TT Information 

History and Origin of The Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terriers come from Tibet where they were bred and raised in the monasteries by the monks.  They were prized as companions and “luck bringers” for those fortunate to own one.  At that time, no Tibetan Terrier was ever sold, as no family would tempt fate by selling part of their “luck”, but they were presented as a mark of esteem or a measure of gratitude for favors or services.

Thus it came about that Dr. A.R. H. Grieg, a practicing physician in India in the 1920’s was given a dog by a grateful Tibetan whose ailing wife was treated by Dr. Grieg.  Dr. Grieg bred and raised a number of Tibetan Terriers in India.  When she returned to England, she established the famous Lamleh Kennel and the breed was recognized in 1937.

The Tibetan Terrier is not actually a “terrier”.  He does not have the terrier disposition, nor does he burrow into the earth as terriers were originally expected to do.  The Tibetan people called them “luck bringers” or “Holy dogs”, neither of which names seemed suitable as a breed name in the Western world of dogs.  So the became known as “Tibetan Terriers”.

Tibetan Terriers were neither guard dogs nor herding dogs in Tibet.  They were valued as companions, and were treated like children in the family.  Like the children, they eagerly assisted in taking care of the family’s property, their flocks and herds.  The breed was kept pure, as any mismating might bring back luck to the family and might even be blamed for any village misfortune.

This is an exceptionally healthy breed, probably as a result of the rigorous natural selection in their homeland.  Tibet has one of the most difficult populated terrains in the world, and one of the most dramatic climates, being exceedingly cold in the winter and hot in the summer.  The Tibetan Terrier is prepared to enjoy a blizzard, thanks to his profuse double coat, facial covering to protect his eyes from snow, and snowshoe feet, well furnished and suited for walking.  On the other hand, he does not seem to be at all upset by a hot, humid day -- simply relaxing for a nap during the worst part of the day.

The people of Tibet made no effort to eliminate any of the many colors found in this breed, believing that good health and delightful temperament were far more important than coat color.  It is hoped that the Tibetan Terrier will continue to be an exceptional companion and friend -- healthy, gay, intelligent, and affectionate.

The Tibetan Terrier was admitted to registration in the American Kennel Club Stud Book on May 1, 1973, and to regular show classification in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC shows on October 3, 1973.

General Description

The Tibetan Terrier is a bouncy, well-proportioned, square dog with a tail that is carried gaily curled up over the back.  The breed is not be be confused with the Lhasa Apso which has shorter legs and a longer body.   Tibetan Terriers have profuse, double coats, with an undercoat of fine wool, and a longer outer coat which can be either straight or wavy.  The hair covers the entire face, often falling down well over the nose, making many people wonder how they can see.  They see very well, because they have exceptionally long eyelashes that hold the long hair away from the eyes.  There should be a rectangle of daylight seen under the dog when he is standing.  The legs, tail, and ears are well feathered with plenty of hair between the toes.  The Tibetan Terrier stands well down on his pads, not up on the toes.  He is an alert, jolly, game dog, neither fierce nor pugnacious, but quite able to hold his own when the occasion demands.  He is a delightful companion, possessing the full fidelity and hardiness of other Tibetan breeds.  Tibetan Terriers are long-lived, often living to the age of fifteen years or more.

Disposition and Temperament

Tibetan Terriers are extremely loyal to their owners and are wonderful little sentinels.  They will back if strangers approach, but they do not keep up a senseless and constant barking.  They accept strangers into the home and with reservations, preferring to sit back at a distance and study the visitor.

A Tibetan Terrier tries hard to please, so the last thing anyone should think of doing is to hit him for any reason.  All that is needed is to be “asked” to do what is required and the request will be met.  They do have ideas of their own at times, such as not coming when called while puppies, but as they grow older they become more obedient.

Tibetan Terriers should be under control at all times.  They should be exercised either in a fenced yard or on a lead.  They like to be near their family and are content to live on the floor at their owner’s feet.  They are wonderful little travelers and sit quietly in the car or curl up and go to sleep on the seat.  They are exceptionally hardy.  They are free of many diseases and ailments common to many other breeds of dog.

Care of a Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is double-coated.  If your dog is combed at least once a week, mats should not form.  Mats are to be avoided -- a matted Tibetan Terrier is a neglected dog.  The coat has a way of casting off dirt, so frequent bathing is not required, especially considering that Tibetan Terriers are absolutely without odor.  Not clipping or cutting should be done is you plan to keep the Tibetan Terrier in coat.  Many owners do clip down to the short puppy coat when not in the show ring.  The toenails should be clipped regularly and the hairs in the ears should be watched and removed, so that not too much accumulates, thus causing wax to pile up, causing possible ear trouble.

