Tibetan mastiff has strong and taut cat-shaped feet, standing as if glued firmly to the ground, born with a kind of guard temperament. Its body length is slightly longer than the shoulder height, the head is wide and prominent, with a wide back skull, eyes deep, slightly oblique, almond-shaped, the mastiff’s muzzle is somewhat wide and neat, squared off. The typical image of this dog is an alert look, the tail has thick hair, curly tail on the back to form a circle to balance the head, thick external mane, thick outer hair and fluffy lower hair, the tail and legs are covered with thick hair. Coat color Tibetan mastiff coat black, brown and blue-gray, may or may not have rust-colored patches, but also can have a variety of golden yellow gradient color. Rust patches can be from very heavy color transition to light color, white on the chest and feet is acceptable, rust patches can appear in the following areas: the upper part of the eyes, around the eyes, both sides of the muzzle, waiting, front and rear side of the upper and lower part of the front legs, the inside of the hind legs from the front of the leg joints to the front of the hind legs from the flesh of the legs to the toes, rump and the lower side of the tail. The inner coat and the lower part of the rump and tail can be a lighter shade of the main color, if there are black and rust colored dogs then there can also be gray and rust colors. Other such as black, mottled, white appear in other parts or large white color are defective, all other colors are defective even if they are accepted. Head Tibetan mastiff head wide, heavy and strong. Mature dogs from the top of the eye to the corner of the mouth with a crease, a dignified and cold head and expression for the Tibetan mastiff is the norm. Neck Tibetan mastiff neck has good muscle, medium curvature and medium hanging meat, especially the male dog’s neck will be covered with a thick upright mane. Teeth Tibetan mastiff teeth structure arrangement reflects the impact of biological evolution on carnivores, suitable for fighting, gnawing and chewing animal bones, that is, the so-called “interlocking canine teeth”, scissors-shaped arrangement. The third molar is laterally aligned, especially conducive to large pieces of animal flesh and tissue more dense sinew and bone shredding, in order to swallow. Tibetan mastiff’s canine teeth are particularly well developed, like a dagger, very convenient for biting prey and fighting. Tibetan Fan jaws are exceptionally developed, the maximum bite force can reach 300 kg, enough to bite off the bones of livestock on the grasslands. Due to the harsh living environment on the plateau, food shortages, in the long-term competition for survival of the Tibetan mastiff has formed a rough eating, wolf swallowing characteristics, hard teeth, sharp teeth, very conducive to the feeding habits of Tibetan mastiff. Folded anterior drive Tibetan mastiff forequarters: both shoulders fall flat, the backbone muscles developed. Front legs straight and sturdy, upright when lightly tilted inward. Body: stout, straight back, broad, muscular, overall slightly squat. The chest drops down and below the upper elbow. The length of the torso is slightly greater than the height. Forefeet: Cat feet, fairly large, robust and sturdy, with hair between the toes. The nails may be black or white. A single hanging toe may be present on the forefoot. Hind drive Tibetan mastiff hindquarters: strong and powerful, muscular, all parts are angular. The hind legs and knees are parallel when viewed from behind. The hocks are strong and naturally droop (about 1/3 of the leg length) perpendicular to the foot. Feet: One or two overhanging toes (wolf paws) may be present on the hind foot and may optionally be removed at birth. Foot disc is large, symmetrical, with hair between the toes, similar to the feline paw. Temperament Tibetan mastiff noble appearance, very intelligent, independent, strong-willed, somewhat conservative, he is cold to strangers, strict protection of the division of the territory. Within the ring he can be conservative or lack of enthusiasm, but any shyness is unacceptable and must be strictly punished, because it is not appropriate for a protected breed. On the other hand, judges should take care to add points to his self-expression due to this cool nature. The gait of the Tibetan Mastiff is powerful, steady and balanced, but also light, if viewed from the side, fetching and flying should indicate the maximum use of the medium angle of the dog, the back should be flat and firm, correct and powerful movements are more important than speed.
