Tibetan Mastiffs are thoroughbred dogs known for their immense size and power, making them an excellent choice for guard dogs. Males may grow to a height of 26-27 inches and weigh up to 150 lbs. These ancient canines are said to have originated in Tibet about 1,100 B.C., according to one of the very few historical papers on Tibetan Mastiffs. The Tibetan farmers and nomads who lived in the Himalayas raised them specifically for the purpose of using them as fighting dogs and watchdogs to safeguard their property and cattle. Their manes, which resemble those of lions, and their dense, double-layered hair set them apart from other canine breeds in appearance.
Do not be fooled by their massive size in terms of mobility; they are nimble on their feet and will move quickly to protect their home if there is a threat. Do not let their bulk mislead you. They have high intelligence, yet they can be difficult to teach due to their stubbornness. They are also dogs who are very devoted to the humans that they live with.
Are you curious about the price of this magnificent giant working dog? If your answer is yes, you should keep reading to find out how much money you will need to purchase it and its essential needs.
If you don’t have much time, here’s a quick summary:
The price of a Tibetan Mastiff puppy can range anywhere from $2,000 to $18,000, with some champion puppies selling for as much as $30000 (you can buy these pups from some reputable breeder). You may expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on your pet within the first year of ownership (including dog cost). After the first year, the annual expenditures might fall between $2,000 and $3,000. Because this breed has an expected lifespan of 12–14 years, you should plan on paying somewhere between $26,000 and $30,000 throughout the course of your lifetime.
How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiffs Puppy Cost?
Finding a Tibetan Mastiff and successfully training one is not a simple task. They are thus more expensive than other puppies because of this
| Min Price | $2000 |
| Max Price | $18000 |
| Price Range for Tibetan Mastiffs | $2000 to $18000 |
| Average Price | $11000 |
You also have the choice to adopt a dog for free from a rescue shelter; if you go this route, however, the dog will need to be examined by a veterinarian to rule out the possibility that it has contracted an illness from another canine at the shelter. The actual cost of these canines is determined by several factors, some of which are included in the under-given factors list.
Factors Affecting Tibetan Mastiffs Cost
Type of Coat and Color
The Tibetan Mastiff has a double coat, consisting of a thick, woolly undercoat and abrasive guard hair. They have a coat that is easy to care for and only requires a little amount of grooming over most of the year. A wide range of colors may be found on the coat of a Tibetan Mastiff, including black (very rare and costly), blue, golden, and brown. The coat of a dog of this breed can also be white, red (known as Red Tibetan Mastiff), or even lilac in color.
Size
The total size of a Tibetan Mastiff puppy has been shown to impact its price substantially! The price of big puppies is typically more significant than those of smaller ones.
Location
There is a considerable correlation between a Tibetan Mastiff’s geographical location and the dog’s price. This is because the effective cost of living with and caring for a Tibetan Mastiff varies significantly depending on where you reside and where you obtain your dog. You could find that the price of these puppies is lower in their native land of Tibet, which is to say in China. There are times when the price difference might be anything from $5000 to more than that.
Basic Supplies Costs for Tibetan Mastiffs
Leashes & harnesses
Always select a body harness over a collar for this dog because they are giant dogs and tough to handle. Neck collars are unsafe since you may hurt your dog by merely pulling back or twitching the leash.
Dog size affects the cost of a harness. However, Tibetan Mastiff harnesses cost around $25 to $40.
Good-quality nylon leashes cost $15. You may find leash-and-harness combos online for less than $20.
Food/water bowls
Food and water bowls are essential. When buying a pet bowl, consider the following:
- Stainless steel plates are durable and simple to clean. They’re drop-resistant, lightweight, and portable. They’re corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for food dishes.
- A stainless-steel dish costs $14 to $25.
- Avoid throwaway plastic pet bowls.
- If your dog unintentionally eats plastic, it may develop hormonal imbalances and digestive problems.
- Ceramic meal dishes are big and expensive, so avoid them. Elevated food dishes can help slow dogs’ eating.
- Considering these variables, your Tibetan Mastiff’s feeding dish should cost between $30 and $50.
Toys
Robust toys will keep your intelligent dog entertained. Toys amuse and stimulate your pet’s mind. Chew toys help soothe your pet’s teething gums. Tibetan Mastiffs like buzzing toys, discs, string toys, Nylabones, and Kongs. This averages $50.
Grooming gear
Tibetan Mastiffs have beautiful coats. Therefore, their coats must be groomed regularly. Tibetan Mastiff owners should buy premium grooming products to keep their canines in good shape. Kits cost is usually $100-$150.
Bed and crate
If you don’t want your Tibetan Mastiffs to sleep on your mattress or sofa, buy them a bed. Like people, dogs can have soreness if their bed isn’t comfy. Beds must have the suitable material, shape, and size.
Here’s a cost summary of basic Tibetan Mastiff supplies:
| Item | Cost | |
| Essentials | Leash | $10.00 |
| Collar | $10.00 | |
| Food and water bowls | $30.00 | |
| Bed | $50.00 | |
| First aid kit | $20.00 | |
| Dog waste bags | $10.00 | |
| Extras | Absorbent house-training pads | $20.00 |
| Harness | $20.00 | |
| Brush or comb | $10.00 | |
| Nail clippers | $10.00 | |
| Canine toothbrush | $5.00 | |
| Carrier | $20.00 | |
| Car dog seat belt | $10.00 | |
| Toys | $50.00 | |
Training Costs for Tibetan Mastiffs
When it comes to training your Tibetan Mastiffs, you have a variety of options available. Training is needed regardless of the policy adopted. If these intelligent canines are not adequately trained, they can quickly become spoilt. That is something you do not desire to occur. Consequently, it is crucial to keep strong control from the beginning.
The following are the costs associated with dog training in the United States in 2022:
Expect to spend between $30 to $80 each class, with an hourly fee of $55 to $60 on average. Additionally, dog obedience schools have gained popularity. In addition to interacting with other puppies, your dog will learn basic commands in this setting. These costs might range from $200 to $600 weekly, depending on the circumstances.
Tibetan Mastiffs are excellent therapy and service dogs, so you may want to consider providing them with additional training. However, it requires several months of training. Each session of therapy dog training can cost up to $120, which is a significant amount of money.
Here is a quick table for your convenience that outlines the several training options and their approximate costs:
| Group training (cost per class) | $30.00 to $50 per class |
| Private obedience school (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp | $45.00 daily (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| Minimum online training program price | $99.00 |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Minimum puppy essential training cost (total) | $500.00 |
| Maximum puppy essential training cost with boarding (total) | $2000.00 |
| Specialized training for behavioral issues like anxiety, aggression | $1000 per package of 8 lessons |
| Service dog training | $200 |
Tibetan Mastiffs Food Costs
Your breeder will provide you with a couple of weeks’ worth of puppy food to feed your new puppy. It is necessary to take your pet to the doctor in order to track its growth. If your puppy’s weight falls within the acceptable range, your vet may recommend that you continue feeding him the same food for the near future. The transition to adult dog food will happen when your puppy reaches adulthood.
A Tibetan Mastiff puppy needs between three and four meals each day. Two substantial meals each day is plenty for an adult dog.
Here are some feeding guidelines for Tibetan Mastiffs that should be adhered to:
- Generally, Tibetan Mastiff puppies require 500-600 calories per day, and adults need 900-1,200 calories per day.
- Because Tibetan Mastiffs can vary in size and age, your veterinarian can advise you on how many calories to feed them daily.
The following table details the costs associated with feeding Tibetan Mastiffs:
| Item | The monthly quantity of food for a Tibetan Mastiff weighs around 90-150 lb. | Cost per month |
| Premium dry food | 20 lb. | $50 to $75 |
| Premium wet food | 300 lb. | $150 to $200 |
| Freeze-dried food | 12.5 lb. | $280 to $350 |
| Raw food | 30 lb. | $75 to $240 |
| Dog treats | $30 |
Dog Food Comparison for Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs are large canines that need a great deal of activity. They require food that can provide the necessary energy. However, they may gain weight rapidly simultaneously, which is why you must always follow the feeding guidelines.
In addition to meal quantity, food quality is quite essential. There are several options in the world of commercialized dog food, and choosing the best might be challenging.
Wet food
It is advantageous for Tibetan Mastiffs to ingest wet food, as they require a higher proportion of moisture in their diet. Many Tibetan Mastiffs like wet/canned food due to its richer flavor and ease of preparation. In most circumstances, moist dog food is more costly than dry kibble. Additives, fillers, and coloring agents should be avoided when purchasing food.
