Tibet has given us some amazing dog breeds. The Tibetan Terrier is one of these dog breeds.

The Tibetan Terrier dog bed is such a relatively new dog breed. Many new owners or those considering buying a Tibetan Terrier for their home or family have many questions. We have put together 18 of your top questions about the Tibetan Terrier dog breed and given you the answers to your questions.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Tibetan Terrier: Answering 18 Key Questions About This Unique Breed
  • Is The Tibetan Terrier Actually a Terrier?
  • How Did the Tibetan Terriers Get Their Name?
  • What Dog Group Is the Tibetan Terriers In?
  • What Is Their Name In The Tibetan Language?
  • Are Tibetan Terriers Considered Holy Dogs?
  • Are Tibetan Terriers A Good Luck Charm?
  • When Did They First Come Out of Tibet?
  • When Did The First Tibetan Terrier Arrive in the United States?
  • When did the American Kennel Club recognize the Tibetan Terrier as a breed?
  • How Big Are The Tibetan Terriers?
  • Do Tibetan Terriers Bark A Lot?
  • Are Tibetan Terriers Aggressive?
  • Can A Tibetan Terrier Be Left Alone?
  • Do Tibetan Terriers Do Well In The Cold and Snow?
  • Do Tibetan Terriers Shed Hair?
  • Are Tibetan Terriers Good Family Pets?
  • Are Tibetan Terriers Stubborn?
  • What Is The Average Lifespan of a Tibetan Terrier?
  • Listen To Our Podcast About Tails of Tibet: Answering 18 Questions About Tibetan Terrier Dogs Below or By clicking here.
• Related Questions
  • Is Mongolia Safe To Travel?
  • Mongolia Vs. Inner Mongolia: What Is The Difference

Understanding the Tibetan Terrier: Answering 18 Key Questions About This Unique Breed

Tibet, a land known for its rich cultural heritage, has also gifted the world with some remarkable dog breeds, among which the Tibetan Terrier stands out. This breed, still relatively novel to many, captures the interest of dog enthusiasts and prospective pet owners alike.

With its unique characteristics and growing popularity, the Tibetan Terrier prompts a multitude of questions from those considering this breed as a new addition to their family or home.

Is The Tibetan Terrier Actually a Terrier?

Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a Terrier breed. The Tibetan Terrier is not a Terrier bred by blood, temperament, or job description.

How Did the Tibetan Terriers Get Their Name?

The name Tibetan Terrier came from European travelers who visited Tibet in the 1800s and 1900s and saw the Tibetan Terrier dog bred in the Buddhist Monasteries or out with the herders. They felt the dog looked alike like a terrier, so they called the dog breed “Tibetan Terrier.” But the Tibetan Terrier was not nor ever has been part of the dog terrier group.

What Dog Group Is the Tibetan Terriers In?

The Tibetan Terrier breed is considered to be in the Non-sporting dog group. They are in this same group with several native Tibetan dog breeds, including the Lhasa Apso and Tibetan Spaniel.

What Is Their Name In The Tibetan Language?

The actual Tibetan name for the Tibetan Terrier breed is Tsang Apso, which roughly translates to “shaggy, bearded (apso) or dog. In their writings, some early Western travelers referred to the dog as Dokhi Apso, meaning a dog living mainly outdoors.

Are Tibetan Terriers Considered Holy Dogs?

The Tibetan Terriers were known as the “Holy Dogs of Tibet.” For a long time, the Tibetan Terriers were never sold but were only given as gifts by monks to help promote good fortune.

Like many Tibetan dogs, the Tibetan Terrier has a legend, and this legend is tied to the Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. Tibetan legend has it that the Tibetan Terriers were kept purebred for over 2000 years, and for most of that time, they were never bought or sold but only given away by the monks.

Are Tibetan Terriers A Good Luck Charm?

Tibetan Terrier dogs are considered a good luck charm. In Ancient Tibet, their owners considered them a good luck charm and a mascot, watchdog, herding dog, and companion. They were an important part of the household. The herders also used them to retrieve any articles that may have been lost or fallen down the mountainside.

When Did They First Come Out of Tibet?

The first male and female Tibetan Terriers arrived in Europe in 1922. The first Tibetan Terrier litter was born outside Tibet in England in 1924.

Dr. A.R.H. Greig was in Tibet, and she performed successful surgery on a patient there. For the patient to show gratitude to her, they gave her a Tibetan Terrier. She could get two Tibetan Terriers (male and female) out of Tibet and into England in 1922.

Dr. Greig set up a kennel in England to breed Tibetan Terriers. This first litter of Tibetan Terriers outside Tibet was at first registered as Lhasa Terriers. This was later changed to the name Tibetan Terriers.

When Did The First Tibetan Terrier Arrive in the United States?

The first Tibetan Terrier did not come to the United States until 1956. In 1957, the Tibetan Terrier Club of America was formed soon after the first Tibetan Terriers arrived in the United States.

When did the American Kennel Club recognize the Tibetan Terrier as a breed?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Tibetan Terrier as a breed in 1973. It also classified the Tibetan Terrier as part of the non-sporting group of dogs.

How Big Are The Tibetan Terriers?

