The Tibetan Terrier, often known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” is a venerable companion and watchdog who has long been connected to Buddhist monasteries. The TT is a small to medium-sized dog with’snowshoe’ feet that is thickly covered and loving. Tibetan Terriers, who are at the lower end of medium-sized breeds and just slightly larger than their smaller relative, the Lhasa Apso, stand approximately 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 and 24 pounds. The stunning and abundant double coat, which is woolly underneath and has a long, exquisite topcoat, is a breed trademark. The broad, flat “snowshoe” feet that are distinctive to TTs among canines were developed over ages to aid them in navigating the snowy, hilly terrain of their native area.
Tibetan Terrier
loyal / affectionate / sensitive
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
14-17 inches
Weight
18-30 pounds (male)
slightly smaller (female)
Life Expectancy
15-16 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Openness To Strangers
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Trainability Level
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Energy Level
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Barking Level
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.
About the Breed
What To Expect When Caring For a Tibetan Terrier
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
The Tibetan Terrier, also referred to as the "Holy Dog of Tibet," is a revered watchdog and companion that has a long history of association with Buddhist monasteries. The TT is a small to a medium-sized, thickly-furred dog with "snowshoe" feet that is affectionate. At the lesser end of medium-sized breeds, Tibetan Terriers reach around 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 and 24 pounds. They are just slightly bigger than their smaller sibling, the Lhasa Apso. A breed trademark is the gorgeous and thick double coat, which has a long, luxurious undercoat and is woolly on top. The canines known as TTs have broad, flat "snowshoe" feet that have evolved over time to help them navigate the snowy, mountainous terrain of their home range.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- NCL DNA Test
- Primary Lens Luxation(PLL)
Grooming
Because of the well-groomed, flowing coats shown in televised dog events, potential TT owners might wrongly believe that this breed is not right for them. Underneath, however, is an athletic, adaptable dog with a multifunctional coat that is suitable for daily use. TTs have two coats, with wool serving as the undercoat. Wool is naturally insulating and moisture-resistant. The hardness and math ability of a coat's texture can range from softer to tougher. Most things that nature can throw at the breed's natural coat won't harm it. If a long coat prevents planned outside experiences, it could be convenient to retain the dog in a puppy cut. That said, the true advantages of grooming a TT are that it improves the relationship between the two people, is excellent training, and is a means to keep track of the dog's health. It might surprise you how much fun grooming can be.
Exercise
TTs adore going for walks and spending time outside with their owners. Depending on the breed, certain individuals may be more or less motivated to exercise. Each potential owner will be paired with a dog that is compatible thanks to a reliable breeder. There is a TT for climbing a mountain on foot. There is a TT for those who like to stay in and occasionally stroll around the block or climb the stairs. Many TTs appreciate having a position in the home from which they can watch out a window or door and watch over their family. Better yet, if this location has an overview like a balcony or stair landing.
Training
This breed is quick to pick things up and independent-thinking; harsh tactics or excessive repetition will make them wither. It is advised to use training methods that let the dog decide on the appropriate behavior. Instruction in clicker training is generally available, and both humans and dogs will appreciate the growing bond that results from training together. TTs are energetic learners who enjoy cooperating closely with their owners (in activities like agility, rally, and nose work) and carrying out home chores. They look for relationships built on respect, trust, and cooperation. They are incredibly devoted to their people and capable of loving.
Nutrition
Tibetan Terriers were developed in a difficult environment where fasting and feasting were ways of life. Routines like easily digestible gruel (boiled barley flour) and beef broth are part of a traditional Tibetan diet. The leftover gruel was frequently fed to TTs. It is common for TTs to leave some food in their bowls because they are naturally lean creatures that like their meal (they chew it!). In the past, rulers' sumptuous diets caused disease, whereas peasants' diets encouraged long life. In light of this, it is preferable to feed a TT honest food made with actual ingredients and trust him to consume what he requires as opposed to depending on the directions on a feed bag. Leaner dogs are more active, fitter, and full of happy life force.
History
Tibetan Terriers are Tibetan, but they are not true terriers—not by blood, temperament, or job description—so the breed label only does half the job. This essentially Asian dog was hastily given the label “terrier” by Westerners, and the name stuck. TTs are one of the Tibetan dog breeds connected to Buddhist monasteries and the Dalai Lama. They are an ancient breed that was formed in the beautiful solitude of the Lost Valley. Although TTs are most famous for being companions and watchdogs, they have also served as herders and flock guardians throughout their long history.