You walk into a room and the first thing you notice is a hulking creature, as tall as a small bear but far more rugged and beautiful. Its coat: luxurious and lavish, shining in hues of gold, red, or dark hues, depending on the animal. This, my friends, is the Tibetan Mastiff, an awe-inspiring sight to behold, considered as one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world and a majestic giant originating from the nomadic cultures of Tibet, Nepal, India, and Mongolia.
Okay, take a moment to catch your breath. Did you know that a red Tibetan Mastiff named ‘Big Splash’ was sold for a whopping 1.5 million dollars back in 2011? That’s enough to make your wallet tremble in trepidation!
Now, as enchanting as these dogs are, one question pops up quite frequently – “Does a Tibetan Mastiff shed a lot?” After all, with that thick, luscious coat, it’s only natural to worry about finding tufts of hair all over your home. The short answer? Yes, they do. But let’s dive deeper into what exactly that means and how you can manage it.
The crux of understanding the Tibetan Mastiff’s shedding involves taking a journey through the harsh Tibetan plateaus where this dog first dwelled. Here, temperatures can drop below -30 degrees Celsius in the winter, enough to freeze your nose off! To survive, the Tibetan Mastiffs developed what’s called a ‘double coat.’
This double coat has two parts: an ‘undercoat’ and a ‘topcoat’. The undercoat is soft, fluffy, and designed for insulation. It’s also the part that sheds. And in contrast, the topcoat flaunts longer, coarser hair that’s responsible for that stunning, lion-like mane around their neck, a hallmark of the Mastiff’s beauty.
Most Tibetan Mastiffs shed once a year, an occasion known as “blowing the coat.” During this period, they shed their entire undercoat! It’s a tidal wave of fur, and you could almost create another Tibetan Mastiff from all the hair. Just kidding (well, almost)!
For a few weeks, your home will have a new accessory: Tibetan Mastiff hair. Hair on your couch, hair on the floor, hair on your favorite black shirt…you get the picture. But don’t worry, this won’t last forever. Once they have finished shedding their undercoat, the puff cloud subsides.
It’s worth noting that these dogs are not hypoallergenic. Symptoms of allergies can range from sneezing and wheezing to skin rashes. So, if anyone in your home is prone to allergies, take this into careful consideration before bringing home these huggable giants.
So, how do you survive your Tibetan Mastiff’s shedding season? It’s all about proactivity and grooming. Using a de-shedding brush regularly during this period can make a world of difference. These brushes are designed to reach down into your dog’s undercoat and remove loose hairs before they can decorate your home.
Additionally, giving your dog regular baths in the shedding season can also help. The warm bath water can help to loosen the undercoat and make it easier to brush out. Don’t overdo it, though! Too many baths can make their skin dry and itchy.
Professional groomers are also an option. They can help get rid of the excess hair and groom your dog to reduce the amount of hair that will end up in your home.
Raising a Tibetan Mastiff requires a level of commitment, not only because of their substantial size, but also due to their magnificent coats. However, once you master the art of grooming and shedding management, you’ll find it a small price for the reward of living with such a unique and loyal companion. Just like these high-altitude dwellers braved the elements in the Himalayas, you too can tackle the shedding season with grace and composure. Happy grooming!
