Basic Information To Know About The Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier (known as the "Tsang Apso" in Tibet) is very much the meaning of their native name - "shaggy dog" - and looks very much like a miniature Old English Sheepdog with a long, shaggy coat that comes in virtually any color. Despite their Western name they are not actually a terrier but rather a member of the non-sporting or utility category. The breed originated more than 2,000 years ago, and was initially bred for the core reason of companionship.

Several of their more distinctive features consist of sensitive and devoted nature as well as their long, shaggy coat that actually sheds very little when properly groomed - which essentially make the Tibetan Terrier a familiar breed for families with older children and allergy sufferers.

The Tibetan Terrier's origins are largely unknown, but first came to be in Tibetan monasteries over 2,000 years ago where they were bred as companionship dogs that could withstand the harsh climate and were occasionally given as good luck charms to keep visitors safe on their travels. Tibetan Terriers were never sold but one female eventually left Tibet with an English doctor as a gift for saving a life. Soon they acquired a male to begin a breeding program, and this is how the Tibetan Terrier came to be introduced to the Western world. Like their relative in the Lhasa Apso, they are believed to have descended from the most ancient of dog breeds.

Tibetan Terriers are classified as a medium to small-sized breed of dog. The suggested standard size for the Tibetan Terrier male and female is 14-17 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 18-30 pounds.

The Tibetan Terrier is renowned for their devoted, sensitive, independent and sometimes mischievous manner. They are usually reserved with guests, but their size can make them unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Tibetan Terrier is also accepted to be highly intelligent - but only rank 62nd compared to other dogs when taking into account their capacity to be taught obedience commands. They are additionally famous to be good with gentle children - making them not the best choice as a family pet with young children who will handle them too roughly. The Tibetan Terrier is sometimes pleasant with other dogs as long as they are socialized well and understand that the human is the pack leader - otherwise they may try to dominate them.

The Tibetan Terrier enjoys a small yard to run around in, but they are quite suitable for living in an apartment if they are given enough exercise.

The Tibetan Terrier is made happy with activities such as agility trials, flyball, running around the yard or even herding. They possess a moderate amount of energy that decreases with age and require exercise each day in the shape of two short walks or outings at different times of the day to ensure they have no excess energy to burn off through destructive behavior or barking.

The Tibetan Terrier could make the perfect breed of dog for a family with older children or even an allergy sufferer due to their non-shedding coat. They are appropriate to anybody who is ready to perform a fairly high amount of grooming and take time to provide them with early socialization with different people and animals and positive obedience training as well as take them on a couple of short daily walks and provide a very high sum of companionship and devotion. Although they might be a bit out of place in households with younger children, if you are capable of meeting their need for love, keeping clean and patient guidance then the Tibetan Terrier could be the ideal dog breed for you.


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