History

Bred and raised in the monasteries in Tibet by the Lamas almost 20 centuries ago, Tibetan Terrier evolved over many centuries to become a valued companion and dependable alert dog. Interestingly, this ancient herd dog does not belong to the Terrier family and was called so because of its size.

Appearance

A medium-sized powerfully built dog, Tibetan Terrier has sheepdog’s looks. The breed is well-balanced and is capable of moving strongly. The height of the breed is 14–17 inches and it weighs 18-30 pounds. It has a profuse dog coat and a fall of hair covers the eyes and foreface. The feathered tail curls up. In the US, the breed’s bloodlines vary in terms of height, coat, and personality.

Color

Wide variety. Black/White, Tricolor, Silver, Gray, Cream, Golden, Black. Any color but chocolate or liver is acceptable for Tibetan Terriers who are show dogs..

Personality

Tibetan Terrier is devoted to their owners and to children. This gentle lovable breed craves for human company. The dog is lively, easygoing, and fun-loving, but can be a bit willful at times. It is reserved and cautious with strangers and is a dependable watch dog.

Health Concerns

The average life expectancy of Tibetan Terrier is 12-15 years. This breed is sensitive to fleas and prone to anesthetic idiosyncrasy, a condition in which a dog has an abnormal response to commonly used anesthetics. Cataracts and minor eye problems are also seen among them.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR