Tibetan Terrier Profile

Other Names: Dhokhi Apso and TT.

Country of origin: Tibet

Dog Group Kennel Club: Utility

General appearance:

The Tibetan Terrier has a profuse double coat that protects this breed from harsh climates. The outer coat is long, fine in texture, and can be way or straight. The under coat is dense, soft, and of a wooly texture. The most obvious features of the TT are the profuse coat and unique feet! The feet are large, round and flat providing traction in a snowshoe fashion which gave the breed the necessary grip on the difficult terrain of the mountains. They are a medium sized breed that is powerfully built. Its ears, hidden beneath the heavy coat, are pendulant and dropped.

Colours: Any color or combination of colors, being white, gray, black, golden, with or without tan.

Size:

Bitch          35cm (14") 40cm (16")  

Dog            36cm (14") 41cm (16")  

Weight:

Bitch         9kg (20lbs) 12kg (26lbs)

Dog            10kg (22lbs) 13kg (29lbs)

Temperament:

Although they carry the Terrier name, they have absolutely no Terrier traits. This is a hardy, shaggy, and versatile breed that not only makes a fine companion; but they are also highly capable of guarding, herding, and protecting. TT's are appealing, shaggy little dogs who are devoted to their owners and to children. Tibetan Terriers are persistent, resourceful, and like to have a reminder of their humans around. They can be wary and reserved with strangers, however. Along with intelligence and a good nature, they are loyal and affectionate with family and friends. They are very sensitive and react to their owner's moods, feelings, and emotions. The Tibetan Terrier will get along with children who are considerate and well-behaved.Although they are generally good with other pets, they need to learn to accept cats.

Movement: This is a sturdy, medium-sized, balanced breed, square in outline, moving over the ground with a smooth, effortless stride and a powerful drive.

Care and training:

The Tibetan Terrier requires extensive grooming. They must be combed several times a week to prevent tangles and remove loose hair. The coat must never be dry combed. It is important to mist the coat with conditioner before combing to prevent breakage. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo. Dry shampooing may be done as needed.  The areas around the ears and anus should be kept clean and free from excess hair to prevent
infection. And the eye area too should be checked on a regular basis.

A very trainable breed as long as training is done in a calm, equable manner. They can be strong-willed and stubborn therefore firm, kind handling has the best effect. This breed learns very quickly and is extremely eager to please. They have a self-reliant and independent nature that may lead them to avoid doing things they've already learned. They benefit from early socializations and obedience.

Overall Exercise: 60 - 80 minutes per day.
Whilst this breed does have boundless energy and enjoys regular exercise, they will adapt to a ‘day in’ should family circumstances dictate this. They adore agility and flyball!

Feeding requirements: The TT is not normally a fussy eater, making them an easy breed to feed.

Exercise: Low 

Grooming: Med

Noise: Low

Personal Protection: Medium

Suitability As Guard Dog: High

Level of Aggression: Low

Compatibility With Other Animals: High

Suitablity for Children: Medium

Often docked? No

Average litter: 5 - 8

Life expectancy (yrs): 12 -15

Health issues: Hip dysplasia, lens luxation, hypothyroidism, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and eye diseases.

History: Native to remote sections of the high Himalayas, the Tibetan Terrier is the result of more than 1000 years of natural adaptation to some of the harshest, most variable climate and geography in the world. They are thought to have come from the North KunLun Mountain Dog and the Inner Mongolian Dog, believed to resemble the Russian Owtcharkas. They were used for herding and guarding. They were known to hop down on the backs of sheep into narrow crevices
to aid shepherds, as recorded by Margareta Sundqvist. They worked side by side with the Tibetan Mastiff, alerting them to strangers. The Tibetan Terrier was also used for guarding the monasteries of the Lost Valley. They are believed to be around 2000 years old. This breed was highly regarded and thought to be holy, thus only given as a gift and never sold. They are actually thought to be the progenitors of the Lhasa Apso. They are also thought to be related to the Puli, as the Tibetan Terrier was brought into Europe by the Magyars.