Description: Here we see a square but well proportioned dog, of medium size. The head of the Tibetan Terrier is medium in size. The teeth meet in a scissor bite or reverse scissor bite. The nose is black. This breed has large dark brown eyes and these are wide set. It has pendent, V shaped, ears that hang close to the head. The Tibetan Terrier has a curly tail that is up over the back, and it is well feathered. Here we see slightly longer back legs than the front legs. This dog has a double coat that has a soft woolly undercoat and a generous outer coat that is straight to wavy, fine and lengthy. The coat can come in all colours and patterns. This dog is 14-17 inches in height and the weight is 18-30 pounds. The life expectancy is 12-15 years.

History: The Tibetan Terrier is part of the ancient breed of dog. This breed has helped in all the other Tibetan breeds, such as the Tibetan Spaniel, Shih-Tzu, and the Lhasa Apso. This breed is not a real Terrier. The Tibetan Monks had this dog some 2,ooo years ago and was seen as a bringer of good luck. This was so special to the Monks that money would never change hands for these dogs, and they would be given as a gift. The fist few dogs that came out of the country were given as a gift, to a lady called Dr. A.R.H. Greig, who had worked for the Women’s Medical Services and had presented with one from a grateful patient and the other came from the Dali Lama to thank her for the work she had done. Dr. Greig went on to breed these two and managed to bring three back to her home in the UK. This is where the breeding outside of Tibet started. The original name was the Lhasa Terrier and in 1930 the Indian Kennel Club changed its name, to the name we know today, the Tibetan Terrier. This breed first came to America in 1956 by another Doctor called Dr, H and Mrs. Murphy from Virginia. They went on to get this breed recognized with the AKC in 1973. This dog has talents in agility and competitive obedience and is a watchdog.

Temperament: The Tibetan Terrier is a fun loving dog with lots of stamina. This breed is intelligent and very brave it is also dedicated to the owner. As with all dogs this dog will require you to be a good pack leader. This will stop the dog becoming stubborn and barking excessively. The barking is loud and you will have to train the dog to stop barking, on commanded. This dog without good leadership, and rules, can become untrustworthy with children and can become very reserved with strangers. This breed needs good daily mental and physical exercise, to give them a healthy balance in their lives. If the Tibetan Terrier has good balance and leadership it is the most wonderful companion and a great family member.

Health issues: This is a breed with good health generally and they suffer only from sensitivity to fleas, this is easily overcome with regular flea treatment that can be recommended by the veterinarian.

Grooming: The Tibetan Terrier requires a lot of care and grooming for the coat to look nice. Brush the coat every other day to detangle the fur, this need’s to be done wet, and it is best to spray the coat with conditioner and water to help with the brushing. Bathing needs to be done weekly.

Living conditions: This dog is fine in an apartment if the needs for daily physical and mental exercise are met. The Tibetan Terrier only needs a small garden.