A Tibetan Mastiff is an impressive dog known for its size and strength, but how fast can it run?
Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs that can reach speeds of up to about 20 mph (or 32 kph), they cannot sustain their speed for very long. Overheating and exhaustion are real dangers for these dogs! Instead, your dog will mostly prefer to jog or walk.
We’ve explored the running capabilities of the Tibetan Mastiff further, along with identifying how to get the most out of this wonderful breed.
How Fast Can a Tibetan Mastiff Run?
Don’t let the large size of the Tibetan Mastiff fool you! This breed may be bigger than most dogs, but they can still be incredibly quick and nimble when they need to be. At a full-on sprint, the Tibetan Mastiff can reach a speed of about 20 miles per hour.
However, as we noted above, your Tibetan Mastiff is not likely to be able to sustain this high speed. Brief intervals of quick speed will be followed by longer periods of walking and jogging.
This makes your Tibetan Mastiff a good companion dog for going on a walk or a run – especially in the cold.
In terms of walking and jogging, the Tibetan Mastiff can maintain a good speed that will make it easier to walk alongside them.
Do Tibetan Mastiffs Like to Run?
Yes, Tibetan Mastiffs do like to run! Although they are not as energetic as other breeds, they are still excitable and love to get out and play.
However, climate has a huge impact on how often your Tibetan Mastiff will run; it may seem like they don’t enjoy running, when really the weather prevents them.
Tibetan Mastiffs are bred for the cold, and they will be naturally more energetic and outgoing in a chilly environment. In other settings, they tend to overheat quickly due to their thick fur. This makes running much harder! So, while the breed does enjoy exercise, it really depends on the weather.
You will often find that it is easier to encourage your Tibetan Mastiff to walk rather than run. A brisk walk is a good way to build up to a quick run without startling the dog!
They will also be much more receptive to running when it is cold outside. In fact, the colder the better!
How Much Do Tibetan Mastiffs Run?
The general recommendation is that your Tibetan Mastiff needs at least one hour of exercise per day, ideally broken up into several long and brisk walks.
Your Tibetan Mastiff will typically not run during every walk unless something catches their attention or you encourage them to do so.
Tibetan Mastiffs will often run in short bursts when they go out into the yard or experience a similar change in setting. Most of the time, that will be as much running as they do.
This also changes depending on the season, with Tibetan Mastiffs exercising more infrequently during the warmer summer months.
This does not mean that Tibetan Mastiffs are lazy! It just takes a lot of energy and strength to move their larger bodies, so they will not run as much as other dog breeds.
Their medium energy level also means that they can enjoy resting on the floor just as much as a good run.
Can Tibetan Mastiffs Run Long Distance?
The general answer is that no, Tibetan Mastiffs are not suited for running long distances. As we mentioned above, it takes a big breed a lot of effort just to walk down the block!
The fact that this type of dog is also prone to overheating means that running long distances can even be dangerous.
While they may increase their general activity in the winter, the change in temperature still won’t make a Tibetan Mastiff into a super athletic breed. They will happily jog and run with you all the way down the block, but long-distance or physically demanding runs are not a good idea for this special dog breed.
If you are hoping to run long distances, you should let your Tibetan Mastiff stay at home. However, breaking up your runs with short walks would be a great opportunity to bond with your dog as you both exercise!
You can even test your speed by comparing your running speed (in bursts) to that of this breed!
When Can I Run with My Tibetan Mastiff?
If you are hoping to bond with your dog through exercising together, do not despair! You can definitely still run and exercise with your Tibetan Mastiff, albeit in shorter bursts.
Break up your walks with quick intervals of running (as the dog allows) to get in more exercise.
When temperatures fall, your dog will be more likely to be able to run without overheating. If you still want to give it a try all year round, avoid the midday heat. Instead, run with your dog in the early morning or after the evening.
You should generally avoid taking your Tibetan Mastiff on long walks away from home during the hottest months of the year.
Overheating away from home can be medically dangerous, especially since these dogs are too large for most owners to carry. Consider running around your yard instead!
As long as you are aware of the limits, you can run with your Tibetan Mastiff at any time! Just remember their needs and pay attention to signs of sickness, overheating, or simple exhaustion.
Watch a Tibetan Mastiff owner taking her dogs for a leisurely run below:
Do Tibetan Mastiffs Require a Lot of Exercise?
We mentioned above that the exercise requirement of a Tibetan Mastiff is at least one hour of exercise per day. This is definitely not a lot of physical activity when compared to other breeds!
The lower amount of exercise works just fine for the Tibetan Mastiff. They are relatively low energy and enjoy sitting with their family.
They also require a good level of mental stimulation. This can include hide and seek, ball games, or other fun activities.
You can break up these exercise demands with a series of shorter daily walks or playtime outside in the yard. Having your dog as a walking partner is a good way to bond, as long as you are conscious of the heat.
Vigorous exercise is also okay every now and then, but not recommended as a regular activity for your Tibetan Mastiff.
It is important to keep in mind that Tibetan Mastiffs can suffer from health conditions, including joint problems. This is typically related to their size as they age.
Never force your dog to exercise – they know their own bodies and will let you know when it is time to head inside and rest instead of running or walking.
How Long Should I Walk My Tibetan Mastiff?
Okay, so now you know the importance of walking with your Tibetan Mastiff and listening to their cues.
The next thing to know is how much time you should actually spend on your walks; you want to avoid the potential for overheating without giving your dog too little exercise.
The general recommendation is that you walk your Tibetan Mastiff for at least 20 or 30 minutes at a time.
This will give you the chance to bond and properly exercise your dog without making them do too much at once. While on these walks, avoid running too much unless you plan to shorten the overall walk.
Once again, try to listen to your dog and take your signals from their behavior. If your Tibetan Mastiff starts slowing down and huffing and puffing after only ten minutes, there is a good chance that they are overheating and need to rest.
Keep plenty of fresh water on you during these walks in case you or your dog needs it!
Are Tibetan Mastiffs High Energy?
Compared to other dog breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff is not very high-energy. They prefer to reserve their energy for bursts of speed and excitement at specific intervals. This is opposed to being energetic and hyper for long periods of time.
However, they definitely still appreciate walks and playing together!
The overall breed is said to have a medium energy level, which makes them good protective dogs. You will usually find that your Tibetan Mastiff is the most energetic when it is time for their daily exercise. New environments, strangers, or potential threats can also increase their energy levels.
Final thoughts
If you are hoping to have a dog that will run fast, then the Tibetan Mastiff is not your best bet.
These gentle giants prefer to walk and jog rather than go for a run. Overheating is also a real issue with the breed when it comes to running in any non-chilly temperatures.
However, as long as you remain aware of the limits and signals of your Tibetan Mastiff, you can still exercise and bond freely. This breed is affectionate, loyal, and protective. They just aren’t very big on running! If that doesn’t concern you, these large dogs could be your perfect canine companion.
