Mary Allen
The Tibetan Terrier is originally a herding dog from the mountains, which developed into a popular family dog. All information about the history, husbandry, and care can be found here in the profile.
History of the Tibetan Terrier
As the name suggests, the Tibetan Terrier comes from the Tibetan highlands. According to tradition, monks in a Tibetan monastery kept the first representatives of the breed more than 2,000 years ago. Later, people kept him mostly as a herding and guard dog. The little dog went with the nomads and their cattle up to the summer pasture in the mountains at over 4500 m altitude. In the settlement, on the other hand, the dogs, which the Tibetans call “little people”, mostly sat on the flat roofs. Their job was to warn the residents of approaching strangers.
The English doctor Dr. In 1922, Greig received a bitch named But as a gift for a successful operation on a noble Tibetan. She brought the golden and white dog to Europe and started her own breeding. In 1933 the FCI officially recognized the breed under the name Tibetan Terrier. This is how the false assumption arose that the breed was a terrier. Since he is not a terrier by origin, he is called Apso in Tibet. Officially, the FCI places the breed in Group 9, which includes all companion dogs. Here he belongs to Section 5, the subgroup of the Tibetan dog breeds.
Essence and Character
The Tibetan Terrier not only looks cute but also has a friendly and happy personality. He is gentle with other dogs and children and shows no aggressiveness. He is reserved but not unfriendly towards strangers. Despite its small size, the Tibi wants to be respected as a full member of the family and is definitely not a sofa dog. The Tibetan Terrier has an extremely strong personality and is very intelligent. They show clearly when they are no longer interested. In the worst case, you can even achieve an absolute refusal with pressure. The dogs are also very vocal and can easily be encouraged to bark. The bond with their master or mistress is particularly important to dogs.
Purchase of a Tibetan Terrier
What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing?
If you want to get a Tibi puppy, you should be sure. After all, the dog remains part of your family for 12 to 15 years and always wants to be with you. It’s best to be able to take it with you when you go out as often as possible. With the right preparation, the friendly Tibetan Terrier also makes a good beginner dog. It is a great experience to see the little personality grow up and develop a deep bond with him.
Once you have decided on the Tibi, it is important to find a trustworthy breeder. It is best to choose one who is a member of the International Club for Tibetan Dog Breeds e.V. and has a lot of experience in inbreeding. For a purebred and healthy puppy, you should calculate 850 – 1200€. The Tibetan Terrier comes in white, black, sable, cream, gray and smoky with or without markings. But you shouldn’t just make your choice based on color. Also in animal shelters, there is always a dear Tibetan Terrier in need who is looking for a new home.
Puppy development and education
If you can manage to be consistent and loving at the same time, raising a tibia isn’t difficult. The breed has a mind of its own and is sensitive to punishment. You can achieve far more with praise, affection, and clear communication. The little herding dogs are intelligent and enthusiastic about learning new commands and little tricks. However, if they don’t feel like it, they’re happy to play dumb and pretend they’ve never heard of the requested command. With his charming nature he sometimes even tries to convince his people of his own will. But don’t let that confuse you and keep going. The Tibetan Terrier is only fully grown at the age of three to four years when it has also developed its full coat.
How do I keep a Tibetan Terrier?
Activities with the Tibetan Terrier
Tibetan Terriers are keen walkers and particularly suited to hiking in the mountains. Steep terrain is no problem for the sure-footed and agile dogs. They like to climb and jump around elegantly even in rugged terrain. The tibia especially likes to romp around in the snow. They can be enthusiastic about any kind of dog sport and are particularly well suited for agility or dog dancing. The Tibi likes to romp and play with other dogs and is a happy companion on bike tours. But the breed is also great for clicker training or dummy training. As former herding dogs, they need a lot of activity that challenges both their minds and their athletic bodies. Their special feeling for the feelings of their people also makes them good therapy or visiting dogs.