Tibetan Terrier

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Club: Tibetan Terrier Club of America, Inc.

Secretary : Stacey La Forge
Address: 87 Pleasantview Ave, New Providence, NJ , 07974--253
Website: www.ttca-online.org
Email: zokiji@aol.com; also laforge-gross@comcast.net
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog, profusely coated, of powerful build, and square in proportion. A fall of hair covers the eyes and foreface. The well-feathered tail curls up and falls forward over the back. The feet are large, flat, and round in shape producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction. The Tibetan Terrier is well balanced and capable of both strong and efficient movement. The Tibetan Terrier is shown as naturally as possible.

Size:

Average weight is 20 to 24 pounds, but the weight range may be 18 to 30 pounds. Proportion of weight to height is far more important than specific weight and should reflect a well-balanced square dog. The average height in dogs is 15 to 16 inches, bitches slightly smaller. The length, measured from the point of shoulder to the root of tail, is equal to the height measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground. Faults --Any height above 17 inches or below 14 inches.

Coat:

Double coat. Undercoat is soft and woolly. Outer coat is profuse and fine but never silky or woolly. May be wavy or straight. Coat is long but should not hang to the ground. When standing on a hard surface an area of light should be seen under the dog. The coat of puppies is shorter, single and often has a softer texture than that of adults. A natural part is often present over the neck and back.

Temperament:

The Tibetan Terrier is highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and affectionate. The breed may be cautious or reserved.

History:

Tibetan Terriers came from the land of Tibet where, they were bred and raised in the monasteries by the Lamas almost 2,000 years ago. Originating in the Lost Valley ("lost" when the access road was destroyed in the 14th century by a major earthquake) they were prized as companions and "Luck Bringers" or "Holy Dogs" for those fortunate enough to own them. The breed was called "terrier" because it was of a size widely associated with terriers. The occasional visitor to the Lost Valley who made the hazardous journey was often given a dog to safeguard him on the return trip to the outside world. In the 1920s a practicing physician was given a dog by a grateful Tibetan whose wife he had treated. When the physician returned to England, she established a famous kennel.

The first "official" Tibetan Terrier arrived in the United States in 1956, an import from the above kennel and since then, the breed has attracted fanciers from Canada to Florida, and from coast to coast. Tibetan Terriers were valued in Tibet as companions, and were treated like children of the family. Like the children, they eagerly assisted in taking care of the family's property, their flocks, and their herds, but they were not raised for utilitarian purposes. The breed was kept pure-bred, as any mismating might bring bad luck to the family and might even be blamed for any village misfortune.

The Tibetan Terrier was admitted to registration in The American Kennel Club Stud Book on May 1, 1973, and to regular show classification in the Non-Sporting Group at AKC shows October 3, 1973.

Fun Facts:

• The Tibetan Terrier originated in Tibet.
  
  
• The Tibetan Terrier, along with the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Spaniel, is one of three native Tibetan breeds in the Non-Sporting group.
  
  
• The Tibetan Terrier was bred and raised in monastaries by lamas almost 2000 years ago.
  
  
• Tibetan Terriers are native to the Lost Valley of Tibet, where they were prized companions and "luck bringers" for those fortunate enough to own them.
  
  
• The first "official" Tibetan Terrier was brought to the US in 1956.
  
  
• The Tibetan Terrier is not actually a "terrier", but was dubbed that because of his terrier size.