- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Admired for their majestic appearance, unwavering loyalty, and storied history, Tibetan mastiffs have captured the hearts of many dog lovers worldwide. But they often come with a hefty initial price tag and steep cost of ownership, so it’s important to have all the information you can about the costs before adding a Mastiff to your family.
At a Glance: Tibetan Mastiff Breed Traits and Temperament
Powerful and intimidating, Tibetan Mastiffs make excellent guard dogs, despite being mellow and devoted to their family. Their imposing physical nature only adds to their allure—these dogs typically stand more than 24 inches tall and weigh well over 100 pounds. With dense, fluffy coats and lion manes, they’re also marked by V-shaped ears, brown eyes, and broad heads.
Tibetan mastiffs come in many colors, including:
- Cream sable
- Blue gray
- Brown and tan
- Red gold sable
- Blue gray and tan
- Black
- Black and tan
- Brown
- Red gold
- Cream
A healthy lifespan for a Tibetan Mastiff ranges from 10 to 12 years of age.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. For many years, a Tibetan Mastiff held the record for the most expensive dog ever sold, at an incredible $1.5 million. Why so pricey? Passionate breeders point to the dog’s ancient bloodline and history as the dog of Chinese nobility.
Buying a Tibetan Mastiff puppy from a breeder will likely cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. Factors like coat color, age, and sex will affect the price. For instance, a Red Tibetan Mastiff could cost as much $10,000, while the more common black coat color is likely to price toward the lower end of the spectrum.
Adopting a Tibetan Mastiff from a shelter or rescue organization is much more affordable, averaging between $300 and $500. That price tag may include preventive care costs, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
Tibetan Mastiff Costs: First Year to Adolescence
Tibetan Mastiffs remain puppies until about 18 to 24 months of age, when they’re considered fully grown. Below are expenses that are typical of Mastiff puppies, though prices will depend on your location and specific veterinary services.
| Item | From | To |
| Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1,085 |
| Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
| Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1,500 |
| Dog care basics | $120 | $1,460 |
| Food* | $234 | $936 |
| Treats | $203 | $407 |
| Grooming** | $600 | $1,200 |
| Training | $200 | $400 |
| Annual Exams*** | $280 | $440 |
| Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
| Annual Cost | $2,748 | $8,588 |
*$77.98 per 24-lb-bag, every 1-4 months at ¾ cup to 3 ¼ cup of kibble per day
**$150-$200 a session, 4 to 6 sessions every year
***$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult Tibetan Mastiffs
Tibetan Mastiffs typically reach adulthood by about 2 years of age. Below are typical expenses pet parents can expect to spend on their Tibetan Mastiff. Prices will fluctuate based on your location and specific veterinary services.
| Item | From | To |
| Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
| Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
| Food* | $803 | $1,544 |
| Treats | $156 | $468 |
| Grooming | $600 | $1,200 |
| Dental care | $300 | $2,500 |
| Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
| Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
| Annual Total | $2,660 | $5,677 |
*$55 per 40-lb. bag, every 13 to 25 days at 3 ¼ cups to 6 cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Mastiffs
By about 6 to 7 years of age, your Tibetan Mastiff will be considered a senior pup. Dogs typically develop more health issues as they age, so pet parents can expect to spend more on vet bills at this stage of their dog’s life. Other expenses will likely remain very similar to the adult stage of a Tibetan Mastiff’s life.
One especially common ongoing health expense is blood work. Undergoing regular testing is the best way to ensure that any medications that are used to treat health issues are working correctly. Blood work usually costs between $100 and $200 per vet visit.
Because of ongoing and additional costs like these, it’s worth considering purchasing a pet insurance policy when your dog is young—before pre-existing conditions come into play—or starting a pet savings account.
Tibetan Mastiff Costs: Common Health Conditions
Like many other large dog breeds, Tibetan Mastiffs are prone to hip dysplasia, in addition to conditions like hypothyroidism and eye issues, like entropion.
Here’s what Tibetan Mastiff parents may expect to pay to treat these problems:
- Hip dysplasia—typically between $1,700 and $4,500 for surgery
- Hypothyroidism—$20 to $50 a month
- Entropion—$300 to $1,500 for surgery
Vet prices differ widely, and the amount pet parents will spend treating these medical conditions depends on both location and the kind of clinic or practice you choose.
Tibetan Mastiff Costs: Dog Training
Tibetan Mastiffs are considered both smart and stubborn, so early socialization and training are key. While they learn fast, they may not respond to traditional obedience training. Mastiff pet parents should be confident and assertive with their dogs.
It’s important to tailor training to your dog—some may do better in group classes, while others may succeed best one-on-one without distractions.
Although training costs will vary depending the type of training you choose and where you’re located, you can expect to pay roughly:
- Group classes: $200-$400 for a series
- One-on-one: $50-$150 per hour
- Professional service dog training: $150-250 an hour, total cost dependent on sought-after services
Saving for Unexpected Costs
Being a pet parent often comes with unexpected costs that are tough to plan for financially. This includes things like:
- Emergency veterinary expenses due to an accident or illness
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
How dog insurance can help
Surprise vet bills can rack up quickly, costing hundreds or even thousands. A pet insurance plan can help manage the burden of unexpected costs. Tibetan Mastiffs are especially prone to developing health issues as they age. Signing up for a pet insurance policy when your Mastiff is young can increase the chances that these conditions will be covered later.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.
