Upon realizing that you want a Tibetan Mastiff for a pet, you might be deciding next on whether a male or a female Tibetan Mastiff suits you better. Knowing the key differences between both genders will help you make a smart choice!
Male Tibetan Mastiffs are slightly larger than females in terms of size. Temperament-wise, males are more dominant and aggressive, while females are more territorial and clingy. Additionally, female Tibetan Mastiffs mature earlier, making them less stubborn and easier to train than males.
This article would be your guide in learning the traits of the Tibetan Mastiff based on their gender. We will discuss in detail the differences in multiple aspects to enlighten you on what gender would be perfect for you.
Physical Differences
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs are large-sized dogs. At a younger age, the difference in the size and overall physical appearance between the male and the female may not be that recognizable yet.
As they reach adulthood, these differences between the two genders become more distinct.
Like with most breeds, a fully grown male Tibetan Mastiff is generally bigger than a female Tibetan Mastiff. An adult male Tibetan Mastiff weighs about 25 pounds heavier and about 2 inches taller than their female counterparts.
Tibetan Mastiffs mature quite slowly, though, and may take up to about six years to reach their full growth potential. At their peak, a male Tibetan Mastiff can weigh as much as 90 to 150 pounds and can stand at 26 inches.
When it comes to coats, male Tibetan Mastiffs also tend to sport thicker coats than females. Both male and female Tibetan Mastiffs are also known for their blue tongues.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Female Tibetan Mastiffs are smaller and slightly shorter than male Tibetan Mastiffs. They stand at an average of 24 inches from the shoulder, and they weigh between 75 and 125 pounds on average.
The large body of the Tibetan Mastiff is true for both males and females. However, the female Tibetan Mastiff has a more feminine and smooth appearance compared to its male counterpart.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs also tend to mature faster than males. They reach their full growth by three to four years old, while the male Tibetan Mastiff can take four to six years to reach their full size.
Temperamental Differences
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
The temperamental differences between the male and the female Tibetan Mastiff are not that huge. Their temperament is influenced by how they were trained, their environment, and their level of physical and mental exercise.
In general, both male and female Tibetan Mastiffs have dominant behavior and are very independent. However, male Tibetan Mastiffs tend to be more dominant than their female counterparts.
Luckily, male Tibetan Mastiffs become less aggressive and calmer when neutered.
Male Tibetan Mastiffs also reach mental maturity later than females. It may take them about 4 to 7 years to fully mature. This gives them a tendency to become more stubborn than the female Tibetan Mastiffs.
Both genders are highly protective and are very territorial. The Male Tibetan Mastiff shows its territorial nature though by marking its territory, whether indoors or outdoors. Once neutered, the males do this less frequently.
Male Tibetan Mastiffs are also observed to be more affectionate and needy compared to their female counterparts.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Female Tibetan Mastiffs are more protective and territorial than Male Tibetan Mastiffs. They guard every member of the family closely and are very protective of their home.
The female Tibetan Mastiff is also observed to be more independent than the male Tibetan Mastiff.
Females also tend to be more energetic and lively compared to their male counterparts. Outdoors, you can observe them as very active and alert, but they would typically become quiet once indoors.
The female Tibetan Mastiff undergoes just one heat cycle every year. During this time, the female tends to be very moody and unproductive. Even though they are less active, they still have a tendency to be more aggressive.
Once they are spayed, they become gentler in terms of their behavior.
Behavior and Training
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
Both male and female Tibetan Mastiffs are stubborn, independent, and dominant in nature. Puppy training is necessary to address unwanted behaviors before they grow older.
Early socialization and obedience training are necessary to address the dominant behavior of the male Tibetan Mastiff. It is best to start training them as early as possible to prevent the male from exerting dominance during training.
The male Tibetan Mastiff has a slower maturity curve than females, so more patience is needed when it comes to training. Their attention span is also shorter, so it would be best to keep the training short and interesting.
Since male Tibetan Mastiffs can be very aggressive like their female counterparts, leash training is necessary. Restraining this massive breed in public will be very difficult if not properly trained.
One of the major differences that can be observed in an intact male is the frequency in which it marks its territory both indoors and outdoors. They also become difficult to control in the presence of a female dog in heat.
Neutering lowers the aggression level of the male Tibetan Mastiff and reduces their tendencies to mark their territories.
My friend, who is a trainer and a handler at conformation shows, has mentioned that the huge size and the stubborn nature, especially of male Tibetan Mastiffs, is a challenging combination. Training them takes time and needs strength and expertise since they are not the easiest to work with.
However, he is also confident that his fully trained Tibetan Mastiffs can be gentle giants as long as they continue to be treated positively.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Compared to their male counterparts, Female Tibetan Mastiffs are more independent and territorial in nature. This behavior makes them very suspicious of strangers.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs, like the male, need early socialization training as well. Exposing them constantly to other pets and people as a puppy will make them friendlier and more approachable as they grow up.
