The Tibetan Terrier: Holy Dog of Tibet


The Tibetan Terrier is an ancient dog breed that was first bred in Lamaist monasteries nearly 2,000 years ago.
These hardy little dogs are perfectly equipped to withstand the harsh climate and difficult terrain of their homeland. Medium in size, yet powerfully built and very agile, they have large, flat, round feet that serve as “snowshoes”, when moving through heavy snow. They have a protective double coat, which can be any color or combination of colors, and a fringe of hair that protects the eyes and face from the elements.
Despite the name, the Tibetan is not a true terrier. Known as the “Holy Dogs of Tibet,” they have been cherished by the lamas for thousands of years, serving as companions, herders and watchdogs. They were also believed to bring good luck
If you are thinking of getting a Tibetan Terrier, you’ll be getting a highly intelligent, somewhat mischievous little dog, who loves his family. Tibetans have an uncanny knack of tuning in to the emotions of their owners, making them excellent companion dogs.
Independent and active, the Tibetan responds well to positive training methods and needs daily exercise. The lavish, thick coat requires weekly grooming.
TIBETAN TERRIER FACT FILE |
| Group: Non-sporting Country of origin: Tibet Date of origin: Ancient times Originally bred for: Companion / Watchdog / Herding Current function: Companion Size: Medium Coat length: Long Shedding: No Grooming requirements: Daily Town or Country: Either Ideal home: Small or large house Minimum garden size: Small or medium Exercise requirements: Up to 1 hour per day Lifespan: Over 10 years |
If you enjoyed this page on the Tibetan Terrier, check out some of the other dog breed links below.