Kibble/dry dog food
Most Tibetan Mastiff owners opt to feed their dog kibble or dry dog food. It is more practical, stays fresher for longer, and is healthier for your dog’s teeth. This business offers a variety of food alternatives for puppies, adults, and elderly pets. Look for dog food that has beef as the first component. In addition to kibble, ‘natural’ and organic variants are available.
BARF diet
BARF refers to a diet of raw animal protein, which many dog owners prefer. It can assist in the prevention of several health issues. The BARF diet is also helpful for the dog’s skin and hair.
Here is a table depicting the various dietary costs connected with Tibetan Mastiffs:
| Name | Features | Price |
| Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach | Easy to digest, contains probiotics, free from corn, wheat, and soy | $1.75/lb. |
| Just Food for Dogs | Ready-to-serve contains real, wholesome ingredients, free from BHT, corn, soy | $1.8/lb. |
| Royal Canin Medium Dog Breed | It contains EPA, DHA, probiotics, antioxidants | $2.51/lb. |
| Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food | Supports heart and bone health, easy to digest, high-quality protein | $3.11/lb. |
Tibetan Mastiffs Medical Costs
Vaccinations are required, and you must stick at all times to the immunization schedule indicated in your pet’s yearbook. Because the breeders will have delivered the first vaccines, you should not administer them a second time to your furry pet.
Most physicians charge between $50 and $75 for routine immunizations. Booster shots, spot treatment, and deworming pills will cost between $100 and $150 if you wish to avoid fleas and other pests and deworm your pet.
Consider spaying or neutering your pet during the first year of possession. It is recommended that female dogs be spayed or neutered after they have completed their initial heat cycle and that male dogs be neutered/spayed before they reach the age of one year. The cost of desexing male dogs is $100, while female canines cost between $250 and $400.
| Name of the Vaccine | Age to give | Cost of vaccine |
| Canine parvovirus | 6 to 10 weeks, repeat at 9 to 10 weeks, 12 to 13 weeks, and 15 to 17 weeks. | $75 to $100 |
| Canine distemper | Same as above | |
| Hepatitis | Same as above | |
| Rabies | 15-17 weeks and booster at one year. As per state laws, vaccines are to be repeated for adult dogs every three years. | $15 to $20 |
| Leptospirosis | 9-10 weeks and 12-13 weeks. | $75 to $100 for DHTPP and Leptospirosis vaccine |
| Optional vaccines/non-core vaccines – Lyme disease and Canine influenza | 12-13 weeks and booster at 15-17 weeks. | Lyme vaccine costs $20-$40
Influenza vaccine costs $25-$35 per shot. |
| Bordetella (also non-core vaccine) | 6-7 weeks and booster at 9-10 weeks | $19-$45 |
As a Tibetan Mastiff owner, you may also be accountable for several additional medical expenses:
| Name of test | Cost |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Vaccines | $20-$50 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $5000 |
Health Issues in Tibetan Mastiffs
If you purchase a pet from a reputable Tibetan Mastiff breeder, you may be certain that the breeder has tested their dogs before breeding them. This contributes to the health of the pups and minimizes the chance of health issues.
However, this dog breed is susceptible to the following inherited conditions:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Tibetan Mastiffs are susceptible to developing hip and elbow dysplasia. This hereditary condition results in arthritis in the affected joint due to improper joint formation. Your Tibetan Mastiff’s elbows & hips may become excruciatingly inflexible as he ages. Due to his condition, he may develop leg weakness or have difficulty rising from a supine posture. Surgery (about $3200) is sometimes possible, even in the direst and most life-threatening cases.
Thyroid Problems
Tibetan Mastiffs are susceptible to hypothyroidism, an inherited condition characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production. Manifestations include dry skin, baldness, and susceptibility to various skin illnesses. Weight gain, anxiety, rage, and other changes in behavior are also indicators. The veterinarian does an annual blood test for the disease. The therapy is simple: a hormone replacement pill is delivered, and the procedure costs between $2,500 and $3,000.
