The "Tibetan" Terrier

Tibetan Terrier History - from the AKC

Tibetan Terriers came from the land of Tibet where, they were bred and raised in the monasteries by the Lamas almost 2,000 years ago. Originating in the Lost Valley ("lost" when the access road was destroyed in the 14th century by a major earthquake) they were prized as companions and "Luck Bringers" or "Holy Dogs" for those fortunate enough to own them. The breed was called "terrier" because it was of a size widely associated with terriers. The occasional visitor to the Lost Valley who made the hazardous journey was often given a dog to safeguard him on the return trip to the outside world. In the 1920s a practicing physician was given a dog by a grateful Tibetan whose wife he had treated. When the physician returned to England, she established a famous kennel.

The first "official" Tibetan Terrier arrived in the United States in 1956, an import from the above kennel and since then, the breed has attracted fanciers from Canada to Florida, and from coast to coast. Tibetan Terriers were valued in Tibet as companions, and were treated like children of the family. Like the children, they eagerly assisted in taking care of the family’s property, their flocks, and their herds, but they were not raised for utilitarian purposes. The breed was kept pure-bred, as any mismating might bring bad luck to the family and might even be blamed for any village misfortune.

The Tibetan Terrier was admitted to registration in The American Kennel Club Stud Book on May 1, 1973, and to regular show classification in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC shows October 3, 1973.

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Tibetan Terrier - From Wikipedia

The Tibetan Terrier is not a member of the terrier group, the name being given to it by European travelers to Tibet who were reminded of terriers from back home when they first encountered the breed. Its origins are uncertain: Some sources claim them to be lucky temple dogs, whereas others place them as farm dogs.

The Tibetan Terrier is a dog with many uses, able to guard, herd, and also be a suitable companion dog. Their utility in Tibet meant that the first examples of the breed available in the west were generally given as gifts, as the Tibetan Terrier, along with other Tibetan breeds, were too valuable to the people who owned them to casually sell. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs.

The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to "shaggy or bearded (apso) dog, from the province of Tsang". Some old travelers' accounts give the name "Dokhi Apso," or "outdoor" Apso, indicating a working dog which lives outdoors. Other "Apso" dogs from Tibet include the smaller and more familiar Lhasa Apso (called the Lhasa Terrier in the early 1900s) and the very rare Do Khyi Apso (bearded Tibetan Mastiff, sometimes considered as a TT/TM cross.)

Recent DNA analysis has concluded that the Tibetan Terrier is descended from the most ancient dog breeds.

Description

History

The Tibetan Terrier - often called the Holy Dog of Tibet - has evolved over hundreds of years of harsh conditions, tempered by the warmth and care of monks high in the Himalayas. The "little people", as they were called, were highly valued as companions to the monks and families who owned them. They were treated like children in the family. Like the children, they eagerly assisted in taking care of the monastery's or family's property, their flocks and herds. Sure footed and reliable, they were sometimes sent to accompany a particularly esteemed traveler on a treacherous mountain journey home. No Tibetan in old Tibet who was fortunate enough to own a Tibetan Terrier would ever sell their dog. The dogs were considered good luck, and no one in their right mind would "sell" part of their luck. Mistreating or mismating a Tibetan Terrier could bring bad luck to the family and even the village. While they were not sold, they were given as gifts. The first Tibetan Terrier to come to Europe came with an English doctor who was given a dog in return for saving someone's life.

Appearance

Tibetan Terrier Puppy
Tibetan Terrier Puppy


Tibetan Terrier PuppyThe appearance of the Tibetan Terrier is that of a powerful, medium sized dog of square proportions, with a shaggy coat. Overall, there should be a feel of balance. Fully grown, he or she should look like a miniaturized Old English Sheepdog.

The head is moderate, with a strong muzzle of medium length, and a skull neither rounded nor flat. The eyes are large, dark, and set fairly far apart. The V-shaped drop ears are well feathered, and should be set high on the sides of the skull. Although the preferred color for the nose is black, in show dogs, they are also sometimes brown.

The body is well muscled and compact. The length of the back should be equal to the height at the withers, giving the breed its typical square look. Height for either sex is 14-16 in, and weight is 18-30 lb. in proportion to the size.

The tail is set high, well feathered, and carried in a curl over the back.

One of the more unusual features of the Tibetan Terrier is the broad, flat feet with hair between the toes. They are ideal for climbing mountains and act as natural snow shoes.

Coat

Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terrier

Tibetans have hair, not fur; as a result, their coat grows continuously and pet animals will require occasional trimming. They do not shed but rather slough hair at a rate similar to that of most humans. The exception is at approximately nine months when puppies slough their entire coat in advance of acquiring their adult coat. The double coat is profuse, with a warm undercoat and a topcoat which has the texture of human hair. It should not be silky or curled, but wavy is acceptable. Long and thick, it is shown natural, but should not be so long as to touch the floor, as is typical in breeds such as the Lhasa Apso or Maltese. A fall of hair covers the face and eyes, but long eyelashes generally prevent hair from getting in the Tibetan Terrier's eyes, and the breed has very good eyesight.

Color

Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terrier

All colors are permissible, barring liver and chocolate, and none are preferred. Gold the rarest. Tibetan Terriers are available in any combination of solid, parti-color, tri-color, brindle or piebald, as long as the nose leather is black and the eyes and eye rims are dark, to be accepted into the overly rigid pageant shows.

Temperament

The temperament has been one of the most attractive aspects of the breed since it was first established. They are amiable and affectionate family dogs, sensitive to their owners and gentle with older children. As is fitting a dog formerly used as a watch dog, they tend to be reserved around strangers, but should never be aggressive nor shy with them.

Suitable for apartment living, the Tibetan is still an energetic and surprisingly strong dog, and needs regular exercise. Their energy level and intelligence is well suited for dog sports such as agility. They are steadfast, determined, and clever, which can lead to them being stubborn. Some dogs of this breed can often be jealous, which can make it hard to live with another pet.

Though not yappy, the Tibetan Terrier has an assertive bark, likened to a rising siren.

Energy Level: moderate to high General Nature: happy, active, lively, intelligent, agile

  • With Children: good if properly introduced, supervised with well behaved children
  • With other pets: generally good
  • With dogs: generally good ,sometimes shy

  • Temperament Notes: charming and loyal, sensitive and intelligent
  • Training requirement: dependent entirely on goals
  • Intelligent and sensitive nature. Training kept interesting and positive will move quickly. This is not a dog that will benefit from force of any form.

Activities

The Tibetan Terrier can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, rally obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking and even herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Tibetan Terriers that exhibit basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.


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