Tibetan Mastiff — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Tibetan Mastiff — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The AKC gives the preferred height as 26 to 29 inches at the withers for dogs and 24 to 27 inches for bitches; a dog under 25 inches or a bitch under 23 inches at 18 months or older is disqualified.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The coat is double, with fairly long, thick, coarse guard hair over a heavy soft undercoat that is dense in cold weather and thins in warmer months; it is hard and straight, never silky, curly or wavy.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Accepted colours are black, brown and blue/grey, each with or without tan markings from light silver to rich mahogany, plus gold ranging from pure golden to rich red gold; white on chest and feet is allowed.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* The standard describes the temperament as highly intelligent, independent, strong-willed and rather reserved; aloof with strangers and protective of family and property, with shyness unacceptable.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Disqualifying faults cover any coat colour or marking outside those listed (such as white, cream, wolf sable, brindle or particolors), an undershot or overshot bite, and a dog or bitch beneath the minimum height.