Tibetan Terrier

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
Puppy school only
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Frequent
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

Breeder List

Breeder - Ms Pamela Ellis (TIBETOES)

tibetoes@bigpond.com
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2. Submitted by Pamela Ellis. Photo by Dianne Anderson

History

The Tibetan Terrier is an ancient breed, with its origins shrouded in the myth and mystery of Tibet. In its country of origin, the Tibetan Terrier was reputed to be a multitasker: a watchdog in the villages and monasteries and warned owners of approaching strangers on tent and caravan journeys. The breed also herded yaks and sheep, and was a driver of packhorses and retrieved lost articles down the mountain side.

Developed in a harsh environment, the Tibetan Terrier's battle against difficult terrain made the breed what it is today: a tough, nimble and determined little dog.

Temperament

The Tibetan Terrier is a lively, outgoing and very good-natured breed. Both dogs and bitches are devoted to their family and are extremely loyal. However, the breed can be cautious or reserved when initially meeting strangers. Overt affection is moderated by an independent nature and it is extremely intelligent and mischievous.

Appearance

The Tibetan Terrier is a small to medium sized dog with long hair, which may be straight or slightly wavy. The long coat should not deceive you into thinking this is a puny or over-cosetted breed, as underneath it there is a strong, sturdy, well muscled body.

A unique feature of the breed is its feet, which are large, flat and round and act like a snowshoe by providing traction. Tibetan Terriers can come in all colours, but the chocolate colour is not permitted in the show ring.

Health

Responsible breeders have been health testing their dogs for well over 30 years and it is now considered as the normal thing to do. Hip scoring at 12 months of age and annual eye examinations for Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy (GPRA) are well established, but new DNA genetic tests are available for Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) a nd Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis ( NCL). Juvenile cataracts may also occur. Because of the long history of health checking in this breed, the incidence of affected dogs is extremely low.

Maintenance

The Tibetan Terrier has a double coat. It never sheds its coat around the house, so the breed is suitable for people with a coat allergy, but the woolly undercoat does shed into the topcoat and will cause serious matting. The dead coat therefore needs to be combed out regularly.

On the other hand, clipping the coat off and keeping it short with a trim every two or three months has great appeal to some owners and the breed just loves it.

Suitability

While suitable for apartment living, the Tibetan is an energetic dog that requires regular exercise. The energy level of the Tibetan is moderate to high and its general nature is happy, active, lively, intelligent, and agile. As a result, they are often well-suited for dog sports such as agility. They are steadfast, determined, and clever, which can lead to them being stubborn. Tibetan Terriers are usually charming and loyal. Some dogs of this breed can often be guarding of their resources, which can make it hard to live with another pet. 1.

The Tibetan Terrier makes an excellent family pet and is especially good with children. The breed likes to be talked to and although its intelligence does not make it naturally obedient, it can be bribed by small treats for training.

As for exercise, the Tibetan Terrier can take as much or as little as the owner wishes to provide. Going on a trek is no problem to the breed, nor is lounging about the house, but in the latter case there needs to be plenty of stimulation with toys to occupy the intelligent mind.

Words: Dr Mike Tempest
Ref 1: Wikipedia

Photo submitted by Sharon Lancey

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Tibetan Terrier and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Tibetan Terrier and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 22 Feb 2017)

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A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Sturdy, medium sized, long haired, generally square outline. Balanced, without exaggeration.

Characteristics

Lively, good natured. Loyal companion dog with many engaging ways.

Temperament

Outgoing, alert, intelligent and game; neither fierce nor pugnacious. Sparing of affection to strangers.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Skull of medium length, neither broad nor coarse, narrowing slightly from ear to eye, neither domed nor absolutely flat between ears. Zygomatic arch curved, but not overdeveloped so as to bulge. Marked stop in front of eyes but not exaggerated. Muzzle strong; well developed lower jaw. Length from eye to tip of nose equal to length from eye to occiput. Nose black. Head well furnished with long hair, falling forward but not affecting the dog's ability to see. Lower jaw carrying small, but not exaggerated amount of beard. In all giving a resolute expression.
Eyes	Large, round, dark brown, neither prominent nor sunken; set fairly wide apart. Eye rims black.
Ears	Pendant, carried not too close to head. V-shaped, not too large, set fairly high on the side of the skull, heavily feathered.
Mouth	Scissor or reverse scissor bite. Incisors set in a slight curve, evenly spaced and set perpendicular to jaw. Full dentition desirable.
Neck	Strong, muscular, medium length, allowing head to be carried above level of back and giving overall balanced appearance. Flowing into well placed shoulders.
Forequarters	Heavily furnished. Shoulders well laid, with good length and slope of upper arm. Legs straight and parallel; pasterns slightly sloping.
Body	Well muscled, compact and powerful. Length from point of shoulder to root of tail equal to height at withers. Fair spring of rib with depth of brisket to elbow. Ribbed well back. Top line level, loin short, slightly arched; croup level.
Hindquarters	Heavily furnished, well muscled. Well bent stifles and low set hocks giving level topline and drive.
Feet	Large, round, heavily furnished with hair between toes and pads. Standing well down on pads; no arch in feet.
Tail	Medium length, set on fairly high and carried in a gay curl over back. Very well feathered. Kink near tip often occurring and permissible.
Gait/Movement	Smooth, effortless stride with good reach and powerful drive. When walking or trotting hind legs should track neither inside nor outside the front legs.
Coat	Double coat. Undercoat fine and woolly. Top coat profuse, fine but neither silky nor woolly; long; either straight or waved but not curly.
Colour	White, golden, cream, grey or smoke, black, parti-colour and tricolours; in fact any colour except chocolate, liver or merle permissible.
Size	Height:Dogs 36-41 cms (14-16 ins) at shoulderBitches slightly smaller

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.