Tibetan Terrier

A Tibetan terrier could easily be mistaken for a larger version of its cousin, the Lhasa apso. Tibetan terriers have a long, historic association with Buddhist monasteries, and they also have that long front fringe, which frequently obscures their eyes. Despite their name, though, Tibetan terriers are not true terriers; they were not bred to hunt vermin but to guard the monasteries and help nomadic herdsmen tend their flocks. The lamas nicknamed this breed “the Holy Dog.”

Tibetan terriers are medium-sized dogs with a squarish build, though it can be difficult to glimpse their bodies beneath their woolly double coats. They are friendly, energetic dogs who require a fair amount of exercise. Their highly independent natures make it critically important to establish who’s the boss when you first enter into a relationship with a Tibetan terrier. Hint: That boss should be you!

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Tibetan Terrier

History Of The Breed

The Tibetan terrier is a breed that dates back at least 2,000 years in Tibet, where they were bred and raised in monasteries by lamas. They originated in the region of Tibet known as the Lost Valley, and they were considered to be prized companions and for those blessed to own one, they were thought to bring good luck. Which also meant if you mistreated them, misfortune would come your way.

Size And Weight

The Tibetan terrier is a medium-sized dog that stands between 14 and 17 inches high and weighs approximately 18 to 30 pounds. A three-month-old puppy will weigh approximately 7 pounds, while a six-month-old puppy will weigh approximately 14 pounds. These dogs assume their adult heights and weights between the ages of 12 and 14 months. Females are slightly smaller than males.

Common Health Issues

Tibetan terriers were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973 and have been bred in the U.S. ever since. Like all purebred dogs, they’re characterized by a certain amount of inbreeding. Inbreeding may sometimes be associated with hereditary health issues. These health conditions can also be found in dogs that are a mix between Tibetan terriers and another breed. The lifespan of a healthy Tibetan terrier ranges between 15 and 16 years.

Tibetan terriers are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is not a single disease but a collection of disorders, including red cone dysplasia, progressive rod-cone degeneration, photoreceptor dysplasia, and cataracts, that may culminate in degenerative deterioration of the retinal cells. Primary lens luxation, a deterioration of the fibers that hold the lens of the eye in place, is another vision-related issue that affects these dogs. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a condition caused by abnormally high accumulations of lipopigments within the tissues of the body, is also found in members of this breed; symptoms include night blindness, motor abnormalities, and epilepsy. Tibetan terriers may also be affected by canine hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. Additionally, some Tibetan terriers have allergies to dairy and wheat, which can cause them to break out in dermatitis.

There are DNA tests for many of these conditions. Responsible breeders will make sure you’re aware of the potential for these health issues in any Tibetan terrier pup or Tibetan terrier mix you buy from them.

Temperament

Tibetan terriers have a sweet but stubborn temperament. Unless you stay on top of their training, they’re smart enough to try to run your household. Their temperaments and reactions can seem very human in other ways, too. They appreciate relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation. These dogs don’t like to be scolded, and repetitive training bores them. They have unconditional love for the human members of their families, but it can take them a while to warm up to outsiders.

How To Take Care Of Tibetan Terriers

Tibetan terriers are mellow in most respects, but there’s no denying that they have high-maintenance hair both as puppies and as full-grown dogs. Some of these dogs tend to become obese, so it’s important to stick to feeding guidelines. They will also rebel against negative disciplinary routines and unrealistic expectations, so set achievable objectives for your Tibetan terrier pup, and keep your training methods consistent.

The Best Dog Food

Tibetan terriers are naturally lean dogs. They’re unusual among canines in that they don’t typically bolt their food but chew it carefully, and they often leave food in their bowls. The staples of this dog’s diet in its homeland were barley gruel and meat broth. These dogs should not need more than two cups of high-quality dog food a day. If you rely too much on treats as a training incentive, your Tibetan terrier may grow greedy and show a tendency to overeat, which could turn into obesity.

If your Tibetan Terrier shows signs of food allergies, talk to the vet about your dog’s diet, and ask about which allergy-alleviating or limited-ingredient dog food to try.

Maintenance And Grooming

Tibetan terriers need to be combed daily with a metal comb. Their hair is very thick, and if you don’t comb it regularly from root to tip, it will form thick mats that can become a perfect hiding place for fleas, ticks, and doggy hot spots. Always mist your pet’s coat with water and conditioner before you attempt to comb out the tangles. Bathe your pet, too, at least once every two weeks. You’ll need to use a shampoo specially formulated for dogs and a high-end conditioner. Tibetan terriers have double coats that take a long time to dry without help, so consider investing in a dog-safe hair dryer.

If you let it, a Tibetan terrier’s hair can easily reach the ground. This is the basis for the classic Tibetan terrier show cut. Regular trips to a professional groomer will give you other style options. If you’re not showing your dog, a short haircut is more practical. You can count on your Tibetan puppy to get into everything, so he or she may do best with a short hair puppy cut between one and two inches long. Another short haircut between three and five inches preserves your pet’s characteristic hair but makes the daily comb out far less of a chore.

Trim your pet’s nails regularly, too, and get into the habit of brushing his or her teeth at least once a day.

Training

Tibetan terriers will always assume they are the alpha dogs of any pack they’re in unless you demonstrate otherwise. That’s why it’s critically important to begin training your pup as soon as possible. These dogs do not respond well to coercion. Vocal praises and a very occasional treat make the best incentives.

Exercise

Tibetan terriers are active dogs. They should be taken out for at least two long walks every day, and they make excellent jogging partners. If you don’t allow this dog to burn off all its extra energy, your dog may turn to random acts of destruction to amuse itself. This dog is a rover, so apart from the dog park, it’s best to keep him or her on a leash at all times when you’re outside together.

Puppies

Among the lamas of the Tibetan monasteries, a Tibetan terrier puppy was the most highly prized of all gifts. These adorable bundles of fluff are ready to leave their parents and their breeders at around 10 to 12 weeks of age.

Tibetan Terriers And Children

Tibetan terriers love the children they live with, but they tend to be distrustful of strangers, so you should not allow kids your dog doesn’t know to pet your dog. They’re not the best dog for toddlers, either, because when their ears and tails are being pulled, they will do whatever they need to do to make a child stop pulling.

Dogs Similar To Tibetan Terriers

Bearded collies, Shih Tzus, and Havanese are similar to Tibetan terriers.

• Bearded collies: Bearded collies are herding dogs that originally hail from Scotland. At around 22 inches tall and typically weighing between 45 and 55 pounds, they are considerably larger than the Tibetan terrier. Their shaggy facial fringes are similar, though.
• Shih Tzus: Shih Tzus were prized as companion dogs in the imperial courts of China, where they were bred for Chinese royalty. They share ancestry with Tibetan breeds but are primarily associated with China. They’re smaller than Tibetan terriers, and their long hair is much silkier. Their dispositions are also more placid.
• Havanese dogs: Like Tibetan terriers, Havanese dogs are classified as hypoallergenic. The breed originated in Cuba during the 16th century. These dogs are small, but they have that distinctive facial fringe.

Famous Tibetan Terriers

Hugh Bonneville, the actor who plays Lord Grantham in “Downton Abbey,” has two Tibetan terriers named Teddy and Sasha.