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History
Originally bred by Tibetan monks, the Tibetan Terrier is an ancient contributor to many other Tibetan breeds. The breed was considered to be "lucky" and dogs were often given as gifts, but never sold. Dr. A.R.H. Grieg was responsible for the breed's introduction to the West. She was given several dogs, the first by a grateful patient, and then by the Dalai Lama himself. She later established a Tibetan Terrier kennel in England. In the United States, the Tibetan Terrier is primarily a pet and companion.
Description
This medium-sized, squarely proportioned dog looks more like a sheepdog than like a terrier. Height at the withers of over 43 cm or under 35,5 cm is considered a fault. The double coat protects the entire dog, even falling in front of the dark, widely spaced eyes. The fine outer coat can be straight or wavy. The undercoat is soft and woolly. The coat should be long, but should not touch the ground. Any color (or combination of colors) including white is acceptable in this breed. The Tibetan Terrier does not shed seasonally, but will drop some hair if kept in full coat. The tail is heavily furnished and carried over the back. The heavily feathered ears hang pendant, falling not too close to the head. The nose is black. The lower jaw is slightly bearded. The desirable mouth is a tight scissors bite or a tight reversed scissors bite (the inner surface of the lower teeth touches the outer surface of the upper teeth). The topline is level. This breed's unique large flat feet, well furnished with hair, produce a snowshoe effect that provides traction and flotation in snow. The Tibetan Terrier has great agility as well as endurance.
Talents
Watchdog, agility, and competitive obedience.
Personality
Sweet, gentle and loving. Lively and fun. Can be willful. Devoted to the family, but wary of strangers. Some are good guard dogs.
Behavior
Children: Best with older, considerate children.
Friendliness: Reserved with strangers.
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.
Noise: Likes to bark.
Notes
Tibetan Terrier bloodlines in the United States vary in terms of height, coat and personality. Check with the breeder about any particular litter's genealogy. Buy only from OFA and CERF certified stock. The long coat needs a lot of attention, so many owners who are not showing their dogs clip them, especially in summer. Bathe every 7-14 days. Can be very flea sensitive. Brush every 2-3 days with a pin brush or slicker. Never brush a dry coat; always mist with conditioner and water to ease brushing. Novice owners should be ready for the responsibility of grooming a coated breed! Since he is such a light shedder, the Tibetan Terrier is one of the better breeds for allergy sufferers. The Tibetan Terrier is a particularly good watchdog. The breed is available mostly on the West and East Coasts.
Grooming
Grooming: Extensive grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Long coat.
Shedding: Very light.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
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