Breed Highlight: Tibetan Terriers

Tibetan Terriers are hardy, muscular dogs with a long, shaggy double coat and big brown eyes. Often affectionately called “TTs” by breed enthusiasts, this name is misleading, as the tagline from the Tibetan Terrier Club of America says, “we are not terriers, but we are from Tibet”. The “terrier” moniker is a modern, western one, given to them based on their appearance as recorded for the first time by a western traveler in 1895. In Tibet they were known as “little people”, and “holy dogs”, as well as Tsang Apso or a Dokhi Apso after the region of their origin {Tibetan Terrier Association of America}.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his Tibetan Terrier, “Senge”. Taken by Bonnie Brock in 1969

Thought to be descended from the enigmatic North KunLun Mountain Dog and the Inner Mongolian Dog of which next to nothing is known, there is extensive research that suggests that Tibetan Terriers are a primitive breed. Tibetan Terriers developed alongside the Lamas in the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet at least 2,000 years ago. These gentle, loyal, and affectionate dogs were kept primarily as companions for the monks, but were also guardians and herders. Their spunky personalities, sturdy bodies, profuse double coats, and snowshoe-like feet made them perfect for scaling the mountains of their rugged environment, and they are known to be very good at retrieving items that are dropped down the steep mountainsides of the Himalayas.

These dogs are from a region of Tibet known as the “Lost Valley,” so-named because an earthquake destroyed access to the valley in the 14th century. Here, Tibetan Terriers were considered family members who worked alongside the children shepherding flocks and guarding the monasteries. In fact, they got their summer haircuts alongside the sheep, and their fur was woven into textiles as well. Today, they can still be found herding sheep in much the same way as they have for the last two millennia.

As highly valued family members, it is considered bad luck to hurt or frighten a Tibetan Terrier, and good luck, or a mark of respect, to receive one as a gift. Because of this, Tibetan tradition dictates that they are only bred or gifted, never bought or sold. Visitors to the Lost Valley were often given Tibetan Terriers to accompany them on their way home, because the journey was so treacherous.

In fact, Tibetan Terriers left their remote beginnings in the Lost Valley as a gift. According to the Tibetan Terrier Club of America, a female puppy named “Bunti” was gifted to the English doctor Agnes Greig in thanks for saving the life of a Tibetan woman. Dr. Grieg fell in love with her puppy, and began to show her at the Indian Kennel Club in Delhi as a new breed in 1922. Bunti was so beloved by the judges, that they told her that she should acquire another for a breeding pair. She acquired a male from Tibet, named “Rajah”, and created her first litter in 1924. She took the dogs back to England with her, and ultimately the English Kennel Club recognized them as a breed in 1937. One of Dr. Greig's female dogs came to America in 1956 with Alice Murphy, named "Gremlin Cortina”, but dubbed “Girlie”. Alice Murphy became a breed enthusiast, later acquiring a breeding male, named “Kalai of Lamleh”, and helped to establish the Tibetan Terrier Club of America in 1957. In 1973 the AKC recognized them as a breed in the Non-Sporting Group. Now there are 14 AKC recognized breeders of Tibetan Terriers, and 9 recognized by the Tibetan Terrier Club of America.

Agnes Greig's dog “Toombay”, photographed in 1930 by Thomas Fall

A medium sized dog, the TTs are about 14-17 inches at the shoulder, and weigh about 18-30 lbs. Their long, double coats can come in a variety of colors, including any combination of black, white, gold, sable, gray, brindle, and golden brindle - any color really except chocolate and liver. They have ringlet curls on their high set tails which curve over their backs. While their fur grows over their brown button eyes, they have long lashes that protect them from getting their hair in their eyes. They rarely shed, and some suggest that they are hypoallergenic, although this is up for debate.

A groomed, breed standard show TT. Notice the high tail and long, smooth coat.

The Tibetan Terrier is a progenitor breed to not only the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu, but also the Tibetan Spaniel and Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Tibetan Terriers are surprisingly sturdy dogs, who are muscular, agile and athletic. They can hike many miles and compete in physical sports, and as long as they can stay cool, they do not tire easily. It is thought that their coats can keep them warm down to -40C in conditions that are not windy, but this can also make it hard for them to be comfortable in warmer climates.

TTs are generally friendly with those they know, including children and other dogs, but are very affectionate with and protective of those within their own family. They are an adaptable dog that is mischievous and clever, silly and sensitive {AKC}. Often called a “large dog in a small dog’s body” their personalities are very outgoing and active. They love to play, but are also very calm and neutral, while also ever watchful and protective. However, it is said that they bark more than most dogs, as is to be expected in dogs bred as watch dogs. In fact, most TTs like to have a spot in the house or yard where they can be on look out, and can be seen performing “sentry duty” when camping or at events, sitting on the edge of the group looking intently toward the woods {TTCA}.

A TT in their element. Photo from the AKC.

Tibetan Terriers make excellent family companions. They are friendly and congenial, both laid back and active. The Purina website succinctly describes them as “clever, alert, and game.” They are great guardians and companions, and while they are reserved with newcomers, they are renowned for their loyalty with loved ones. They require a moderate to high level of exercise, and can become bored without it. It is important to note that while they were bred as guardians and herders, they were most highly prized for their loyalty and companionship. That being said, if they are left alone for too long, a Tibetan Terrier will become anxious and destructive. While they are a sensitive and intelligent breed, they have an independent and mischievous streak that is sometimes called “stubborn” or “willful”, and makes them challenging to train, especially when it comes to toileting. They do best with positive reinforcement training, and when convinced as to “why” they should cooperate.

Importantly, these dogs do need regular grooming, as their profuse double coat is coarse and shaggy, which causes it to mat easily if not maintained. Many people keep them in a short “puppy” or “summer” cut in order to keep them more comfortable in warm climates and for less debris and mats. Tolerant and easy-going, they are normally very compliant to maintenance care, and dogs left with long coats will need to be brushed several times a week.

Windy's dog “Bandit”, with his coat hand trimmed.

In general, the TT is a healthy dog that lives about 12-15 years. They do however need to be monitored for health concerns that can appear within this breed, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, primary lens luxation, hypothyroidism, cancer, cataracts and canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Much of this can be determined ahead of time and avoided through DNA tests of breeding dogs, and/or examination through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

Tibetan Terriers are considered a rare breed, with less than 700 puppies registered with the AKC each year. If you are considering adding one to your home, the Tibetan Terrier Association of America operates a rescue specifically for the breed, while the Tibetan Terrier Club of America has a foundation that helps rescue them, and helps with any health issues they may encounter, in an attempt to keep the breed healthy and vital. There are also recognized breeders listed on the AKC and Tibetan Terrier Club of America websites.