All this training has to be done before they reach six months old for both male and female Tibetan Mastiffs. Once they grow older, they become more headstrong, making training more difficult.
Although they can be territorial, they usually don’t go around marking territories like males do. It is then easier to perform housebreaking training for female Tibetan Mastiffs.
One thing to watch out for with the female Tibetan Mastiff is how you handle them when they are in heat. During this period, special care and attention need to be given as they also become more clingy and demanding.
Health Differences
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs enjoy a relatively long lifespan, living up to about 11 to 14 years. Both genders are prone to the same minor and serious health issues affecting the breed.
The more common conditions that both genders may suffer from are canine hip dysplasia (CHD), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, demyelinating neuropathy, entropion, and seizures.
The male Tibetan Mastiff, because of its larger size than the female, may be more prone to canine hip dysplasia and obesity. To prevent this, it would be best to have a regular hip check-up and manage the dog’s diet properly.
Meanwhile, major differences in the health condition of the male versus female Tibetan Mastiffs are those related to their reproductive organs.
If left intact, the male Tibetan Mastiff may be prone to prostate enlargement, leading to difficulty with urination, bowel movement, and infections. They can also get testicular cancer.
Unneutered male Tibetan Mastiffs are also prone to perianal fistula, a severe skin condition that can even add to the aggression of the dog if not detected early.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
The female Tibetan Mastiff is prone to the same common issues described for this particular breed. As mentioned, the main difference for the female Tibetan Mastiff would be conditions affecting its reproductive system.
The female’s conditions may be more life-threatening compared to those of the male. For instance, they have a risk of getting mammary or breast cancer.
Other cancers that they can develop if unsterilized are uterine and ovarian cancer. They are also prone to pyometra, a condition where cysts may form within the uterine tissues.
A good way to prevent these reproductive issues is through spaying. The process of spaying is a bit more complicated than neutering; hence, it may cost more.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
The Tibetan Mastiff, whether male or female, is not the ideal breed for socialization with other dogs or pets. However, if they have grown up with these other dogs or pets as members of the family, they can guard them as well.
Unless properly socialized as a puppy, the male Tibetan Mastiff’s aggressiveness may be difficult to control. They may chase after other small pets like cats and birds. Hence, it is best to always keep them on a leash when outside.
When introducing a new dog to your household, you need to take note that the male Tibetan Mastiff may show same-sex aggression, especially if unneutered. Male dogs may exert dominance over each other, which may lead to fights.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Since female Tibetan Mastiffs are more territorial than their male counterparts, they tend to be more aggressive with new dogs or pets that are introduced to your household. Puppy training can help reduce this tendency.
Although females tend to be friendlier than males, their mood to socialize may still be affected by their hormonal fluctuations when in heat. It is best to keep them indoors during this time to avoid them getting into fights outside.
Similar to the male Tibetan Mastiff, females also display same-sex aggression. If you decide to get another female into your household, introducing them well is a great way to avoid fights inside your home.
With Children
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
Both male and female Tibetan Mastiffs are excellent guard dogs. Their protective and territorial nature means that you can trust them to defend your children from intruders.
The male Tibetan Mastiff, like their female counterparts, still need to undergo early socialization and obedience training to make sure that their aggression is controlled.
The best situation would be if the male Tibetan Mastiff grew up with children around. This would make them familiar with the temperament of kids as well.
However, it is not recommended though to have a fully grown male Tibetan Mastiff when you have small children at home.
Its massive size may cause accidents as it may unintentionally bump or push your child, especially during playtime.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Female Tibetan Mastiffs have the same guarding tendencies as children, similar to their male counterparts. However, you should expect that they will be friendlier and more playful with your child compared to males.
Also, since the female Tibetan Mastiff is more territorial than the male, they may be aggressive towards other children. Early socialization training can help correct this behavior.
Although the female Tibetan Mastiff is slightly smaller than the male, the breed is still huge. Even their slight movements may accidentally cause small children to stumble because of their size.
Owners of female Tibetan Mastiffs in heat also need to be cautious of their pets during this time. They tend to be more sensitive and may show more aggression, especially with strangers.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Male Tibetan Mastiffs
Like other breeds, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to owning a male and a female Tibetan Mastiff.
An advantage of having a male Tibetan Mastiff is its size. Male Tibetan Mastiffs are larger and more dominant. This makes them ideal guard dogs. They are also observed to have thicker coats compared to females.
Similar to the female, they tend to be very quiet inside the house but lively and active when outdoors. With early socialization training, expect that male Tibetan Mastiffs will also be more peaceful around other dogs and pets.
You can also trust them to be protective of the children in your home. This is mostly true for those who they grew up with.
