Dog Breeds - Tibetan Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a dog breed is likely to exhibit toward family members or familiar individuals can vary significantly from one breed to another. Certain breeds may display a discerning nature reserving their affection solely for their primary caregiver. Others, however are more gregarious extending their warmth and friendly demeanor to virtually everyone they become acquainted with often treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree to which a dog breed tolerates and exhibits patience with children's behavior and its overall suitability for family life can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are renowned for their gentle demeanor and enduring patience making them natural companions for lively households with children. These breeds tend to be more forgiving of a child's unpredictable behavior and may bond deeply with all family members.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The predisposition of a dog breed towards friendliness with other canines can vary widely. While some breeds are inherently sociable and may seamlessly integrate into a pack easily making friends both within the household and in social settings other breeds may carry a more reserved or dominant temperament that necessitates careful, supervised introductions when meeting new dogs. It's important to remember that regardless of breed tendencies each dog is an individual and experiences with other dogs will also be shaped by their unique personality socialization history and training.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur that a dog breed leaves behind, commonly referred to as shedding, can substantially differ across breeds. High-shedding breeds will naturally drop a significant amount of hair around the home, which translates to more frequent brushing to manage their loose fur and minimize the spread. These breeds might also be more likely to trigger allergies related to pet dander and would demand more rigorous cleaning routines including regular vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep hair off clothing and furniture.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Consider the grooming schedule for a breed including how often they'll need baths, brush-outs, trims, or other types of coat care. When you're weighing up the grooming demands think about the amount of time you can dedicate your willingness to stick with the routine and your finances to cover these grooming needs. And don’t forget irrespective of the breed regular nail clipping is a must for all.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Consider the tendency of a breed to drool. For those who prefer a tidier environment pups known to dangle strands of drool across your arm or leave sizable damp patches on your attire might not mesh well with your lifestyle.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Long

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Think about how receptive a breed typically is to unfamiliar faces. Certain breeds may naturally be more restrained or wary when they encounter strangers no matter the setting. On the flip side there are breeds that eagerly look forward to greeting a new person every chance they get!
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Contemplate the likelihood of a breed maintaining its zest for playtime well beyond its puppy years. While some breeds may never outgrow their love for a spirited game of tug-of-war or fetch as they age others might prefer to simply lounge on the sofa and enjoy your company as their main form of leisure.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Reflect on a breed's instinct to notify you about the presence of strangers. Breeds with this trait tend to respond to perceived threats from the mail carrier approaching the door to a squirrel scampering near the window. These same breeds often grow more welcoming to new people who are welcomed into the home by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Reflect on a breed's adaptability to change. This encompasses shifts in living environments, fluctuations in noise levels, different weather conditions, alterations in daily routines and other everyday life variations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Consider the trainability of your dog and their eagerness to embrace new lessons. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and relish in learning new commands, while others exercise more independence following their own whims whenever and wherever they choose!
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Ponder the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires. High-energy breeds are always on the go, bursting with enthusiasm for whatever escapade comes next. They joyfully spend their days romping, leaping and engaging in play. In contrast low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes—content to laze around and indulge in long naps.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Reflect on how vocal a breed tends to be, through barking or howling. Some breeds announce every passerby or avian visitor at the window with a bark while others reserve their vocal expressions for specific scenarios. There are also breeds that don't bark much at all but might use a variety of other sounds to communicate their thoughts and feelings.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Breeds that have been developed for specific tasks may crave activities that necessitate critical thinking problem-solving and focus. If these dogs are not provided with sufficient mental stimulation they are likely to take the initiative to design their own intellectually engaging activities which may not align with what you would prefer they do. This is why it's important to engage such breeds with training, interactive play and work-like tasks that can help prevent undesirable behaviors born out of boredom or frustration.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a dog breed is likely to exhibit toward family members or familiar individuals can vary significantly from one breed to another. Certain breeds may display a discerning nature reserving their affection solely for their primary caregiver. Others, however are more gregarious extending their warmth and friendly demeanor to virtually everyone they become acquainted with often treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree to which a dog breed tolerates and exhibits patience with children's behavior and its overall suitability for family life can vary among different breeds. Some breeds are renowned for their gentle demeanor and enduring patience making them natural companions for lively households with children. These breeds tend to be more forgiving of a child's unpredictable behavior and may bond deeply with all family members.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The predisposition of a dog breed towards friendliness with other canines can vary widely. While some breeds are inherently sociable and may seamlessly integrate into a pack easily making friends both within the household and in social settings other breeds may carry a more reserved or dominant temperament that necessitates careful, supervised introductions when meeting new dogs. It's important to remember that regardless of breed tendencies each dog is an individual and experiences with other dogs will also be shaped by their unique personality socialization history and training.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur that a dog breed leaves behind, commonly referred to as shedding, can substantially differ across breeds. High-shedding breeds will naturally drop a significant amount of hair around the home, which translates to more frequent brushing to manage their loose fur and minimize the spread. These breeds might also be more likely to trigger allergies related to pet dander and would demand more rigorous cleaning routines including regular vacuuming and the use of lint rollers to keep hair off clothing and furniture.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Consider the grooming schedule for a breed including how often they'll need baths, brush-outs, trims, or other types of coat care. When you're weighing up the grooming demands think about the amount of time you can dedicate your willingness to stick with the routine and your finances to cover these grooming needs. And don’t forget irrespective of the breed regular nail clipping is a must for all.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Consider the tendency of a breed to drool. For those who prefer a tidier environment pups known to dangle strands of drool across your arm or leave sizable damp patches on your attire might not mesh well with your lifestyle.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Long

