Tibetan Terrier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Tibetan Terrier?

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 - it 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.

Who are Tibetan Terrier dogs 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 friendly and affectionate company 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.

How much grooming does a Tibetan Terrier need?

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 brush two or three times a week and a bath every one or two weeks.

Do Tibetan Terrier bark much?

A Tibetan terrier is an ancient breed of dog with deep bark and a double coat. Regardless of the breeder you buy from or the person breeding dogs, 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 it for companionship, and is getting enough exercise, you can bet it will be happy and bark less. However, these dogs are sensitive and might bark more regularly than other dogs when unhappy.

Do Tibetan Terrier bite?

Like other dogs, a Tibetan terrier might bite from time to time, especially if they are not socialised properly, or they don't get what they need from their environment, but it's important not to punish them for it. Instead, ignore them. These dogs are intelligent and will learn that withdrawing affection is the punishment they receive for bad behaviour such as biting.

What is the temperament & personality of a Tibetan Terrier?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Tibetan Terrier?

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 15 inches in height and weigh between twenty and twenty-four pounds. Of course, the size and weight depend on the breed, and some of these dogs would be considered small dogs.

How much training does a Tibetan Terrier need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Tibetan Terrier?

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, autoimmune thyroiditis, and eye problems; again, genetic health often depends on the breeder.

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 should you feed a Tibetan Terrier?

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.

What is the price of 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 $1000 and $2000.

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 new forever home. It's often cheaper to buy a rescue dog as many of the vet fees are covered.