Tibetan Terrier small dog breed
The Tibetan Terrier is not a member of the terrier group, the name being given to it by European travelers to Tibet who were reminded of terriers from back home when they first encountered the breed. Its origins are uncertain: Some sources[who?] claim them to be lucky temple dogs, whereas others[who?] place them as farm dogs.
The Tibetan Terrier is a dog with many uses, able to guard, herd, and also be a suitable companion dog. Their utility in Tibet meant that the first examples of the breed available in the west were generally given as gifts, as the Tibetan Terrier, along with other Tibetan breeds, were too valuable to the people who owned them to casually sell. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs.
The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to "shaggy or bearded (apso) dog, from the province of Tsang". Some old travelers' accounts give the name "Dokhi Apso," or "outdoor" Apso, indicating a working dog which lives outdoors. Other "Apso" dogs from Tibet include the smaller and more familiar Lhasa Apso (called the Lhasa Terrier in the early 1900s) and the very rare Do Khyi Apso (bearded Tibetan Mastiff, sometimes considered as a TT/TM cross.)
Recent DNA analysis has concluded that the Tibetan Terrier is descended from the most ancient dog breeds.
The Tibetan Terrier is a dog with many uses, able to guard, herd, and also be a suitable companion dog. Their utility in Tibet meant that the first examples of the breed available in the west were generally given as gifts, as the Tibetan Terrier, along with other Tibetan breeds, were too valuable to the people who owned them to casually sell. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs.
The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to "shaggy or bearded (apso) dog, from the province of Tsang". Some old travelers' accounts give the name "Dokhi Apso," or "outdoor" Apso, indicating a working dog which lives outdoors. Other "Apso" dogs from Tibet include the smaller and more familiar Lhasa Apso (called the Lhasa Terrier in the early 1900s) and the very rare Do Khyi Apso (bearded Tibetan Mastiff, sometimes considered as a TT/TM cross.)
Recent DNA analysis has concluded that the Tibetan Terrier is descended from the most ancient dog breeds.
History
Tibetan Terrier Dog |
The Tibetan Terrier who has emerged from this special environment is a healthy, bouncy, well-proportioned breed with a gentle, fun temperament. He is highly intelligent, sensitive, and devoted. He is not a hunter, he may or may not be a herder. He is, above all, a companion. As a member of the family, he has few equals - constantly cheerful, wonderful with children, warm and affectionate. He is genuinely interested in your daily goings-on, will involve himself in your life and will soon take a position as a cherished member of your family. If you would like a companion who can think for himself or herself, "laugh" at you when you are wrong and make you laugh when you are sad - one that is beautiful to look at and has a very special history - come and meet a Tibetan Terrier. But be warned. You may never be free of their spell.
Appearance
Cute Tibetan Terrier Dog |
The head is moderate, with a strong muzzle of medium length, and a skull neither rounded nor flat. The eyes are large, dark, and set fairly far apart. The V-shaped drop ears are well feathered, and should be set high on the sides of the skull. The nose is always black, regardless of coat colour.
The body is well muscled and compact. The length of the back should be equal to the height at the withers, giving the breed its typical square look. Height for either sex is 14-16 in (35-41 cm) and weight is 18-30 lb (8–14 kg), with 20-24 lb (9.5–11 kg) preferred, but all weights acceptable if in proportion to the size.
The tail is set high, well feathered, and carried in a curl over the back.
One of the more unusual features of the Tibetan Terrier is the broad, flat feet with hair between the toes. They are ideal for climbing mountains and act as natural snow shoes.
Coat
Brown Tibetan Terrier Dog |
Color
All colors are permissible, barring liver and chocolate, and none are preferred. Tibetan Terriers are available in any combination of solid, particolor, tricolor, brindle or piebald, as long as the nose leather is black and the eyes and eye rims are dark.Temperament
Tibetan Terrier Dog puppy |
Suitable for apartment living, the Tibetan is still an energetic and surprisingly strong dog, and needs regular exercise. Their energy level and intelligence is well suited for dog sports such as agility. They are steadfast, determined, and clever, which can lead to them being stubborn. Some dogs of this breed can often be jealous, which can make it hard to live with another pet.
Though not yappy, the Tibetan Terrier has an assertive bark, likened to a rising siren.
Energy Level:
Black Tibetan Terrier Dog |
- moderate to high General Nature: happy, active, lively, intelligent, agile
- With Children: good if properly introduced, supervised with well behaved children
- With other pets: generally good
- With dogs: generally good
- Socialization requirements: required to help address inclination to shyness to strangers
- Ideal home characteristics: one devoted to regular grooming and care of the coat in addition to other needs
- Temperament Notes: charming and loyal, sensitive and intelligent
- Training requirement: dependent entirely on goals
- Intelligent and sensitive nature. Training kept interesting and positive will move quickly. This is not a dog that will benefit from force of any form.
Health
White Tibetan Terrier Dog with black eyes and ears |
Though an athletic breed that has been bred for a natural look, the Tibetan Terrier is still susceptible to a variety of health problems, especially those related to the eyes and joints.[citation needed] These can include:
* Canine hip dysplasia
* Luxating patella
* Progressive retinal atrophy
* Lens luxation
* Cataracts
Because of that, Tibetan Terrier clubs recommend purchasing from breeders who participate in eye and hip testing, such as the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
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