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Tibetan Terrier

You are welcome to print this flyer (back to back works well) to utilize for identification purposes in shelters or rescue efforts.

The Tibetan Terrier is a companion dog, ranging from 14-17 inches from the shoulder to the ground and weighing 18-30 pounds. While there are larger and smaller Tibetan terriers, the average measures about 14-16 inches and weights 22-24 pounds.

Basically, the Tibetan Terrier is a natural breed, with no cutting or cropping. They are square in overall shape and well balanced. They have a one to one head proportion from top of head to eye placement in the same proportion from eye placement to nose leather. Their tail normally is held up over the back, but will drop when they are insecure, unhappy or frightened.

Well-maintained adult Tibetan Terriers have lovely thick double-coats. The outer coat may be wavy or almost straight. It’s not silky or fuzzy. There is a fall of hair over the eyes and a small beard and moustache. Dogs who have not had proper care may be untidy or shaved and clipped down and their coats may be very badly matted through neglect.

The most unique characteristic of the Tibetan Terrier is the unusual foot which is large, rounded and flat. There appears to be no arch in the foot and the pads are strong, thick and tough. Tibetans are often mistaken for a mixed breed dog such as cock a poos or terrier mixes. They are not terriers and do not act as a terrier would.

Teeth in the Tibetan Terrier vary. A good mouth is level, scissors or reverse scissors. Poor mouths are very overshot, very undershot, wry, crooked, or in some cases, contain missing incisors and/or pre-molars.

When loved and cared for, Tibetans have an exceptionally fine temperament. They bond hard to their owners and give a lifetime of devotion. They like children and infants and get along well with other dogs, seeming to prefer larger dogs. They tolerate cats if properly introduced. In fact, they are somewhat catlike in their own behavior. Most Tibetan Terriers are dominant and prefer to be top dog. They have a strong bark and may sing or howl when bored or lonesome.

Tibetan Terriers are agile, with the ability to jump easily. Some are capable of climbing fences or barriers like cats. They have a bouncy quality and often respond to people by jumping up and down with joy. They are wonderful greeters.

Occasionally Tibetan Terriers can be stubborn. They are extremely intelligent and favor their own way. However, they never respond to physical punishment of any sort. Affection, patience, praise and a sense of humor produce good results.

The breed can have hip dysplasia and patella luxation as well as hereditary eye diseases such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy and lens luxation. No Tibetan Terrier with any of these hereditary flaws should be bred.

The Tibetan Terrier is a slow maturing breed. generally with a long pupphood and adolescence. They achieve full maturity at three years or more depending upon the breed line. Their lifespan is long to even 14, 15 or beyond.

For more information go to www.ttca-online.org
Rescue: ttca-online.org or call 417-623-2990