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Think about how receptive a breed typically is to unfamiliar faces. Certain breeds may naturally be more restrained or wary when they encounter strangers no matter the setting. On the flip side there are breeds that eagerly look forward to greeting a new person every chance they get!

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Contemplate the likelihood of a breed maintaining its zest for playtime well beyond its puppy years. While some breeds may never outgrow their love for a spirited game of tug-of-war or fetch as they age others might prefer to simply lounge on the sofa and enjoy your company as their main form of leisure.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Reflect on a breed's instinct to notify you about the presence of strangers. Breeds with this trait tend to respond to perceived threats from the mail carrier approaching the door to a squirrel scampering near the window. These same breeds often grow more welcoming to new people who are welcomed into the home by their family members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Reflect on a breed's adaptability to change. This encompasses shifts in living environments, fluctuations in noise levels, different weather conditions, alterations in daily routines and other everyday life variations.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Consider the trainability of your dog and their eagerness to embrace new lessons. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and relish in learning new commands, while others exercise more independence following their own whims whenever and wherever they choose!

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Ponder the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires. High-energy breeds are always on the go, bursting with enthusiasm for whatever escapade comes next. They joyfully spend their days romping, leaping and engaging in play. In contrast low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes—content to laze around and indulge in long naps.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Breeds that have been developed for specific tasks may crave activities that necessitate critical thinking problem-solving and focus. If these dogs are not provided with sufficient mental stimulation they are likely to take the initiative to design their own intellectually engaging activities which may not align with what you would prefer they do. This is why it's important to engage such breeds with training, interactive play and work-like tasks that can help prevent undesirable behaviors born out of boredom or frustration.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Black & White	019
Black White & Gold	032
White & Gold	208
Gold & White	092
Golden Brindle	096
White	199
White & Black	202
Sable	164
Brindle	057
Gold	091
Black & Gold	234
Brown & White	063
Silver	176
Silver & Black	177
Silver & White	182
Brindle & White	059
Brown	061
Fawn	082
Fawn & White	086
Gray	100
Red	140
Black & Brown	009
Black & White Brindle	020
Black Brown & White	022
Sable & White	165
Gray & White	105
Red & White	146
Red Brindle	148
Black & Brindle	008

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014
Black Markings	002
Black Points	019
Black Mask	004
Ticked	013
Sable	026