The Tibetan Terriers are considered medium-sized dogs with an almost square proportion. The breed can vary a bit in height and weight. Their height will range from 14 – 16″ (35-41 cm), and their weight from 18 – 30 lbs (8 -14 kilos). The average weight is usually about 20-24 lbs or (9.5 – 11 kilos).

As there is a considerable variation in the height and weight of the Tibetan Terrier, the main thing you need to look at is if your dog’s weight is in proportion to its height. It is probably fine if your dog is on the larger side, and their weight is proportional to that. If you are unsure of their weight, check with your veterinarian.

Do Tibetan Terriers Bark A Lot?

Like many Tibetan dogs, the Tibetan terriers do not bark at the wind or just bark to bark. But they will bark to alarm you of something they find alarming. This could include a visitor coming to your house or yard that they do not know.

The Tibetan Terriers are very protective of their owners and their households. This is one of the reasons that make them such an excellent watchdog. When they bark, there will usually be an excellent reason for it.

Are Tibetan Terriers Aggressive?

Tibetan Terriers are not aggressive dogs, so you do not need to worry that they will purposely hurt anyone. But they can become very standoffish and even aloof with strangers.

You must socialize your dog at a young age by having them get used to being around many different people. This is especially true if you live in a household where many different people come in and out of your home as friends of your children or family friends.

Can A Tibetan Terrier Be Left Alone?

Tibetan Terriers like to be around their owners, but they can still do fine being left alone. They can also live in an apartment, but you should plan on making sure they get enough exercise.

Tibetan Terriers are dogs that can adapt well to your life. Whether you like to lie on the couch and watch TV or run around in the fields, they will adapt to you and your lifestyle as they love to be around people, especially their owners.

It would be best to remember that in their native Tibet, the Tibetan Terriers were outside dogs around their owners all the time. So it would be best if you paid enough attention to them, got them outside to walk and exercise, and gave them the love and attention they deserve.

Do Tibetan Terriers Do Well In The Cold and Snow?

Tibetan Terrier does very well in cold and snowy climates. In their native Tibet, the Tibetan Terrier lived in the cold and snow.

The Tibetan Terriers have a double protective coat of fur that helps to keep them warm in the cold. They also have large, flat, round feet that act similar to snowshoes to help them have added traction in the snow.

Do Tibetan Terriers Shed Hair?

The hair of a Tibetan Terrier has a long growth cycle. That means they do not shed as much as dogs with a shorter hair growth cycle, but they will shed. Their hair grows at about the same rate as most humans.

Tibetan Terriers require frequent bathing and grooming. Some owners will groom them once a week and others once a month. It just depends upon the level of activity and mischievous activities your Tibetan Terrier gets into

Are Tibetan Terriers Good Family Pets?

Tibetan Terriers are excellent family pets. They are excellent for families with children who understand how to treat a dog.

They are a delightful dog who enjoys life and loves people. The Tibetan Terrier will be very protective of their family while enjoying them every day.

As they have a very adaptable and pleasant personality, Tibetan Terriers usually do well in a household with other dogs and pets, primarily if raised with them.

Are Tibetan Terriers Stubborn?

Like most Tibetan dog breeds, the Tibetan Terrier is very clever but can also be stubborn. As they are so smart, you may find that they only want to learn when they want to. Because of this, we recommend that you add some fun to their short training sessions.

Tibetan Terriers are very keen to solve a problem, but they are not very keen on constant repetition. So when you are training them, break up the training sessions and make them fun. Think of training the Tibetan Terrier as you were training a small toddler – their attention span is limited, and they want to have fun and play,

What Is The Average Lifespan of a Tibetan Terrier?

The average lifespan of a Tibetan Terrier is 12 to 15 years.

The Tibetan Terrier is an excellent choice for a pet and companion. They are loving, kind, and attentive while being excellent watchdogs at the same time. They will always be very loyal to their owners.

Listen To Our Podcast About
Tails of Tibet: Answering 18 Questions About Tibetan Terrier Dogs Below or By clicking here.

At A Bus On A Dusty Road, we talk about travel, life, and ex-pat living. We are all about “Living Life As A Global Citizen.” We explore social, cultural, and economic issues and travel.

We would love to have you be part of our community. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up-to-date by clicking here. If you have any questions, you can contact me, Anita, by clicking here.

Listen to our Podcast called Dusty Roads. You can find it on all major podcast platforms. Try out listening to one of our podcasts by clicking here.

Subscribe to our A Bus On A Dusty Road YouTube Channel with great videos and information by clicking here.

Related Questions

Is Mongolia Safe To Travel?

Mongolia is generally safe to travel to, but there are particular safety precautions that you should take when you are traveling in Mongolia. There are different safety concerns if you are traveling in the city than when traveling to the Mongolian countryside.

You can discover more by reading our blog, Is Mongolia Safe to Travel? by clicking here.

Mongolia Vs. Inner Mongolia: What Is The Difference

Mongolia is an independent country that gained full independence when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1990. Inner Mongolia, also known as the Autonomous Region of Mongolia, is part of China. The people who live in Inner Mongolia are considered Chinese citizens. In contrast, the people who live in Mongolia are considered Mongolian citizens. Even if they may speak the same language and have a similar culture, they are two different countries.

You can learn more by reading Mongolia Vs. Inner Mongolia: What Is The Difference? by clicking here.