Tibetan Mastiffs and Caucasian Shepherds – Two amazing breeds
These two amazing guard dog breeds are very often compared or confused, as they have many similarities and are both imposing and beautiful dogs. We at Titans Family recently started to know the Tibetan Mastiffs also so we are here to offer a view on the similarities and differences of the two breeds, in case you are trying to choose one of them.
Appearance and size
Although they might appear similar in size, the Caucasian Shepherd is the largest of the two, both in height and weight. Of course that height differs between Caucasians also: females are usually smaller or some males can be bigger than others. The Tibetan Mastiff has an average weight of 45 kilos while the Caucasian Shepherd goes on average from 60 to even 90 kg.
The fur of the Tibetan Mastiff and the way they are depicted in photos gives them a spectacular look and might look bigger because of their mane, but in reality the bone structure and the weight of the Caucasian Shepherd is larger than the one of the Tibetan Mastiff.
Their colors also differ a lot: the Tibetan Mastiffs has two color variants: reddish and black & brown, while the Caucasian Shepherd has a whole range of grey shades, combinations of grey, white and black and also reddish shades.
Personality and guard instinct
The two breeds are very similar in their behavior as they are both bred as guard dogs. The Caucasian Shepherd was bred in the Caucasian mountains to defend the flocks of sheep alongside shepherds, while the Tibetan Mastiff was bred in the lands of Tibet, Himalayas, Mongolia and India to defend livestock and also sheep. Both breeds are highly resistant to high temperatures, the Tibetan Mastiff is a master at this chapter, while the power and defending instincts are a bit bigger at the Caucasian Shepherd.
From what we experienced also, the Caucasian Shepherd has a stronger guarding instinct, it is constantly on the watch while on its property. The Tibetan Mastiffs that we observed were a bit more relaxed, detached when it came to defending the territory.
Trainability and owner attachment
The Caucasian Shepherd is a dog that gets very attached to one owner and collaborates very well with that person. You can teach your dog plenty of commands and how to be social around other animals. Also, it is very funny how the Caucasian Shepherds like to follow their owner around the house and property when they are home, they get very attached and are seeking interaction and attention very often.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a bit more individual from what we observed, gets less attached to the human being and becomes more independent when it comes to training. They love their freedom and independence and are not seeking for too much attention from humans. But of course that there are dogs and dogs, this is what we’ve experienced only.
In conclusion, there are so many similarities between the two breeds, but at the same time they are different. If you would like a fun and appropriate partnership of two dog breeds, you can get a Caucasian and a Tibetan as your guard dogs, they will make a great team together. They are both strong dogs, great guardians, an imposing and beautiful presence and amazing family members, we really love both breeds!
