TIBETAN TERRIERS

PERSONALITY / HISTORY / BREED STANDARDS

Meet the TERRIER... That NOT a TERRIER  

Did you know:  The Tibetan Terrier is in the Apso Family along with a Sheepdog, amongst others.  They are not a true terrier, nor do they have the traits of a terrier.

PERSONALITY OF THE TIBETAN TERRIER

The personality of the  Tibetan Terrier is highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and affectionate.  The breed may be cautious or reserved.  The temperament of the Tibetan Terrier can be compared to that of an intelligent, loving, slightly mischievous child.  Completely devoted to his or her people, the Tibetan becomes a member of the family very quickly.

The breed loves to travel and experience new places, preferably with you nearby.  Perhaps the chief characteristic of the breed is its sensitivity to the moods and conditions of  its owner or family.  This factor, combined with its innate intelligence and devotion, makes the Tibetan Terrier a remarkable companion for LIFE.  Even in old age, there is a delightful childlike quality about the breed that most find endearing.  They are merry companions.

HISTORY OF THE TIBETAN TERRIER

Tibetan Terriers came from the land of Tibet where, they were bred and raised in the monasteries by the Lamas almost 2,000 years ago.  These shaggy dogs were known as "the Holy Dogs of Tibet".  They were treasured by the lamas, who kept them as companions, good luck charms, mascots, and watchdogs.  The occasional visitor to The Lost Valley who made the hazardous journey was often given a dog to safeguard him on the return trip to the outside world.  

There is also evidence that the Tibetan Terriers were used to herd as well as to retrieve articles that stumbled down the steep rocky mountains.  The breed is very surefooted and they are powerful jumpers.  They were never sold but were given as gifts to promote good fortune as a mark of great respect.  Tibetan Terriers were valued as companions and treated like children in the family.  They were considered "Luck Bringers".

In the 1920'S a practicing physician was given a dog by a grateful Tibetan whose wife he had treated.  When the physician returned to England, she established a famous kennel.  The first "official " Tibetan Terrier arrived in the United States in 1956, an import from the above kennel an since then, the breed has attracted fanciers from coast to coast.  

TIBETAN TERRIER BREED STANDARDS

GENERAL APPEARANCE:  The Tibetan Terrier is a medium sized dog, profusely coated, of powerful build, square in proportion, A fall of hair covers the eyes and for face.  The well-feathered tail curls up and falls forward over the back.  The feet are large, flat, and round in shape producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction.  The Tibetan Terrier is well balanced and capable of both stronger and efficient movement.  

COAT:  Double coat.  Undercoat is soft and wooly.  Outer coat is profuse and fine but never silky or wooly.  May be wavy or straight.  Coat is long but should not hang to the ground.  The coat of puppies is often shorter, single and often has a softer texture than that of adults.  Because the Tibetan Terrier has a profuse, often thick, double coat, the breed must be brushed, combed and bathed on a regular basis.

SIZE:  The size of a Tibetan Terrier varies greatly.  They can weigh between 18-30 pounds.  The average dog weighs 20-24 pounds.

HEIGHT:  The height of the Tibetan Terrier measures 14-17 inches from shoulder to ground.  The average is 15-16 inches.

COLOR:  Any color or combination of colors including white are acceptable to the breed.  There are no preferred colors or combination of colors, except by the owners.

For more  Tibetan Terrier BREED STANDARDS, log onto the AKC Web Site.

My Personal Thoughts About Tibetan Terriers   

The wonderful humanistic & sensitive traits of a Tibetan Terrier is what makes them great companions.   They are loyal intelligent and loving.   The same traits that make them wonderful companion dogs are the same traits that can cause you grief  if you do not train & socialize the puppy properly in the early stages.   

Do you have the time to dedicate to socializing & exercising a new puppy?

 Tibetan Terriers do best in an environment where there is at least one stay at home person or another dog to keep them company.  They do awesome when purchased as littermates for that reason.   If raised properly, you will have a companion for life.    I do not recommend a Tibetan Terrier if there is no one home during the day or at least another dog to keep them company.   They are very social dogs.   

Tibetan Terriers do not like being shoved into a crate and isolated all day long, nor would you.   A few hours here and there is just fine.   If you are gone all the time, this breed is not for you.  Tibetan Terriers  have been bred for generations to be "companion dogs",  not shove you in a kennel and get around to you later dogs.    It is crucial that you do not continually abandon the new puppy for hours on end or you will end up with a dog with separation anxiety issues.  I  believe in proper crate training.  But I do not believe in using crates for pet abandonment.  I personally feel that anything over 4 hours is too long for a growing puppy.   They are puppies after all.  They need allot of exercise.  I recommend using portable puppy play pens instead.  They have room to play, eat, and they keep them safe and out of danger.  Walk them often.  The time spent in a crate can be increased as the puppy matures.  The first several months are crucial to the bonding experience and may take some sacrifice and commitment on your part, just as a baby would.  As they grow older your time requirements will decrease.  

 Any dog expert will tell you that most dog behavior problems stem from the pet owner, not the dog.   (There some exceptions to this rule)   Does the quote "I train the people...I rehabilitate the dog" ring a familiar bell?   If you are having behavior problems, I recommend that you order the Dog Whisperer DVDs.  You can buy them at Amazon on line.   Be an accountable pet owner.  Educate yourself on proper training and pet leadership prior to getting your new puppy.  There are also lots of other wonderful dog training systems out there and I will talk more of them on my educational web link.   The Dog Whisperer is geared towards behavior problems, not training your dog to do tricks.  

The "mature" Tibetan Terriers make great companions for the elderly & isolated.   They are very loyal and loving to their owners and will not leave your side.   If you do not have the time or patience for socializing a puppy, consider getting an older, more mature Tibetan Terrier who is already housebroken.  Make sure you ask allot of questions and make sure they will be the right personality fit for you.  There are always older dogs who need a loving home.

I adore this breed.  They are the right fit for our family because we love their companion nature.  They are very intelligent and special dogs.   They are full of love, but they are not suited for every situation.  My main goal as a breeder is to find the "right fit" for both the dog and the family.  TTs are all very different in personality.  You may have one that is bold, confident & independent and you may have one who is shy and clingy.  My mother likes a dog who is a tiny bit dependent on her because she lives alone.  She would feel rejected by a dog who is too independent.   Other families may prefer a dog who is more independent.  Each family is different.  Each dog is different.  When picking out a puppy ask lots of questions about the personalities.  At the end of the day color or markings do not matter.  The right personality fit for your family is what matters.  You will have this dog for 15 years.  finding the right personality fit should be taken seriously.  Dogs are spirit beings who need love and leadership.