Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs with a distinctive lion-like appearance. They have long hair and a mane that hangs down to their backsides. This breed is known for their loyalty and intelligence. They are often used as guard dogs and watchdogs in China and Tibet.
Caucasian Shepherds are solidly built dogs with thick coats and medium-length fur. They have long legs and a long, wide head with a broad muzzle. The breed was originally bred to be a herding dog. They are also known as Russian Sheepdogs, European Shepherds, or just Shepherds.
While the Tibetan Mastiff and the Caucasian Shepherd are both strong and fierce family protectors, these two breeds can vary quite drastically. It is important to learn the differences between them before making a decision on which dog would be best for your lifestyle.
Below are 10 main differences between Tibetan Mastiffs and Caucasian Shepherds.
1. Tibetan Mastiff Vs Caucasian Shepherd: Their History
| Tibetan Mastiff History | Caucasian Shepherd History |
| The Tibetan Mastiff originated in Tibet. It is one of the oldest breeds of dog in existence and has been domesticated for over 3,000 years. | The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an old breed that originated in Eastern Europe’s Caucasus Mountain range, including Armenia, Georgia, Dagestan, and Azerbaijan. |
2. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Slightly Smaller Than Caucasian Shepherds:
| Tibetan Mastiff Height/Weight | Caucasian Shepherd Height/Weight |
| The height of Tibetan Mastiffs ranges from 26 to 30 inches and their weight can range from 90 to 150 pounds. | The height of Caucasian Shepherds ranges from 27-30 inches while their weight can range from 100-200 pounds. |
3. Tibetan Mastiffs Have More Coat Varieties Than Caucasian Shepherds:
| Tibetan Mastiff Coat | Caucasian Shepherd Coat |
| The Tibetan Mastiff’s long, coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat come in many different colors and patterns like black-brown-tan, gray-black-brown, gray-brown-black, and so on. | Caucasian Shepherd’s coarse, wooly undercoat and a harsh, wiry outer coat is usually a mix of white and brown, with a black mask and ears. |
4. Caucasian Shepherds Are More Aggressive Than Tibetan Mastiffs:
| Tibetan Mastiff Temperament | Caucasian Shepherd Temperament |
| Tibetan mastiffs are known to be one of the most gentle, loyal, and intelligent breeds of dogs. They are not aggressive and are known for their calm nature. | Caucasian Shepherds are gentle and obedient dogs, but they have a reputation for being aggressive. The best way to know for sure if a Caucasian Shepherd is aggressive or not would be to observe it in a controlled setting. |
5. Caucasian Shepherds Are More Energetic Than Tibetan Mastiffs:
| Tibetan Mastiff Energy | Caucasian Shepherds Energy |
| Tibetan mastiffs are docile and calm by nature. | Caucasian Shepherds are energetic dogs. They love to play, run, and explore. |
6. Caucasian Shepherds Are Easier to Train Than Tibetan Mastiffs:
| Tibetan Mastiff Trainability | Caucasian Shepherd Trainability |
| The Tibetan Mastiff can be difficult to train because of their stubbornness. | Caucasian Shepherds are easily trainable because they have an innate desire to please people. They also have a high level of intelligence and are known for being very obedient dogs |
7. Tibetan Mastiffs Need Less Exercise Than Caucasian Shepherds:
| Tibetan Mastiff Exercise Needs | Caucasian Shepherd Exercise Needs |
| Tibetan Mastiffs don’t need a lot of exercises. They only require around one hour of daily exercise per day to stay healthy and happy. | The average amount of exercise needed by a Caucasian Shepherd is about 2 hours per day. |
8. Tibetan Mastiffs Are Easier to Groom Than Caucasian Shepherds:
| Tibetan Mastiff Grooming | Caucasian Shepherd Grooming |
| The Tibetan Mastiff’s grooming needs are minimal. They don’t need to be brushed or bathed often but should be brushed at least every two weeks. | Caucasian Shepherd has extensive grooming needs. They have extremely thick, long coat that requires brushing once a day. The coat should be given weekly baths, using a shampoo and conditioner specifically made for this breed. |
9. Tibetan Mastiffs Have A Higher Bite Force Than Caucasian Shepherds:
| Tibetan Mastiff Bite Force | Caucasian Shepherd Bite Force |
| The Tibetan Mastiff has an average bite force of 2,000 pounds per square inch.
The bite force of the Tibetan Mastiff is ranked third in the world, with only the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Wolfhound ranking higher than this breed. |
The average bite force of the Caucasian Shepherd is about 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi). |
10. Tibetan Mastiffs Are More Expensive Than Caucasian Shepherds:
| Tibetan Mastiff Price | Caucasian Shepherd Price |
| Tibetan Mastiffs are likely to cost between $2,000-$6,000. | Caucasian Shepherds can cost between $2,000 to $2,500. |
Similarities between the Tibetan Mastiff and the Caucasian Shepherd
There are many similarities between Tibetan Mastiffs and Caucasian Shepherds, both of which are large breeds of dogs.
Both breeds have a medium-sized head with a broad muzzle and rounded eyes. They also have a short, straight nose and medium-sized ears that are carried high on the head.
Both breeds were originally used as guard dogs to protect their owners’ livestock from wild animals and thieves. As a result, Both Caucasian shepherds and Tibetan mastiffs are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and devoted to their owners. They also have a strong sense of smell that makes it easy for them to detect intruders.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a new furry family member, both Tibetan Mastiff and Caucasian Shepherd may be of interest. But you should know that adopting either one of these two beautiful breeds is a lifetime commitment. You’ll need to make sure you understand more about both breeds to know if you can offer them a suitable home.
Here are some other articles that we have on the Tibetan Mastiff.
Which is the breed of your choice? The Tibetan Mastiff or the Caucasian Shepherd? Let us know in the comments below!