Tibetan Terriers aren’t really terriers, but are from Tibet! These intelligent, perceptive, lively, happy dogs make great companions and love family life.
Tibetan Terriers (TT's) are sturdy, robust medium sized dogs that originated in Tibet and were bred to withstand the harsh weather and tough terrain experienced high up in the Himalayas. They are non-sporting dogs classed as utility dogs. They were kept by monks and nomads who used them to help herd their animals, to warn of dangers approaching and to act as companions for the shepherds. They weren’t seen in the UK until the 1920’s.
They are good-natured, alert and highly trainable, but with an independent streak, so they need to see there is a good reason to do something! They are not at all aggressive, have well developed personalities with a good sense of humour and a positive outlook. They love their people but are not overly affectionate with strangers. They make a good family pet, but do need regular grooming.
Pet profile
An intelligent, happy, resilient medium sized hypoallergenic dog with a long, thick, double layered coat that ideally needs daily grooming even when kept short.
- Medium sized 35 - 41cm tall (14 – 16 inches at the shoulder)
- 8 - 14 KG (17.6 – 30.8 Ibs)
- Life expectancy: 12 -15 years
Exercise and nutrition
Tibetan Terriers have a zest for life and love to play and spend time with their people. They are intelligent and are trainable but do have an independent streak and can be strong willed. Training with positive reinforcement and treats is a good idea! Fully grown they will need 30-60 minutes exercise every day and regular play sessions so having a medium sized garden is good for them. It’s not ideal to leave them out in the garden on their own for long periods as a bored TT can become a barker or an escape artist, as they are very capable jumpers!
The puppies are lively and energetic, as all puppies are, and need to be socialised so they meet all kinds of people and other dogs while young to ensure they become a well-rounded dog.
They don’t like been left alone for long periods, preferring company, so getting them used to periods of time alone early on is important if you are going to be able to get on with other things!
When you first bring your puppy home the breeder should give you a feeding plan so you an ensure you carry on feeding in the way they are used to. If you want to change their food, make any change gradually, so you don’t upset their tummy.
Once fully grown they need 2 smallish meals of high-quality dog food a day. The amount of food will depend on his size, activity levels and metabolism, so follow the guidelines from the food manufacturer and monitor their weight carefully.
Common health problems and illnesses
Make sure that you buy your Tibetan Terrier puppy from a reputable, licensed breeder who screens their breeding dogs for hereditary diseases. This is the best way to ensure your puppy is healthy. TT’s are a generally a robust and healthy breed but there are some conditions you should ask your breeder if they have screened for. This information is not designed to replace a vet consultation so if you ever think your dog is ill please consult your vet immediately.
To ensure your lovely Tibetan Terrier has the best health care if they have an accident, or fall ill, take out dog insurance while your puppy is young, before they develop any health issues.
This is an inherited degenerative condition of the eyes where the rods cells in the retina deteriorate over time causing a progressive loss of vision and ultimately, blindness. There is a second variant of the condition called PRA rcd4 which is a late onset version of the condition, typically occurring in dogs aged around 10 years, which affects the rods and the cones in the retina. It occurs in both eyes simultaneously. The first signs are usually a loss of night vision. You might notice that your dog’s pupils are dilated and that the eyes reflect more light, shining in the darkness. Blind dogs can survive perfectly well, depending on their other senses, but it is best to buy a puppy whose parents have been DNA screened so you know your puppy won’t develop this condition.
If you suspect your dog has PRA take them to your vet for a diagnosis as soon as you can.
This is another inherited condition that effects the eyes causing the lens to be improperly positioned in the eye, become loose and move within the eyeball causing issues. The amount of displacement can vary, and in some cases might be treatable but in severe cases the affected eye may need to be removed.
Symptoms are a swollen, reddened eye, iris trembling or lens trembling. If the lens slips forward between the iris and cornea the condition can be painful and dangerous.
If you think your dog might have problems with his eyes take him to your vet as soon as possible for a full diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is another inherited condition which causes degeneration of the central nervous system. It can become apparent around the age of 4-6 years in dogs that have been passed the genetic mutation by both parents. Dogs suffering this condition can become aggressive, nervous or anxious and loose the ability to remain house trained. Affected dogs become uncoordinated and can stumble with their lack of coordination becoming progressively worse. They can find going up and down stairs or jumping increasingly difficult. Their vision can be affected and they can have seizures.
There are DNA tests available for this condition so make sure your puppies parents have been screened for the recessive gene that causes this condition.
If you think your dog might be affected with this serious condition, seek a full diagnosis from your vet as soon as possible.
Fun facts
- Lord Grantham of Downton Abbey may have Labradors but the man behind the character, actor Hugh Bonneville has lost his heart to 2 TT’s; Teddy and Sasha. His Instagram profile is full of their pictures! (bonhughbon)
- Clare Balding is a fan too, sharing her life with wife Alice and black and white TT called Archie. He loves travelling in the car and accompanies Clare to the Radio 2 studio and on her Radio 4 yomps across the British countryside.
- TT’s love to climb, probably because of their mountain heritage, and tend to gravitate towards the backs of sofa’s. They have been known to climb ladders and somehow get onto shed roofs!
- The first Tibetan Terrier in Britain was owned by Dr A.R.H. Greig. She was given the female puppy called Bunti as a thank you for saving a Tibetan patient, while working on the Indian Tibetan border.
- In Tibet, Tibetan Terriers were thought to bring luck and so were often given as gifts, but never sold.
