A Complete Price Guide for the Tibetan Mastiff

Owning a Tibetan Mastiff is no walk in the park. Besides availability and temperament, one of the most crucial factors you must consider is the cost. Tibetan Mastiffs are large fluffy dogs, often weighing more than 100 pounds. How much food will your pup consume per day? How much will you spend on training and medical costs? If you are thinking of bringing this dog home, the following comprehensive guide on the projected Tibetan Mastiff Price will help you prepare yourself financially.

A Closer Look at the Tibetan Mastiff

Originally, Tibetan Mastiffs were bred in Tibet as guard dogs and trained to protect livestock, homes, and people. They were later introduced to western civilization and adopted as pets. Their history explains why these fluffy giants are deeply loyal to and protective of their owners. Despite their loyalty, however, training a Tibetan Mastiff can be an arduous task.

These dogs are very stubborn – yet very intelligent – and will respond best to a strong and fair leader that can command and keep their attention. A strong owner is also necessary due to the large stature of the Mastiff. Tibetan Mastiff females weigh 70 to 120 pounds on average, while males weigh in at 90 to 150 pounds. Additionally, the females stand at 24 inches to the males’ average height of 26 inches. When you factor in their immense fur, you begin to see just how large this dog is.

How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Cost?

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. According to CBS News, a red Mastiff called ‘Big Splash’ was recently sold to a Chinese businessman for no less than $1.5 million. On average, you can get a Tibetan Mastiff puppy for between $1,800 and $5,000. This range is relatively wide due to the fact that the cost of a Mastiff pup will usually depend on factors such as the current market trend, the dog’s pedigree, and its age. A purebred Tibetan Mastiff might set you back $8,000, according to estimates By Pet Budget.

Scarcity and Demand

Besides being one of the largest dog breeds in the world, the Tibetan Mastiff is also one of the rarest. This might be because female Mastiffs tend to enter estrus once a year, resulting in a slower reproduction rate. The result is that buyers often have to book a pup in advance if they have any hope of bringing home a Tibetan Mastiff. Additionally, breeders will usually conduct a thorough screening process when considering buyers for their Tibetan Mastiff puppies.

Cost of Owning a Tibetan Mastiff

If you have ever owned a dog before, you know that its costs go beyond the initial purchase price. There are many expenses involved in keeping a dog, including vet costs, food, and training. The following is an overview of all the related costs of getting a Tibetan Mastiff:

1. Welcome Kit

Once you purchase your new pup, you will need to have several items on hand to make the transition into your home easier. This includes toys, sanitary supplies, bowls, beds, and collars, among other items. Depending on the quality of products you purchase, an analysis of prices from major retailers shows that you should expect to use between $245 and $925 during the first year. Of course, this amount will rise as your Tibetan Mastiff grows older. Subsequent years might set you back anywhere from between $105 and $410 a year in replenishing expenses. You should also set aside money for unexpected needs such as fences, playpens, and muzzles.

2. Training

Another expense you will need to account for is the cost of training your Tibetan Mastiff. These dogs are very large and stubborn so, unless you are an experienced owner, you should consider enlisting professional help. You can sign your pup up for group classes, private sessions, or even a boarding school, depending on their needs and temperament. Three to five private training lessons cost between $550 and $800, depending on where you live. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can sign up for group classes where your pip will learn jumping, barking, and basic obedience, among other things. 5 lessons will cost around $150 to $200.

3. Food

The third factor to consider when calculating the total Tibetan Mastiff Price is the food expense. Although we have mentioned that this dog weighs over 100 pounds, Tibetan Mastiffs don’t consume as much food as you would assume. In fact, compared to other large breeds, they eat less. You can expect to feed your Mastiff about 4 cups of dog food a day, although the exact amount will depend on their activity level and size. Assuming you have bought a puppy – Tibetan Mastiff puppies consume 400lb. of dry food a year – the average cost of food for the first year should be $450 on average. Adults consume 430 lb. a year depending on the brand and type of food, so you might spend a little more. Tip: You can save big on dog food by buying in bulk. While dog food is perishable, it has a relatively long shelf life and can be stored for extended periods.

4. Grooming

Tibetan Mastiffs have a very thick double coat that needs occasional washing and regular bathing. Pups that live outside primarily will usually require more grooming than those that stay indoors. Although many dog owners prefer to handle the grooming themselves, you can always outsource the task. Of course, this will be an extra cost. One session at a grooming salon for a Tibetan Mastiff goes for around $100 depending on the size of the dog and length of hair. Your Mastiff will need 4 to 6 grooming sessions a year, so annual grooming costs could amount to between $400 and $600. Of course, this figure will vary depending on the location and groomer. Alternatively, you can buy grooming supplies and groom your Tibetan Mastiff at home. Online grooming kits go for around $75, and they will save you a lot of money.

