THE TIBETAN TERRIER

In Tibet, these shaggy little dogs are thought to be luck bringers and peacemakers. To be given a Tibetan Terrier is thought to be a valuable present. Contrary to the name ‘terrier’, these dogs are really herding dogs. They are intelligent, quite stubborn and have a clownish temperament.
The ever-growing popularity of TTs makes breeders worry about the future of the wonderful breed. Up until now, the breed managed to keep its authentic beauty, health and unique personality, but there is a worry that due to their look and ideal size they may become ‘fashion items’.
The history of the Tibetan Terrier is quite mysterious and goes a long way back. Some 2500 years ago, dogs similar to today’s Tibetan Terriers already existed in the Himalayan mountains, and we came across the first mention of ‘Apsos’ cca. 800 B.C. 
The word ‘Apso’ stands for ‘hairy’ or ‘covered with hair.’ Highlanders in the Himalayan mountains kept these little apsos together with larger Tibetan dogs, mainly as herding dogs. It is probably these quadratic Apsos who became the ancestors of the Tibetan Terriers.  A longer and smaller variation of this ancient Tibetan dog is the Lhasa Apso, which was bred in Tibetan monasteries. As the nomadic tribes paid little attention to breeding a great variation in size   and colour appeared.

Due to the Tibetan Buddhist belief of reincarnation, the killing of animals is forbidden, and because these little dogs were also believed to be luck bringers, they were hardly ever sold, rather, given as presents, tokens. Chronicles from the Chinese Tang Dynasty mention than giving a present is a mean to express peaceful intentions. The little apsos were also often called peace bringers. There was some sort of trading of animals between monasteries and the nomads: the herding tribes probably gave small, white or gold colour puppies to the monasteries in return for the larger apsos they could use for herding or guarding their flock. In Europe, the first mention of small, golden colour dog comes from Marco Polo who mentions dogs in Tibet that look like the ‘Lions of Khan’.
Yet, these small ragged dogs only appeared in Europe in the 20th century.

The Tibetan Terrier breed:  1934

It was Sir Lionel Jacob who wrote the first standard of the “Lhasa Terrier” and some years later Dr Agnes Grieg founded the first Tibetan Terrier kennel. Dr Agnes Grieg obtained her first TT in India (where she practiced in a woman’s hospital) from a wealthy Tibetan merchant after she carried out a successful operation on the man’s wife. On her return to England in 1930-ban, Dr. Grieg took her foundation Tibetan Terriers with her and started a breeding program first under the kennel name Ladakh then Lamleh. In 1934, the Kennel Club appointed the Tibetan Breed Association to write up the standards of two breeds, the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Terrier as two separate breeds.

Tibetan Terriers are becoming more and more popular as companion dogs. They are very attached to their owners and don’t like to be left in the house on their own. You can take your TT with you almost anywhere you go, as he will be happy to take part in your activities.
TTs love children, so you can take them with you to school trips, excursions, camping or long walks. Tibetan Terriers have the perfect temperament for sports like Agility. Your Tibetan will never be your ‘humble servant’, but you must be consistent in training or else this highly intelligent dog will boss over you and do as he pleases.
Patience and an empathetic approach are key factors in raising your puppy. Don’t forget that although these dogs appear in the Companion section in the show ring, they are still utility dogs originally, so they like carrying out small tasks in the family.

They are keen and fast learners, they love to perform and like to be the clown, making their owners laugh with a little performance every now and then. Do catch a glimpse of the sweet face under the big coat, and you surely burst out laughing.
There is a ‘threat’ that you will soon become the victim of their sweet personalities, as most Tibetans easily obtain the highest ranks of the family pack due to their charm.

Tibetans having originated from Himalayan herding dogs, are fantastic climbers, some are said to be able to climb trees. Those with gardens, make sure your fence is high enough! Tibetans are also fantastic sentinel dogs, they guard the house and the garden, and can bark quite a bit, especially at strangers, but these brave little bears will never be aggressive. They don’t bark without reason, and they are very relaxed and calm indoors. They can get along with other TTs and pets very well. They are curious, but may be a little reserved with strangers. Main characteristics apart, each and every one of them have different personality traits.  Just an example: some, but not all Tibetans like water and mud, others prefer to walk around paddles like spoilt little princes and princesses to avoid water or mud on their precious coat.

For potential owners: make sure you brush and groom regularly to avoid matting. Those who can appreciate these quite stubborn little dogs and can devote themselves to regular grooming will have the benefit of a great companion.