Tibetan Terrier Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

8-14 kg

Height

35- 41 cm

Lifespan

15 years

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About the Tibetan Terrier

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Born in Tibet long ago, a Tibetan terrier dog is not a terrier at all; instead, it is an affectionate and friendly companion dog that is found in Buddhist monasteries where it enjoys the quiet atmosphere and the friendly people. They are not like other pets; they are one of the special dog breeds that exist today.

In the early part of the 20th century, this friendly shaggy-haired dog was brought to Europe, where it was soon bred for family life rather than for dog sports. Watch any cute puppy clip online, and you will see the lovely Tibetan terrier temperament that has become so popular.

What is the history & origin of the Tibetan Terrier?

As their name suggests, Tibetan terriers originate in Tibet, where they were commonly kept as good luck charms, herding dogs, and mascots. It’s not surprising when you discover the friendly and affectionate nature that makes them a perfect pet. They were brought to the West in 1922 by Agnes Greig.

Agnes Greig was a doctor who performed a successful operation in Tibet and was awarded a Tibetan terrier – the breed was not called this at the time! After returning to Europe, she acquired a second dog and began to breed them. The Tibetan terrier was officially named in 1930.

What is a Tibetan Terrier breed?

A Tibetan terrier is recognised by its long shaggy coat and big friendly eyes. Sometimes called ‘The Holy Dog of Tibet,’ this gentle and affectionate creature is commonly found in Buddhist monasteries in the region. Although it’s called a terrier, it is not part of the terrier family.

Terriers are bred for hunting and are considered sport dogs – that is not the case with a Tibetan terrier, which is sensitive, gentle, and calm. However, a Tibetan terrier looks like a terrier with its medium size, shaggy hair and friendly nature. It was named by European visitors.

Who is a Tibetan Terrier best for?

If you’re a first-time dog owner or you want a friendly family pet in a household that also has school-aged children, then a Tibetan terrier is an excellent option. Tibetan terriers are not like other dogs; they were specially bred to be a friendly and affectionate canine long ago in Tibet.

According to the Tibetan terrier club and the American Kennel Club, Tibetan terriers would suit anyone willing to take responsibility for this gentle breed and treat them with respect. If you are introducing a Tibetan terrier dog to your home, it’s best if you have some pup experience.

Tibetan Terrier Grooming & Shedding

By the looks of them, Tibetan terriers should shed a lot of hair, but that is not the case. They shed very little hair; this also makes them well-suited to owners who have allergies. That said, their fur is pretty long and does require regular grooming to keep it nice.

If you don’t groom a Tibetan terrier, the fur will become matted, dirt and grime will start to build up in the hair, and your lovely dog will start to smell bad – not so good for you or them. Give your dog a full coat brushing two or three times a week and a bath every three weeks. If necessary, use a dry shampoo to get rid of the dirt and grime. These dogs have a protective double coat, but you should not bathe them more often as you will be ridding them of natural oils they need for a healthy coat and skin.

Do Tibetan Terriers bark a lot?

A Tibetan terrier is an ancient breed with a deep bark. Regardless of the breeder you buy your pup from, you might have a dog that barks. Often it depends on the personality of the dog, but it sometimes depends on the environment.

If your Tibetan terrier is happy in its home, has plenty of people around for companionship, and is getting enough exercise, you can bet they will be happy and bark less. However, these dogs are sensitive and might bark more regularly than other dogs when unhappy.

What is the average weight & height of a Tibetan Terrier dog?

These friendly dogs are medium-sized with long shaggy hair – that’s probably why they were mistaken as terriers by the first visitors to the region. In general, Tibetan terriers grow to around 35 to 41 cm (15 inches) in height and weigh between 8 and 14 kg (20 and 24 pounds).
The size and weight tend to vary depending on whether your puppy is a purebred or not. Some Tibetan Terriers are considered small.

Are Tibetan Terriers easy to train?

