There is a lot to know when you want to own a Tibetan Mastiff, and the price is but one step in a whole mile.
To be fair, it is a big step, one that must be taken seriously.
Nevertheless, it isn’t the only factor to consider when getting this giant canine.
Aside from the Tibetan Mastiff price, which is your initial expense, there are also lifetime maintenance costs.
Tibetan Mastiff weighs more than 100 pounds. That alone should let you know this breed isn’t easy to take care of.
As cute as this dog that looks like a lion seems, it presents many challenges.
A lot of these challenges will reflect on your wallet, so you should have an idea of the costs before you get a Tibetan Mastiff puppy.
These aren’t expenses you can overlook, not if you want your pooch to be in good condition.
The Tibetan Mastiff cost of maintenance stem from basic needs, including feeding, grooming, and healthcare. Ignore any of these at the peril of your pet pooch.
This article will take an in-depth look into the Tibetan Mastiff price, additional costs, lifetime expenses, and other valuable tips.
Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Information
| Group | Working Dog |
| Height | 2 ft to 2 ft 2 inches |
| Weight | 75 to 160 pounds |
| Coat | double: thick (out), soft (inner) |
| Colors | Black, blue, brown, gray, red, gold |
| Lifespan | 10 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Independent, loyal, reserved |
| Origin | Tibet (China) |
| Bred For | Guarding livestock |
| Nicknames | Thibet Dog, Thibet Mastiff, Tibetaanse Mastiff, Tibetan Dog |
| Recognized By | American Kenne Club (AKC), The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) |
| Popularity | #140 (according to AKC in 2020) |
| Ideal For | Large houses, Experienced pet owners |
| Puppy Price | $1,500 to $5,000 (from a breeder) |
Tibetan Mastiff Puppy – Before You Buy
| Health & Conditions | Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Panosteitis, Hypothyroidism |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
| Grooming | Medium—Brushing is done twice or three times a week |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Not easy, but possible |
Fun Fact: Tibetan Mastiff is The World’s Most Expensive Dog Ever
Ever wondered the highest amount a person can pay to get a dog?
How about a thousand? Ten thousand? A hundred thousand? A million?
According to CBS News, a Chinese tycoon broke a record in 2011 after he purchased a Tibetan Mastiff at $1.5 million dollars.
That’s enough to make you reflect on the importance of dogs.
So far, no other dog breed has been bought at that amount, making the Tibetan Mastiff the world’s most expensive dog.
The particular dog who hit that milestone was named Big Splash, a red, purebred Mastiff.
His new owner later gave him the name Hong Dong. As of 11 months, he weighed over 180 pounds.
Tibetan Mastiff Price
How Much is a Tibetan Mastiff Puppy?
Not all Tibetan Mastiffs are as expensive as Big Splash, but you will need a high budget to purchase one.
If you’re not ready to spend much on a pooch, go for a less expensive breed.
When you want to buy from a breeder, expect the Tibetan Mastiff puppy price to fall between $1,500 to $5,000.
It is costly for many reasons, some of which we’ll soon know. Before that, there is one important tip you should know when buying a Tibetan Mastiff.
Find a reputable breeder.
The Tibetan Mastiff may not have the problem of poor breeding like more famous dogs (the Labrador Retriever, for example).
However, you may have future problems if you do not get your pup from a trustworthy place.
A breeder shouldn’t assure only with empty words.
There should be documented proof that the Tibetan Mastiff puppy you’re acquiring is healthy and in good shape before getting into your hands.
Without those records, do not buy the pup.
Why is Tibetan Mastiff So Expensive?
1. It is a scarce breed.
The Tibetan Mastiff may have broken records and looked at as special, but it is rare.
This makes it more difficult to get your hand on one, and you’ll need to make some more effort to locate one.
The possible reason for this rarity is the slower rate of reproduction of the females, compared to other dog breeds.
The slowed birth rate makes supply low.
2. Yet, demands are high.
The scarcity of the Tibetan Mastiff doesn’t make it less interesting to potential pet parents. If anything, people are drawn to the rare.
The appearance and size of this breed contribute further to the public fascination.
It probably doesn’t help your case to know that in China, this breed is loved and sought after. Getting one is hard work.
People in China are willing to part with outrageous amount to buy this breed.
3. Then, there’s the pedigree.
The pedigree of a pup also influences the price. A good breeder will take good precautions to ensure strong pups with no health issues.
For the work, the breeder will often require a bigger price.
Of course, once you consider the low chances of illnesses from a healthy pedigree, paying more as the initial price is better in the long run.
How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Tibetan Mastiff?
To reduce expenses, you can choose to adopt a Tibetan Mastiff from a rescue shelter.