Male Tibetan Mastiffs are very healthy dogs, especially when neutered. They are not prone to more life-threatening illnesses found in female dogs.
On the other hand, a disadvantage of owning a male Tibetan Mastiff is dealing with their aggression and dominant behavior. This is mostly true for unneutered dogs.
Never allow them to be off-leash outdoors to avoid having them chase after smaller animals. Even with a leash, it is already difficult to restrain them due to their size.
The male Tibetan Mastiff’s tendency to mark territories is also a disadvantage, especially inside the house. Without proper housebreaking training, imagine the challenge of having to maintain the pristine condition of your furniture.
Since they mature longer than their female counterparts, they also tend to be more stubborn and harder to train.
Further, due to the sheer size of the male Tibetan Mastiff, they can unintentionally bump and cause small children to stumble. Make sure that they are closely supervised around them.
Here is the summary of the discussed pros and cons of a male Tibetan Mastiff:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent guard dog | More aggressive and dominant |
| Larger build and thicker coat | More difficult to restrain when exercising dominance |
| Less aggressive and calmer when neutered | Frequently marks territories |
| Protective of children | Takes longer to mature |
| Healthier despite its size | More prone to cause accidents due to size |
Female Tibetan Mastiffs
Female Tibetan Mastiffs share the same level of guarding skills as male Tibetan Mastiffs, which is one of the major advantages of owning the breed.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs are also quiet inside their homes. They are friendlier and more interactive with family members and other pets living with them compared to their male counterparts.
Outside, they tend to be livelier and more active compared to males once outdoors.
One big advantage to owning a female Tibetan Mastiff is that they mature faster than males. This means that they are also less stubborn, making them respond to training and socialization easily.
Being more protective and territorial, a disadvantage you might encounter with female Tibetan Mastiffs is that they are also more distrusting and suspicious of strangers.
This overprotective nature makes them more unpredictable with visitors at home or with other pets.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs enjoy a generally healthy lifespan similar to males. However, they also tend to have more life-threatening illnesses compared to males, especially if left unspayed.
Although female Tibetan Mastiffs are friendlier than males, especially with family members, they switch to becoming moody and sensitive when they are in heat. This only happens once a year, though.
Here is the summary of the discussed pros and cons of a female Tibetan Mastiff:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent guard dog | More territorial |
| Friendlier with family members and other pets at home | Very suspicious of strangers |
| More active and lively, especially outdoors | Can be overprotective at times |
| Less stubborn | Moody, sensitive, and demanding while in heat |
| Easier to train | Prone to more life-threatening conditions when unspayed |
Should You Get a Male or Female Tibetan Mastiff?
It is difficult to get a straight answer to this question because the decision would be based on a lot of different factors such as lifestyle, family, environment, preference, and your capability as an owner.
However, the key differences mentioned should make you more aware of how they would affect you as a pet owner as well.
If you are looking for a dog that would be the ideal guardian of your family and territory, then the male Tibetan Mastiff would fit the role. However, if you wish to have one that is friendlier with children and other pets, the female is better.
If you want someone you can actively carry with you as you walk around the neighborhood, the female would be a better choice. But if you prefer to have a quieter time at home, the male is for you.
Meanwhile, if you want a companion with a bigger build and thicker coat, then the looks of the male would likely sway you into getting one. However, if you prefer a slightly smaller build that is easier to maintain, then get a female.
Once you are ready to get your male or female Tibetan Mastiff puppy, you should know the steps in buying or adopting one.
The Tibetan Mastiff is not a cheap breed to obtain as well. This makes choosing the right gender for you all the more important as you consider how this decision will affect your lifestyle, routine, and habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Tibetan Mastiffs Calmer?
If neutered, a male Tibetan Mastiff tends to be calmer than its female counterpart. However, this is not the case for intact male Tibetan Mastiff puppies. These balls of fur are full of energy and can’t stay calm!
Are Male or Female Tibetan Mastiffs More Affectionate?
Female Tibetan Mastiffs are more friendly and affectionate than their male counterparts. Male Tibetan Mastiffs lack the intention of pleasing their owners, while females are more approachable, especially when socialized early.
Are Male or Female Tibetan Mastiffs Easier to Train?
Female Tibetan Mastiffs are easier to train than males. Males have a longer maturity period, which makes them more stubborn. Males also require more patience to train, especially if they exert dominance while training.
Final Thoughts
The differences between a male and female Tibetan Mastiff are not yet obvious at an early age. As they grow older, though, these distinctions become more visible and manifest more in their behaviors.
Although many of these differences may be natural for them, factors such as environment, training, and neutering or spaying also have a huge influence on the Tibetan Mastiff’s temperament, health, and interactions.
I hope that this article made you more aware of the differences between the two sexes. Have you decided on which one to get? Let us know your side on male or female Tibetan Mastiffs in the comments below!