Tibetan Terrier Standard (Approved March 10, 1987)

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog, profusely coated, of powerful build, and square in proportion.  A fall of hair covers the eyes and foreface.  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 strong and efficient movement.  The Tibetan Terrier is shown as naturally as possible.

Head:    Skull:  Medium length neither broad nor coarse.  The length from the eye to the tip of the nose is equal to the length from eye to the occiput.  The skull narrows slightly from ear to eye.  It is not domed but not absolutely flat between the ears.  The Head is well furnished with long hair. falling forward over the eyes and foreface.  The cheekbones are curved but not so overdeveloped as to bulge.  Muzzle:  The lower jas has a small amount of beard.  Stop:  There is a marked stop but not exaggerated.

Nose:  Black.  Teeth:  White, strong and evenly placed.   There is a distinct curve in the jaws between the canines.  A tight scissors bite, a tight reverse scissors bite or a level bite are equally acceptable.  A slightly undershot bite is acceptable.  Eyes:  Large, set fairly wide apart, dark brown and may appear  black in color, neither prominent nor sunken.  Eye rims are dark in color.  Ears:  Pendent, falling not too close to the head.  Faults:  Weak pointed muzzle.  Any color other than a black nose.  Overshot bite or very undershot bite or a wry mouth.  Long narrow head.  Lack of fall over the eyes and foreface.

Neck and Body:  Neck:  Length proportionate to the body and head.  Body:  compact, square and strong, capable of speed and endurance.  Topline:  The back is level in motion.  Chest:  Heavily furnished.  The brisket extends downward to the top of the elbow in the mature Tibetan Terrier.  Ribs:  The body is well ribbed up and never cloddy or coarse.  The rib cage is not too wide across the chest and narrows slightlly to permit the forelegs to work free at the sides.  Loin:  Slightly arched.  Tail:  Medium length, heavily furnished, set on fairly high and falls forward over the back, may curl to either side.  There may be a kink near the tip.

Forequarters:  Shoulders:  Sloping, well muscled and well laid back.  Legs;  Straight and strong when views from the front.  Heavily furnished.  The vertical distance from the withers to the elbow equals the distance from the elbows to the ground.   Feet:  The feet of the Tibetan Terrier are unique in form amoung dogs.  They are large, flat and round in shp\ape producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction.  The pads are thick and strong.  They are heavily furnished with hair between the toes and pads.  Hair between the toes and pads may be trimmed level with the underside of the pads for health reasons.   The dog should stand well down on its pads.  Dewclaws:  May be removed.

Hindquarters  Legs:  Well furnished, with well bent strifles and the hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs.  Thighs:  Relatively broad and well muscled.  Hocks:  Low set and turn neither in nor out.  Feet:  Same as forefeet.  Dewclaws:   May be removed.

Coat:  Double Coat:  Undercoat is soft and woolly.  Outer coat is profuse and fine but never silky or woolly.  May be wavy or straight.  Coat is long but should not hang to the ground.  When standing on a hard surface an area of light should be seen under the dog.  The coat of puppies is shorter, single and often has a softer texture than that of adults.  A natural part is often present over the neck and back.  Faults:  Lack of double coat in adults.  Sculpturing, scissoring, stripping or shaving are totally contrary to breed type and are serious faults.

Color:  Any color or combination of colors including white are acceptable to the breed.  There are no preferred colors or combinations of colors.

Gait:  The Tibetan Terrier has a free, effortless stride with good reach in front and flexibility in the rear allowing full extension.  When gaiting, the hind legs should go neither inside or outside the front legs but should move on the same track approaching single tracking when the dog is moved at a fast trot.  The dog with the correct foot and leg construction moves with elasticity and drive indicating that the dog is capable of great agility as well as endurance.

Size:  Average weight is twenty to twenty-four pounds, but the weight range may be eighteen to thirty pounds.  Proportion of weight to height is far more important than specific weight and should reflect a well-balanced square dog.  The average height in dogs is fifteen or sixteen inches, bitches slightly smaller.  The length, measured from the point of shoulder to the root of tail, is equal to the height measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground.  Faults;   Any height above seventeen inches or below fourteen inches.

Temperament:  The Tibetan Terrier is highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and affectionate.  The breed may be cautious or reserved.  Faults:  Extreme shyness.