Tibetan terriers are shy dogs that need to be socialised early to prevent any barking issues, but they also have lots of energy and need mental stimulation. Train your dog through positive reward training and regular outdoor exercise where they can meet people and other dogs.

It’s best to train Tibetan terriers when they are young to ensure they grow up healthy and integrated into their life; if you don’t have much experience with training dogs, it’s best to get some advice from reputable breeders or hire a professional trainer, so the dog is well trained. Any person breeding dogs should be responsible for socialising them until they get to six or weight weeks of age.

How do Tibetan Terriers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

A Tibetan terrier is bred to be friendly, loyal, and affectionate, so they might not go bounding after sticks in the park or dig up the garden for fun. These gentle dogs like familiar spaces and people they trust, but they also need a lot of attention in return and have attachment anxiety.

Although Tibetan terrier puppies are gentle and adaptable, they also have a lot of energy and need regular exercise. Under the right conditions, these dogs quickly become another family member but don’t forget to play with them and provide plenty of physical activity as well.

Does the Tibetan Terrier have any common health issues?

Although Tibetan terriers appear to be the perfect dog breed, they have some genetic health conditions you need to be aware of. Consult the national breed club or see the American Kennel Club registered health problems for these dogs.

The conditions include

Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition affecting the hip joint, leading to arthritis.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis: An immune disorder that affects thyroid function.
Eye Problems: Various eye conditions that can affect vision.

Genetic health often depends on the breeder. Besides the aforementioned conditions, this breed is predisposed to cancer and canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Ask your breeder for a health certificate from a vet (for the puppy’s parents).

What is the lifespan of a Tibetan Terrier?

Although this dog is prone to some significant health concerns, a well-bred dog can live up to 15 years. These dogs make ideal family pets because of their personalities and life expectancies; however, it’s worth researching the breed carefully to prevent health issues from occurring. Health problems can be devastating for your dog and family – they can also be expensive.

How much does a Tibetan Terrier need to be fed?

Always feed your dog the best quality food you can find locally or on the internet. High-quality dog food is made from real meat that isn’t processed; this helps to keep your dog healthy. While you might not be able to prevent genetic health problems from occurring, a healthy diet will support their overall well-being. Divide the food into two meals every day and consider biscuits.

How much can you expect to pay for a Tibetan Terrier in Australia?

In Australia, the two best ways to acquire a Tibetan terrier are through a breeder or from a rescue shelter. If you go to a breeder, you know exactly where the Tibetan terrier puppy comes from and will know the medical background better. These dogs cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

The other way to bring a friendly adult dog into your life is to rescue one from a centre. Too many dogs are mistreated or kept in inadequate conditions, so you can give them a better life in a forever home. It’s often cheaper to get a rescue dog as many of the vet fees are covered.

Tibetan Terrier FAQs

Are Tibetan Terriers ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes! Although Tibetan terriers need training in their early life, they have very friendly and affectionate personalities that make them easier to handle than dogs that bark a lot and don’t like people. That said, you still need to pay close attention to their training while they’re young to make sure they adapt properly. First-time owners should seek some help.

How long can a Tibetan Terrier be left alone?

This breed of dog is extremely social and suffers from separation anxiety, so if you need to leave your dog at home for long stretches through the day, don’t choose a Tibetan terrier dog breed. If this dog doesn’t know where you are, they will become distressed quickly and start barking; on the other hand, if you have a busy home, this dog breed will always feel comfortable and secure.

Are Tibetan Terriers hypoallergenic dogs?

Yes! It seems as though this dog breed has it all if you want a companion for your home, and it gets better when it comes to allergies. Although the dog breed has long, shaggy hair, it doesn’t shed, so as long as you keep it well-groomed, you should have very few issues with allergies.

Is a Tibetan Terrier the same as a Lhasa Apso?

No! Although a Lhasa Apso is very similar to a Tibetan terrier, they are different breeds. The main difference is that a Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed, and Tibetans are medium-sized dogs.