The Tibetan Terrier: A Nomad's Dog

There are three breeds of dogs that stem from theowner of a Tibetan Terrier, as they seem to have a
high mountain regions of Tibet. The Tibetan Terrier,natural good health and are not prone to a lot of the
the Tibetan Spaniel and the Tibetan Mastiff. All threediseases which afflict many of the modern dogs.
are indigenous to the region and were known to beThere can occasionally be found cases of juvenile
in existence as long as 1000 years ago. Thecataracts or hip dysplasia but for the most part the
Himalayan regions of Tibet encompass high coldincidence of these problems is low.Oddly enough, the
mountains and hot deserts and grassy flat plateaus.Tibetan Terrier is not truly a "Terrier" and does not
The dogs that developed are hardy and adaptablequalify except in the area of being of small stature.
because of the harsh regions in which they originated.This dog furthermore is not shown in the Terrier
The people of Tibet are wanderers and nomadic inclasses. In the United Kingdom he is classified as a
nature. they did not purposely breed dogs. Thus the"Utility Dog" and in the United States the classification
Tibetan Terrier, known for being of compact size,is that of the Non-Sporting group. Terriers are known
possessing double coat and great agility and large flatto be rodent killers and "ratters" and this is the
feet, suitable for crossing the rugged terrain, is a truefarthest thing from the description of the capabilities
creature which demonstrates "survival of theand usefulness of this breed.Through the years of its
fittest".The Tibetan Terrier's coat may be of anydevelopment, the Tibetan Terrier and the Nomadic
color, but it is always long and profuse and double.tribes began to interact and the dogs became part
Thorough brushing down to the skin at least twice aof the livelihood of the Tibetan people, serving as a
week helps to keep it looking nice, though in the wilddrover of the flock, a companion and a caravan dog.
lands of Tibet it is true that it does not bother theEventually this dog became an indispensable part of
dog when it is unkempt and uncombed! The coatthe life of the monasteries, the small villages and the
should not be shaved, for mother nature haswandering tribes. The small size (15-16 inches at the
endowed it with insulation in both hot and coldshoulder) and the hardiness of the coat and
weather and also protection from the sun. A dogsturdiness of its' structure have become important
whose coat is shaved is much more likely to developattributes in the performance of these various tasks.
skin problems and irritations. The coat of the TibetanFurthermore, the Tibetan Terrier has become an
Terrier parts naturally down the middle of the backindispensable part of the family life of its' owners and
and if kept clean and free of mats it is an easy jobmasters, preferring human company above all else
to comb out, but once mats have developed this canand likewise being treasured and loved by the people
be quite a chore. Attention needs to be paid to theto whom it belongs.The Tibetan Terrier in the
ears also, which are long and covered with long hair,modern family of today makes a gentle and sensible
if they become infected they are difficult to keepcompanion, a wonderful obedience dog and also
clean because no air gets to the inside of theexcels in the sport of agility. It is an intelligent dog,
ear.Other than coat care and occasionally a nail trim,loves to learn tricks and delights in pleasing its owner.
there is not much else which needs to concern an