Origin
This is an ancient breed that has contributed to the development of all other Tibetan breeds, including the Shih-Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and the Tibetan Spaniel. The TIbetan Terrier is not actually a terrier at all. They were originally kept by Tibetan Monks almost 2,000 years ago and were considered good luck charms. The monks refused to sell them, but often gave them as gifts. In the 1920's a Dr. A.R.H. Greig of England was working for Women’s Medical Service of India and was given two of these dogs, one by a patient for performing a successful operation and the other by the Dalai Lama himself. Dr. Greig bred the two dogs and brought three of them back home with her where she continued to breed them, establishing a Tibetan Terrier kennel in England. The dogs were originally registered as Lhasa Terriers. In 1930 the Indian Kennel Club changed the name of the breed to Tibetan Terrier
Description
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized squarely proportioned dog. The head is medium in size with a moderate stop. The nose is black. The teeth meet in a scissors, reverse scissors or level bite. A reversed scissors bite is where the inner surface of the lower teeth touches the outer surface of the upper teeth. The dark brown eyes are large and wide-set. The V-shaped ears are pendant, hanging beside the head. The topline is level and the chest has a brisket that extends down to the top of the elbows. The tail is well-feathered, curling up over the back. The back legs are slightly longer than the front legs.
| Size | Medium |
| Colour | The double coat has a soft, woolly undercoat with a long, straight to wavy fine, profuse outer coat. The coat comes in all colors and patterns. |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Weight/Height Range | Dogs and bitches should measure between 36 - 43cms and weigh around 8.2 - 13.8kgs. |
| Ailments | This breed can be very flea sensitive. |
Feeding & Ownership
Tibetan Terriers is not a picky eater and can be fed dry food once or twice a day. They do have a tendency to become overweight, so do watch the amount of food they are given.
| Food Cost | $10 to $15 |
Personality
A brave, intelligent, dedicated, medium-sized dog. Sweet, loving and gentle, the Tibetan Terrier is lively, mild, and fun, with great agility as well as endurance. This breed's bark is deep like a rising siren. While they do make a good watch dog, Will do well with children.
| Intelligence | The Skye Terriers are an intelligent terrier but can be a bit stubborn like most terriers. Training is relatively easy but owners must be consistent and firm. They can be quite dominant over other dogs so should be properly socialised as puppies. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | Medium |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | The Tibetan Terrier has lots of energy and the dog should have regular opportunities to run. In addition, they need to be taken on long daily walks. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Medium |
| Ease of Transportation | Medium |
| Level of Aggression | Medium |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Grooming
The Tibetan Terrier requires an extensive amount of grooming and should be brushed every 2-3 days to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Never brush a dry coat; mist it with conditioner and water to ease brushing. Pay extra attention beneath the leg joints, the beard, and the hindquarters. The dog should be given regular baths - once every week or two. Remove excess hair from the ear passages. Clip any build-up of hair between pads of the feet.
| Grooming Requirements | Twice a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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