Since the early 1800s, the monks of Tibet kept the dogs as cherished good luck charms. Tibetan terriers were often presented as gifts. When a British physician who practiced in India was presented with one of these puppies as a gift from a patient’s family, she began to breed the dogs. Originally registered as Lhasa terriers, the Indian Kennel Club changed the name to Tibetan terrier in 1930 when the organization wrote the breed standard. Tibetan terrier is a misnomer. The breed is not a terrier at all, but it was likely named as such due to its small size. In 1956, the first Tibetan terriers were imported to the United States. In 1973, the American Kennel Club recognized the Tibetan terrier as a member of the non-sporting group.
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed with square proportions. They have medium-sized heads and muzzles and are covered in a profuse thick double coat. Their ears are v-shaped and pendant and covered by hair. The coat of the Tibetan Terrier needs a lot of attention. It should be brushed regularly. The dog may also require regular bathing and excess hair should be clipped.
Personality
The Tibetan Terrier is gentle, affectionate and friendly. It has surprising amounts of energy and needs to be able to run often in addition to daily walks. Tibetan Terriers thrive on relationships with humans and are very friendly towards children. They may be snappy. Tibetan Terriers need consistent leadership to avoid them from developing their dominant streak.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Holy dog, Luck bringer |
Tibetan Terrier Build Information
The Tibetan terrier stands at a height of 14 to 17 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 20 and 24 pounds. The Tibetan terrier’s undercoat is wooly and soft, and the topcoat is long. The coat may be wavy or straight, and it comes in any color or pattern. The ears hang downward, and the long tail is plumed and curls over the dog’s back. A sweep of hair falls forward over the dog’s eyes. The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed with square proportions. They have medium-sized heads and muzzles and are covered in a profuse thick double coat. Their ears are v-shaped and pendant and covered by hair. The coat of the Tibetan Terrier needs a lot of attention. It should be brushed regularly. The dog may also require regular bathing and excess hair should be clipped.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
Tibetan terriers are adaptable dogs that can reside happily in an apartment setting. Their even temperaments make them ideal family companions. They get along with children, cats and other dogs, and they are generally outgoing, happy dogs. The Tibetan terrier is playful and thrives on interaction with its family. No matter what the family activity of the moment happens to be, the Tibetan terrier is always a willing participant and a dependable shadow. The breed excels in agility coursing and other canine sports, and it makes a loving therapy pet. They are relatively easy to train. They are active and inquisitive, and they need some daily mental stimulation and physical activity. The Tibetan Terrier is gentle, affectionate and friendly. It has surprising amounts of energy and needs to be able to run often in addition to daily walks. Tibetan Terriers thrive on relationships with humans and are very friendly towards children. They may be snappy. Tibetan Terriers need consistent leadership to avoid them from developing their dominant streak.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The Tibetan terrier’s coat should be brushed and combed out twice a week to detangle the hair and prevent matting. The teeth should be brushed more frequently to prevent tartar accumulation and periodontal disease, which can have adverse effects on the dog’s overall health.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Tibetan Terrier Common Health Conditions
Tibetan terriers live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions to be aware of in the breed include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, congenital deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation, distichiasis, hip dysplasia and a rare condition that is called canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Tibetan Terrier Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a versatile and dependable companion that can be equally content to snuggle on the sofa while its owners watch a movie or tag along to explore a hiking trail, the Tibetan terrier is eager to please. The Tibetan terrier originated in Tibet. In Tibet, the Tibetan terrier has also been called a holy dog and luck bringer. The Tibetan terrier makes a loving and adaptable family companion. The Tibetan terrier stands 14 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 20 to 24 pounds. The Tibetan terrier has a moderate energy level. The Tibetan terrier requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Tibetan terrier is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
