Tibetan Terrier

also known as Dokhi Apso, Tsang Apso

Pros History


The Tibetan Terrier is a small, shaggy dog breed that hails from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. The breed's name, "Tibetan Terrier," is somewhat of a misnomer, as the breed is not a true terrier, but rather a small, versatile working dog.

The Tibetan Terrier's history can be traced back to ancient Tibet, where the breed was used for a variety of tasks, including herding, guarding, and as a companion. The breed's thick, shaggy coat protected them from the harsh Himalayan weather, and their intelligence and trainability made them ideal for a variety of tasks.

In Tibet, the breed was considered to be a sacred animal and was highly valued by the Tibetan people. They were also known as "Holy Dogs of Tibet" and kept by Monks in monasteries. They were not allowed to be sold or given away but were gifted to other Monasteries or important people as a sign of respect and goodwill.

In the early 20th century, Western travelers to Tibet began to take an interest in the breed, and in 1922, the first Tibetan Terrier was brought to England. The breed was officially recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1937.

The breed was later recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983, and it is now part of the Non-Sporting Group. Tibetan Terriers have also been recognized by the other major kennel clubs around the world, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

The Tibetan Terrier is a versatile breed that excels in a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and therapy work. They are also known for their strong sense of loyalty and make great family pets.

Breed Information


Type

Is Tibetan Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Tibetan Terrier name? How do you say Tibetan Terriers?

tih-BEH-tuhn TAIR-ee-uhr

Purpose

What were Tibetan Terriers originally used for?

herding, companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Tibetan Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Tibetan Terrier? How long can Tibetan Terriers live?

12-15 years

The average Tibetan Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Tibetan Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Tibetan Terrier?

What is the average height of a Tibetan Terrier? How big is a Purebred Tibetan Terrier height? Tibetan Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 15-16 inches (38.1 - 40.6 cm) 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
Female 14-16 inches (35.6 - 40.6 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Tibetan Terrier? How much should Tibetan Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 20-25 pounds (9 - 11 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Female 20-24 pounds (9 - 11 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 17.0 pounds (8 kg) 22.0 pounds (10 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Tibetan Terriers get fat easily?

The Tibetan Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Tibetan Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Tibetan Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Tibetan Terrier personality? What are Tibetan Terrier dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Energetic
Reserved
Intelligent
Amiable
Gentle
Sensitive

Shedding Level

Are Tibetan Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Tibetan Terrier Shed?

Tibetan Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Tibetan Terrier dog?

The Tibetan Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Tibetan Terriers come from?

Tibet

Ancestry

What are Tibetan Terriers descended from?

lhasa apso, shih tzu, north kunlun mountain dog, inner mongolian dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Tibetan Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Tibetan Terriers first bred? How old is the Tibetan Terrier breed?

ancient times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Tibetan Terrier?

Non Sporting (AKC:1973)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Tibetan Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Tibetan Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Tibetan Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Tibetan Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
White
Pied
Gray
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Tibetan Terriers coat?

The coat of a Tibetan Terrier is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Tibetan Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Tibetan Terrier?

Wavy

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Tibetan Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Tibetan Terrier have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Tibetan Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Tibetan Terriers are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Tibetan Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Tibetan Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Tibetan Terrier is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Tibetan Terrier?

Patellar Luxation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Lens Luxation
Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
Hypothyroidism
Heart Murmur

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Tibetan Terriers?

Retinal Dysplasia
Allergies

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Tibetan Terrier breed?

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Heart
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination

Tibetan Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Tibetan Terriers have a lot of energy?

Tibetan Terriers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Tibetan Terriers need socialization? How social are Tibetan Terriers?

Tibetan Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Tibetan Terriers get?

The Tibetan Terrier dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Tibetan Terrier have? Do Tibetan Terriers sleep a lot?

Tibetan Terriers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Tibetan Terrier drool a lot?

The Tibetan Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Tibetan Terrier dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Tibetan Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Tibetan Terrier dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Tibetan Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Tibetan Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Tibetan Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Tibetan Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Tibetan Terrier busy?

Fetch, Play keep away, Walk, Dog Parks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Tibetan Terrier? How much energy does a Tibetan Terrier have?

Medium

Tibetan Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Tibetan Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Tibetan Terrier walk every week?

7 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Tibetan Terrier, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Tibetan Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Tibetan Terrier need?

30 minutes

In general most Tibetan Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Tibetan Terrier?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Tibetan Terrier?

Daily

Ideally, Tibetan Terrier should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Tibetan Terriers?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Tibetan Terrier eat?

2.2 cups

For an average 20-25 pound (9 - 11 kg) Tibetan Terrier feed 2.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Tibetan Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Tibetan Terrier is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Tibetan Terrier Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Tibetan Terrier is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Tibetan Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Tibetan Terrier?

The Tibetan Terrier have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Tibetan Terriers lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Tibetan Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Tibetan Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Tibetan Terrier do well in apartments? Are Tibetan Terriers good indoor dogs?

Tibetan Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Tibetan Terriers good with kids? Are Tibetan Terriers good around children?

Tibetan Terriers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Tibetan Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Tibetan Terriers good with cats? How friendly Tibetan Terriers are toward cats?

Tibetan Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Tibetan Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Tibetan Terriers OK with other dogs?

Tibetan Terriers are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Tibetan Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Tibetan Terriers friendly with strangers?

Tibetan Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Tibetan Terriers like to play? Are Tibetan Terriers playful?

The Tibetan Terrier is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Tibetan Terrier is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Tibetan Terrier easily trained?

Tibetan Terrier dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Rarely barks
    This breed is known for being relatively peaceful, making it a good choice if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Minimal to no shedding
    Tibetan Terrier shedding is infrequent, or even non-existent.
  • Good with children
    Known to be good with children and make great family pets
  • Apartment Friendly
    Tibetan Terrier dogs thrive in apartment environments.
  • Hypoallergenic
    Those with allergies should be happy with a Tibetan Terrier, as they have a low tendency to cause allergic reactions.
  • Friendliness
    Friendly and outgoing, making them a good option for those looking for a sociable dog

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Tibetan Terrier in an office may not be ideal