About The Breed

The Tibetan terrier treasured as the 'Holy Dog of Tibet,' does indeed boast a storied history of guarding and companionship closely tied to Buddhist monasteries. These dogs are smaller to medium-sized dogs enveloped by a lavish double coat that provides insulation against the harsh Tibetan climate. Their size is manageable, standing around 15 inches at the shoulder, and they normally weigh in from 20 to 24 pounds, making them a comfortable size for many homes. The affectionate, sensitive and intelligent nature of the Tibetan terrier makes it a delightful companion. While they share a resemblance with the Lhasa apso Tibetan Terriers are distinct in their larger build and distinctive feet. Their 'snowshoe' feet are indeed an evolutionary gift, broad and flat to distribute their weight more effectively on snow—much like snowshoes used by humans—aiding in navigation across the rugged, snowy landscapes from which they hail. Their thick, double coat is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a soft wooly layer beneath to keep them warm and a long fine topcoat to protect against the elements. However, that beautiful coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintains its condition. Prospective Tibetan terrier owners should be prepared for a good grooming routine.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A TIBETAN TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Tibetan Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Tibetan Terriers (TTs) are generally known for their vitality and potential to age with dignity. However, there is an understanding that environmental factors can markedly affect the health of any breed that has transitioned from its original habitat to a new one. For TTs, this can mean adapting to different diets and lifestyles that are far from what they originally evolved to thrive on in Tibet. Such changes can potentially lead to health issues more commonly seen in Western canine populations similar to how second-generation human immigrants to Western countries may become more susceptible to certain diseases prevalent in their new environment. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation BAER Testing Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRA3 (Tibetan Terrier & Spaniel Type) (PRA3) - DNA TEST Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tibetan Terrier) (NCL) - DNA Test Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4) - DNA Test

Grooming

	The Tibetan terrier’s native coat is indeed equipped for the rigors of daily life and the diversity of the elements. The undercoat is made of wool which provides resistance to moisture and offers insulation against both cold and heat. The variety in coat textures ranging from soft to hard, also plays a role in how prone the coat is to tangling and matting, translating to different grooming needs across individual dogs. For TT owners who prefer a more active lifestyle that includes their dog, maintaining the coat in a shorter 'puppy cut' can be a practical solution. This helps to minimize the need for constant grooming and could be more manageable for outdoor activities. That said the grooming process with a TT is not merely a means to maintain the coat, but also serves broader, more beneficial purposes. Grooming can significantly reinforce the owner-dog bond by establishing trust and a routine of positive interaction. It is also an excellent opportunity for the owner to train their dog instilling calmness and cooperation. Regular grooming sessions allow owners to monitor their dog's health more closely, as they can check for signs of skin issues, lumps, parasites, or other irregularities that may require veterinary attention.

Exercise

	Tibetan Terriers (TTs) are indeed adaptable companions that relish spending time outdoors with their human families. The breed generally enjoys physical activity and exploration, making them excellent partners for a variety of adventures. Like all breeds, however, there is a range of exercise needs and temperaments within the Tibetan terrier population. Some may be more energetic and require a significant amount of exercise while others may be more laid-back. This variability is where a knowledgeable and experienced breeder can be invaluable. By understanding the individual personalities and activity levels of their puppies, a reputable breeder can match prospective owners with a TT whose exercise drive fits the owner's lifestyle.

Training

	This self-reliant canine variety thrives on quick learning but recoils from monotonous drills and severe techniques. It's best to adopt training strategies that encourage voluntary correct responses. Clicker training sessions are readily accessible and promoting this cooperative training enhances the bond between you and your pet. TTs show great enthusiasm when engaging in tasks such as agility and scent work keen on collaborating closely with their humans striving to add to the family's dynamic. They are creatures of emotion, seeking a companionship grounded in teamwork, confidence and admiration, and they have a boundless potential for affection and fidelity towards their owners.

Nutrition

	Tibetan Terriers have their origins in a rugged terrain known for its cycles of abundance and scarcity, shaping a way of life that fluctuated between the two extremes. In such a traditional setting a typical meal might consist of a nourishing porridge made from cooked barley flour and a sustaining meat broth. These hardy dogs often enjoyed the remnants of this simple porridge as their meal. By nature they possess a lean physique and take relish in savoring their meals, meticulously chewing their food. It's not an uncommon sight to see a Tibetan terrier leave remnants of their meal in their dish.

Historiography

The label for Tibetan Terriers is partially accurate—they hail from Tibet yet they don't quite fit the 'terrier' category by lineage, disposition, or traditional role. The 'terrier' tag was somewhat thoughtlessly assigned to these characteristically Asian canines by Westerners, and it has persisted. Originating from the remote seclusion of the so-called Lost Valley, Tibetan Terriers, commonly referred to as TTs are one of the various breeds linked with Buddhist monasteries and revered by the Dalai Lama. TTs are primarily celebrated for their roles as devoted companions and vigilant guardians but throughout their extensive heritage, they have also served as herders and protectors of livestock.