
Common Health Issues
While these are serious health issues, if you work with a reputable breeder, the parents should have been tested for genetic markers that would make the puppies more susceptible to problems.
However, even with a clean genetic test, it is wise to have your Tibetan Mastidoodle examined for hip dysplasia, thyroid disorders, and eye problems.
The Tibetan Mastiff is known as a rigorous breed with few health issues. However, the Standard Poodle is known to suffer from slipped stifles, gastric dilatation with volvulus, and atrial septal defect. Your puppy’s health will benefit from the mixed heritage of its parents.
Lifespan
A healthy Tibetan Mastidoodle has an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a large dog with the natural inclination to protect the fence line of your big property, a Tibetan Mastidoodle will make a good fit.
This dog wants to stay in touch with its human and canine pack at all times but will not readily welcome even frequent visitors. This is a breed well suited to an experienced dog owner.