Tibetan Terrier

Terriers: The Tibetan Terrier

Description

The Tibetan terrier is known to be very valuable, given as gifts by the Tibetan people who thought the breed to be either temple dogs or utility dogs for farmers. Its Tibetan name, when translated to English, means shaggy or bearded dog. You can identify it immediately by its medium size, shaggy coat, and with a strong muzzle of medium length. Usually it has a strong built that makes it a perfect dog for guarding the home, herding the cattle or sheep, and a companion dog as well. Though it would seem that the coat has the tendency to hinder its eyesight, the Tibetan terrier is known for its very good eyesight.

For the coat, Tibetan terriers have hair instead of fur, which means it needs constant trimming and grooming since it grows continuously. The coat should be well-kept and groomed, usually wavy and naturally shaggy, and should not as much as possible touch the floor.

Temperament

Ever since the breed’s establishment during the 1920s to 30s, it is well known for its temperament. They are naturally amiable and affectionate dogs, which makes them great companions for the family. They work well with older children and are very sensitive to their owners, making them even more suitable as family dogs. In general, Tibetan terriers are energetic and strong dogs that need their regular exercise to keep them in shape.

Health

Tibetan terriers usually have an average life span similar to smaller dogs, which is about 17 to 20 years of age. But despite its reputation of being one of the strongest types of terriers, it is still very susceptible to dog diseases and need constant care.