Tibetan Mastiff Pet Insurance | Compare Policies & Prices | Savvy  

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Find out all about Tibetan Mastiffs and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

Price range

$2,500 – $6,000

Height

61–76cm

Weight

34–73kg

Personality

Intelligent, protective, stubborn

Coat length

Long, double coat

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes – but not babies or toddlers and only with children they know

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Overview

The Tibetan Mastiff, originating over 2,000 years ago in the Himalayas, is known for its loyalty and majestic presence. Originally bred as guardians for livestock in harsh climates, they possess a dense, weather-resistant double coat, which provides insulation in the cold but requires special care in Australia’s warmer climate.

Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent, strong-willed and independent, so early socialisation and consistent training are crucial. While reserved with strangers, they are devoted to their owners, offering affection and unwavering loyalty. They thrive in homes that value their protective instincts and provide mental and physical stimulation, becoming a cherished and devoted member of the family.

Common diseases and conditions of Tibetan Mastiffs

Hip dysplasia: this is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. It can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage this condition.
Elbow dysplasia: similar to hip dysplasia, this is a developmental issue affecting the elbow joint. It can cause lameness and discomfort.
Entropion and ectropion: due to their genetic makeup and facial anatomy, Tibetan Mastiffs may be susceptible to entropion and ectropion. Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inward, potentially causing eyelashes to irritate the cornea. Ectropion is when the eyelid turns outward, leading to possible eye irritation.
Hypothyroidism: this is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. It can lead to weight gain, skin issues and lethargy.

Breed-specific issues:

Tibetan Mastiffs are protective with territorial tendencies and are generally reserved around strangers, emphasising the need for early socialisation. Their independent nature requires patient training and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-driven behaviours, so they may be better suited to more experienced dog owners.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Tibetan Mastiff?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Tibetan Mastiff, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits which apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Tibetan Mastiffs

Are Tibetan Mastiffs good with children and other pets?

When properly socialised and trained, Tibetan Mastiffs can be excellent companions for children. However, due to their protective instincts, supervision is crucial, especially with younger children. Tibetan Mastiffs are typically patient with children in the family but require careful introduction to those outside it. They can also coexist with other pets if introduced and socialised from a young age. Early exposure and positive experiences with children and other animals are key to fostering positive relationships.

Do Tibetan Mastiffs require a lot of exercise?

While Tibetan Mastiffs are not highly active compared to some breeds, they do benefit from regular exercise. Daily walks and playtime in a securely fenced area are important for their physical and mental well-being. Engaging activities help prevent boredom and promote overall health, but it's important not to overexert them, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Do Tibetan Mastiffs shed a lot?

Yes – Tibetan Mastiffs have a dense double coat that sheds seasonally. Regular grooming is essential to manage their coat, especially during shedding periods. Brushing helps remove loose hair and prevents matting, and it's important to pay special attention to their undercoat to maintain their coat's health and appearance.

Are Tibetan Mastiffs suitable for apartment living?

No – apartments are not ideal for the Tibetan Mastiff. Their large size and protective nature make them better suited to homes with a securely fenced yard and plenty of space. This allows them to stretch their legs and engage in their natural guardian instincts.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.