5. Health Care

Like all dogs, your Tibetan Mastiff will require several visits to the veterinarian to ensure that he is in great health. The total medical costs for your dog will depend on your location, their age, and other factors like pedigree. The following is a table derived from Leslie Brooks, DVM – a licensed veterinarian – on what you can expect to spend on healthcare for your Mastiff:

Healthcare Cost
Range
Veterinary Costs (First Year)
$425 to $855
Neutering or Spaying Costs (Optional)
$50 to $500
Veterinary Costs (Adult)
$475 to $1,025

During the first year, your puppy will need at least three visits to the vet from the time they are 8 weeks old. These visits will include services like getting vaccinated, physical exams, flea and heartworm prevention, and fecal exams. The flea and heartworm prevention medications will cost $85 to $150 and $75 to $120, respectively. Your Mastiff may also need more vaccinations depending on their activity, lifestyle, and where they spend most of their time. Pro Tip: If your Tibetan Mastiff is purebred and you bought him at a bargain price, it is safe to assume that he doesn’t have a very impressive pedigree. This means that he may be vulnerable to certain health conditions, which could cost you in the long run. Consequently, you should always avoid buying the cheapest Mastiff pup you can find and instead invest in a healthy dog.

6. Dog Walking

Like most dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs need regular exercise. If your schedule will keep you from meeting this need, you will need to budget for a dog walker to take your pup outside during the day. On average, dog walkers charge between $15 and $25 for a 30-minute walk, although this will depend on where you live and the dog walking service or app you use. A more expensive option is a private walk, which is suitable for dogs that are not well socialized. If you will need a dog walker several times a week, it is important to factor this expense into your Tibetan Mastiff’s budget.

7. Traveling

What happens to your Tibetan Mastiff when you travel? If you leave him at home, you will need to pay a dog sitter. If your trip is relatively long, you should consider paying for dog boarding services, which cost between $25 to $85 a day. The exact rate will also depend on where you live and the time of year. Rates tend to be lower during the holidays or if you book the service in advance.

8. License

Whether or not you need a dog license in the United States will depend on your state’s laws. That said, it is advisable to get one even if your state doesn’t require it so that you don’t get into legal trouble for owning an unlicensed dog when you travel or move to a new state. Licensing and registering your dog will also ensure he can be located and identified easily if he gets lost. The process should cost you between $10 and $20 if your Tibetan Mastiff has been neutered or spayed and a little more if he hasn’t.

9. Microchip

Tibetan Mastiffs are very expensive dogs, and it is normal to want to go the extra mile to make sure you can locate your pup if he gets lost. A microchip is a great way to do this because it will both identify your dog and place him on emergency and medical databases. Additionally, many states in the United States require it. It should cost you between $25 and $50.

Insurance Vs. Community Coverage

Some dog owners take out pet insurance for their dogs, more so if the per is as expensive as a Tibetan Mastiff. According to a State of the Industry Report by the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, the average value of an illness and accident pet insurance plan is $565 per year. An accident-only cover might cost around $190 per year, but these figures – like all the others – will vary depending on several factors. You should compare several insurance covers to get more specific estimates. A great alternative to a traditional insurance plan is a community-based pet insurance cover like Eusoh, which allows members to share veterinary costs. Essentially, you contribute around $40 to the coverage and receive complete protection for your Mastiff’s routine care and medical expenses. Compared to traditional insurance, you end up saying about 50 percent on health care coverage for your pet.

Other perks of signing up for community-based insurance coverage include:

You receive coverage for a wide range of healthcare services.
You can take your Mastiff to a veterinarian of your own choosing.
You don’t pay a fixed premium, and whatever you don’t use from your payment is rolled over to the next month as credit.
You can discuss your concerns with other dog owners.
You can calculate your refundable amount in advance.

Total Costs of Owning a Mastiff

Overall, the cost of raising a Mastiff will fall between $4,240 and $9,880 for the first year. Most of the costs – medical, food, training, etc. – will come at the beginning and will be unavoidable because they are crucial to the happiness and health of your new furry friend. After the initial costs, raising an adult Tibetan Mastiff will set you back $1,520 to $4,045 per year in essential expenses. This is an average of $127 to $337 per month. On average, Tibetan Mastiffs live for 10 to 12 years. Assuming you purchase or adopt a puppy, the total ownership cost should range between $19,440 and $50,330. This is an average total expense of $32,485 for one Tibetan Mastiff.

Conclusion

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, fluffy, loyal dog that is worth the investment for any owner who can handle them physically and financially. If you are planning to make a Mastiff part of your family, we hope this guide on the Tibetan Mastiff Price will help you prepare adequately. Remember, the cost of owning this dog goes beyond the initial purchase, so calculate all your dog’s needs and create a budget.

A Complete Price Guide for the Tibetan Mastiff

A Closer Look at the Tibetan Mastiff

How Much Does a Tibetan Mastiff Cost?

Scarcity and Demand