Neurological Condition
Your Tibetan Mastiff may have a wobbly, inebriated gait because of an inherent neurological disease. This condition is caused by a constriction of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and nerves around it, causing pain and suffering. If the nerves do not send the correct information to the brain, your dog cannot feel his feet. The early indications are frequently shaky hind legs, stumbling, and falling. Medications, chin straps, exercise regimes, and surgery typically cost approximately $3000 are available treatment options for neck pain.
Should You Buy Tibetan Mastiff Insurance?
In recent years, pet insurance has become increasingly popular. As stated previously, it can aid with addressing both unexpected and anticipated medical bills. Illnesses, accidents, and even routine exams can be prohibitively expensive, making it hard for the average dog owner to cover them. It may be possible for pet insurance to reduce some of your stress and provide you peace of mind.
Many pet insurance providers do not cover pre-existing conditions or vaccinations, but others do. According to specific pet insurance policies, dog owners must pay the costs/bills in advance before being reimbursed.
Another alternative is to make a co-payment, with the remainder of the veterinarian’s charges reimbursed by insurance. In any case, investigate several companies and programs and thoroughly analyze their particulars and intricacies. After that, you should choose a company that will meet your demands.
The following table compares the prices of numerous pet insurance policies:
| Name | Features | Price per month |
| Pumpkin Insurance | Voted as the best overall pet insurance in 2021, it offers 90% cash back on most bills. | $18.95 |
| Healthy Paws | Number #1 rated pet insurance by customers in 2010-2021; most claims are processed in 2 days | $39 |
| Pawp | Rated the best pet insurance for those on a tight budget | $24 for up to 6 pets |
Additional Costs of Owning a Tibetan Mastiffs
Here are some additional costs that prospective Tibetan Mastiff owners may incur:
Home dog-proofing expenses
After your dog has come home, you may decide to make changes to the surroundings to make it safer for him or her. If your yard is unfenced, there is a chance that your dog will escape. Installing a sturdy fence around the property can help to increase its security. This might incur a cost of up to $500.
Some landlords want a dog deposit to cover the expense of dog waste removal. This price might range from approximately $100 to $400. If you own your house, you should also consider obtaining home insurance to safeguard your investment from any destruction done by your rambunctious pet.
Grooming
Grooming a Tibetan Mastiff will not be prohibitively expensive, thankfully. If you opt to take your pet to a skilled groomer, you may expect to pay between $30 and $90 for basic grooming. Essential grooming includes bathing, blow-drying, nail cutting, ear cleaning, and, in rare situations, anal gland expression.
Traveling Cost
If you travel frequently, you will need to decide whether to board your dog or bring it along with you. No matter what occurs, you will be required to pay hundreds of dollars. A one-way trip with a particular dog carriage or kennel might cost up to $300 per passenger. The majority of pet hostels charge between $50 and $75 a day for boarding your dog.
You may also consider hiring a dog walker to care for your pet during your absence. Depending on the services provided, most of them charge between $25 and $40 daily.
Dog walker
If you must walk your dog once every day for 30-35 minutes to offer enough exercise for your Tibetan Mastiffs, you could expect to pay around $355 per month.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Cost?
Whether you purchase or adopt a Tibetan Mastiff, costs may soon up. Here are the expenses associated with owning a Tibetan Mastiff.
Initial Expense
Initial expenditures include price or adoption fees for the Tibetan Mastiff. This is around $2,000 to $18,000 for a Tibetan Mastiff. Champion dogs are far more expensive than usual (up to $30000).
Among the initial expenses are a bed, harness, dishes, leash, and vaccinations.
Monthly expenses
The cost of keeping a Tibetan Mastiff as a pet is high. This cost includes food, veterinary care, treatment for fleas and ticks, and pet insurance. A month’s supply of quality dog food may cost around $100. So, for an overall monthly cost, you have to pay $200 to $300.
Expenses per year
Renewal of your dog’s annual registration might cost up to $25. If you travel, your board costs might reach $500. A Tibetan Mastiff may easily cost $2000 to $3000 per year when combined with additional monthly costs such as traveling, grooming, etc.
Total Costs
Since the average lifespan of a Tibetan Mastiff is between 12 and 14 years, the total cost of owning one should be between $26,000 and $30,000. In the subsequent years, the cost may decrease drastically.
However, this is only an estimated assumption. The actual cost is determined by your location, your dog’s health, and your pet-raising choices.
We hope this information assists you in estimating dog ownership costs and determining whether a Tibetan Mastiff is right for you or not.
