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Tibetan Terrier Puppies
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Tibetan Terrier
It is believed by many that the Tibetan Terrier origins began over two thousand years ago, in the Lost Valley of Tibet in the Himalayan Mountains. According to legend, they were raised in the monasteries by lamas or Tibetan priests, hence the name "Holy Dog of Tibet." For centuries, these hardy and devoted companions acquired great endurance to survive in their native mountainous terrain. They were used by monks as companion, guardian and herding dogs.
Nomad traders also used them as watchdogs when traveling to and from China. The compact size and unique foot structure of the Tibetan Terrier, which produces a snowshoe effect, permitted movement over snow and terrain inaccessible to man.
 Despite his name, the Tibetan Terrier is not terrier-like in either mind or body and he does not "go to the earth" as terriers do. Instead, his behavior is more characteristic of a sheep dog. Agile, alert and very intelligent, the Tibetan Terrier is not particularly friendly towards strangers which is typical of all Tibetan breeds.
Many Tibetans treasured Tibetan Terriers as a symbol of good luck. They never sold their dogs. Instead, they were given as gifts to those who were about to undertake a long and dangerous journey. These dogs were also called "lion dogs" since their beard, mane, tail and shaggy coat resemble the snow-lion.
The first Tibetan Terrier introduced to the Western world belonged to Dr. Agnes R.H. Greig who was working in a hospital in India. She was given a Tibetan Terrier puppy as a present for saving the life of a sick Tibetan woman. In the 1930s she started a kennel named "Lamleh". Tibetan Terriers bred in this kennel became the foundation stock of most present Tibetan Terriers.
The Tibetan Terrier is a great family pet that is always happy to see you and to be close to you. TT Puppies are very enthusiastic and playful. Adult Tibetan Terriers have a charming disposition but will take time accepting strangers.
Photo courtesy of Khatakhyi
Tibetan Terrier Puppies for Sale
Tibetan Terrier Breed Outline
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FCI Official Name: | Tibetan Terrier |
| AKC Name: | Tibetan Terrier |
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Other Names: | TT, Tibetan |
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Country of Origin: | Tibet (Patronage - Great Britain) |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs. Section 5 - Tibetan breeds.
Without working trial. |
| Utilization: |
Companion Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Non-Sporting Group |
| Size: | Medium |
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Height: | 14-16 inches at shoulders |
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Colors: |
Any color except chocolate or liver is acceptable. White, golden, cream, grey or smoke, black, parti-color and tricolors are the most common colors in this breed. |
| Average Litter Size: | 4 |
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Life Span: | 12-14 years |
| Personality: | Lively, loyal, happy, outgoing and playful. |
| Grooming Requirements: |
The Tibetan Terrier's long profuse coat needs regular grooming. Brush and comb at least once a week to make sure that the coat is tangle-free. |
| Shedding: | They shed their thick woolly undercoat once a year and their wavy or straight overcoat about once in three years. |
| Social skills: |
He is very sociable and gets along with everyone. The Tibetan Terrier is never aggressive, but will keep strangers at a distance which is typical of all Tibetan breeds. |
| Suitability for Children: | Tibetan Terriers are usually good with children. |
| Exercise Needs: | The Tibetan Terriers like to run off leash and are most happy when you take them for long walks in the woods. They will also adapt very well to life in an apartment as long as they get enough exercise. |
| Train Ability: | Please bear in mind that this is a sheep dog that was bred and trained for centuries to be a working dog. He is willing to learn and easy to train, but needs firm and consistent approach. First-time owners may be challenged by this strong-willed fellow. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | The Tibetan Terrier is a very hardy breed and dedicated breeders have striven to seek out and eliminate any hereditary problems. All Tibetan Terriers used for breeding must be tested for eye disorders (Cataracts, Lens luxation, Progressive retinal atrophy [PRA] and Retinal dysplasia).
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that now occurs very rarely in the breed (thanks to efficient testing)
- Lens luxation Lens luxation causes extreme pain and comes about when the lens of the eye becomes displaced from its usual position. Ultimately blindness results.
- Neuronal Ceroid lipofuscinosis (also called Batten disease) is a condition when ceroid is deposited in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the retina causing blindness and neurological signs such as sezures, poor movement coordination, tremors and hypermetric gait.
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