TIBETIAN TERRIER
APPEARANCE
The Tibetan Terrier is small to medium in size, and has a sturdy build. He has an appealing, eager expression, with dark eyes and a little button nose. The coat of the Tibetan Terrier is long and fine, with a softer undercoat. The outer coat can be wavy or straight. The coloring can vary and these dogs are available in a myriad of colors that include brindle, black, white, gold, and silver, amongst others. The weight of the Tibetan Terrier is around 19-30 pounds, and they reach around 14-17 inches in height.
PERSONALITY
The Tibetan Terrier is a sensitive, responsive breed that is a great family pet. They adore their masters and get along with children as well as other dogs. This breed is polite and friendly but will be aloof with people they’ve never met. It will just take a few meetings for them to warm up and become their affectionate selves! This breed is kind and patient with an easy going attitude and are great for people that enjoy a more laid back lifestyle.
TRAINING
The Tibetan Terrier will need gentle training and a patient owner as they can be quite stubborn. Repetition and consistency are the keys but the training sessions should be short and fun so they are more motivated to learn. If the lessons are enjoyable, the dog will be excited to learn and will pick up the commands at a much quicker rate!
EXERCISE
The Tibetan Terrier will need at least an hour of exercise per day and this should include trips to an off-leash dog park so they can run around, or be taken for regular walks. This breed is fairly energetic and will do best with a backyard to run around in. The Tibetan Terrier will do well in an apartment as long as they get their regular exercise!
SOCIALIZATION
He is small and doesn’t like to be handled roughly, so he is best around older, more gentle children. When it comes to other pets, the Tibetan Terrier will be generally accepting, if a little bossy. These dogs are keen diggers in some cases, so those with gardens that are their pride and joy may want to think twice before opting for this breed. All in all, the Tibetan Terrier makes for a loving and loyal companion as well as an entertaining and devoted pet.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Tibetan Terrier can do well in an apartment as long as it gets regular outdoor exercise even in a small yard.
GROOMING
This breed will need a large amount of grooming to upkeep their coat because it is long and thick. They will need to be brushed at least 3 times per week and bathes should be given once per month.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Tibetan Terrier is around 12-15 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. This includes luxating patella, cataracts, thyroid problems, vWD, HD, and PRA. The parents of the Tibetan Terrier puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
HISTORY
Once considered a symbol of good luck, the Tibetan Terrier was developed in Tibet, where he lived in monasteries. Despite his name he is not actually related to the terrier breed, and was bred for companionship. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1973.