This is more recommended if you’re looking for a pet, not a show dog. Rescue organizations have different breeds meant to find new homes.
To adopt a Tibetan Mastiff, except to spend less than $1,000.
This is a relief compared to the high price to get from a breeder, and you may get more reliable information from a shelter than from a private breeder.
In the United States, there exists only one organization that rescues Tibetan Mastiff.
You can easily access their website and do some personal findings of your own.
While adopting, there’s a lot you need to ask.
Besides health records and feeding, know whether your preferred pup has a history of abuse, trauma from any tragedy, or possible behavioral problems.
Best Places to Find Tibetan Mastiff for Sale
The internet is your best option to locate a suitable place and buy a Tibetan Mastiff.
It saves you the cost of transport and reduces disappointment.
You can access websites like:
Tibetan Mastiff Cost of Maintenance
These are the additional expenses, the cost of taking care of a Tibetan Mastiff.
Maintenance is where the real work is as you have to meet all your pet’s needs.
Hence, a detailed Tibetan Mastiff cost of lifetime maintenance will help you discover the estimated expenses for each doggy need for this breed.
Feeding Expenses
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog breed, and it eats a lot.
Feeding a large dog requires a high amount of food, one that will satisfy your pet without getting it obese.
The good news is, this breed eats less than other large dogs. However, 4 cups a day is still high.
You need to be ready for the feeding aspect of this breed, financially speaking.
The average yearly cost of feeding a Tibetan Mastiff puppy is estimated at $500. It could be higher or lower, as many factors can influence feeding.
For the adult dog that typically feeds about 430 pounds a year, the average cost is estimated at $400, depending on the brand of dog food. Premium brands can be higher.
Cost of Healthcare
If you ensure you get a healthy puppy regardless of the cost, you may not have issues with purse-draining ailments.
If you purchased one at a bargaining price, there’s every chance it may be vulnerable to many health issues.
Having said that, there are some health-related payments you’ll make once you get a pup, irrespective of the health status. Some of them are:
| Healthcare Cost | Estimated Average |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian cost for first year | $640 |
| Spaying/Neutering (optional) | $280 |
| Gastropexy (optional) | $300 |
| Adult Year Vet Cost | $750 |
| Hip dysplasia (condition) | $500 to $13,000 |
| Elbow dysplasia (condition) | $2000 to $3500 |
| Hypothyroidism (condition) | $350 to $800 |
If you decide to get pet insurance, there are several options to consider.
Altogether, the average price for accidents and illnesses is $565, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.
Grooming Costs
The Tibetan Mastiff’s double coat will need regular brushing.
Bathing is an occasional event, and there are shedding seasons where you should take extra care of the coat.
You can decide to take on the grooming challenge alone or get a professional service. If you opt for the former, you’ll need to have supplies like:
- Brush
- Shampoo
- Dental care kit
- Nail clippers
The average cost of these tools is $50.
The professional service costs more but can be valuable if you’re not willing to do the work yourself.
One visit to a dog grooming salon may cost about $200 or less.
Training Costs
This breed is a stubborn one, so unless you have enough experience in training, we suggest you hire a professional dog trainer.
This breed should be well trained for its good and that of society.
There are a few tools you will need to train a Tibetan Mastiff. They include:
- Training pads
- Toys
- Leash
- Dog collars
The average cost of these dog training tools is up to $130.
A private class of 3 to 5 times may cost you about $700. For a group class, the estimate is roughly $200.
How much does a Tibetan Mastiff cost?
A Tibetan Mastiff is expensive because it is rare, big, and in high demand. A standard Tibetan Pup can be gotten for as low as $1,500 or as high as $5,000.
If you wish to adopt a big dog, it costs less than $1,000.
Are Tibetan Mastiffs good family dogs?
Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal and faithful guardians who look out for their loved ones and love them.
However, this breed doesn’t fit into all families. It is stubborn and isn’t good at obedience, so you need the experience to train one.
Is the Tibetan Mastiff the biggest dog in the world?
Tibetan Mastiff is a big dog, and you need a lot of space to accommodate one. The average dog weighs more than 100 pounds.
A Tibetan Mastiff named Yushu weighs up to 250 pounds! The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the biggest dogs in the world.
Final Thoughts
When you want to get this breed (or any other dog breed) be sure you have what it takes to handle it.
Besides the time commitment and affection that you owe your pet, there’s the issue of money.
From the initial Tibetan Mastiff price spent to the costs of basic needs, owning this large dog is not an easy task.
With this information, you can tell if you’ll be capable of footing any pet bills this breed brings to your table.
If you can, you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and courageous guardian.
