General Appearance

The Tibetan Terrier is a beautiful square medium sized dog similar in looks to a miniature Old English Sheepdog. The TT however has a lovely plumed tail curled up over his back. The average TT measures 14 to 16 in at the shoulders with weight relative to it’s size ranging from 18 to 26 lbs. The females may be slightly smaller.

His head resembles a full blooming chrysanthemum with it’s petals cascading over his large expressive brown eyes. The TT has a charming face with great variety of expressions completed by it’s bearded chin.

The TT has a double coat. The undercoat has the texture of fine cashmere wool while the outer coat feels like human hair. The coat may be straight or wavy. He has large round flat snowshoe feet which are quite unusual in the dog world, designed for running, jumping and climbing on snow and ice.

The Tibetan Terrier can be found in many solid, bicolours and tricolours in any one or a mixture of white, black, cream, gold, silver and red. Only the chocolate or liver colours are considered unacceptable in the show ring. The Tibetan Terrier is a powerful and agile mover.

Some TT’s have been known to easily fly or climb over fences, climb trees and have been found walking along very narrow ledges. Some are capable of using their toes to grip objects and use this ability in their climbing.

They like to keep themselves clean using their tongues to wash themselves and sometimes each other and even the family cat. Some have also been reported to use their paws like a feline licking then using them to rub their faces scrupulously clean.

The Tibetan Terrier is a loving and affectionate family dog . They are versatile delightful intelligent companions. They thrive on being with their families and will willingly take part in whatever activity is happening at the moment whether it be a long nap, a hike in the woods or a long canoe trip.

The TT is adaptable to a wide variety of lifestyles as long as he has a human company. TT’s love all their family members and friends sometimes choosing one special person to lavish extra attention on.

They may be wary and watchful of strangers. They are extremely loyal to their owners and are very sound sensitive making them excellent watchdogs. They will protect themselves and their family should the need arise.

They have very engaging personalities and can be quite addictive causing owners of one to often consider adding another and another and another.!

Tibetan Origins

The Tibetan Terrier is believed to have originated in Tibet in Central Asia. They have been known as Dogs of the Lost Valley, The Tibetan Holy Dog and The Himalayan Dog.

We do not know exactly when or where the TT as we know it today began The common belief is tha it has been in existance without change for 2000 years. It is believed to have evolved from dogs in a remote monestary in a lost valley in Tibet

The dogs were highly loved and prized by the holy men called Lamas. Distinguished and revered visitors from far away monestaries were given (never sold ) a dog for companionship and as a watchdog to travel with them on their dangerous and arduous journey home.

They were also useful to retreive articles dropped into deep icy crevices along the trail.