Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier looks like a small English Sheepdog, but he was never used for herding. He wasn't used for guarding, either. He has always been a companion dog. The Tibetan Terrier was considered a member of the family in his native Tibet, and treated as if he was one of the children.

That's probably why to this day the Tibetan Terrier enjoys people so much. He is a happy, outgoing dog. Tibetan Terriers are actually not terriers. They only have that name because of their size and because Western countries preferred it to the dog's Tibetan names, Luck Bringer and Holy Dog.

Tibetan Terriers are extremely agile. They can use their paws like cats to wash, catch, hold, and even bat at tennis balls. They are usually quiet. When they do bark, the sound starts out low and rises to a high pitch.

Grooming is a consideration with this breed. He needs brushing and combing nearly every day, especially as he approaches adulthood. His hair is long and shaggy, and covers his big brown eyes. The coat may be straight or wavy. It can be any color.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Medium-sized, profusely coated, powerful, with large, flat, round feet shaped like snowshoes.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 15 to 16 inches; females, slightly smaller. Weight--18 to 30 pounds, but usually 20 to 24 pounds.

Fun Facts

The Tibetan Terrier is adaptable to snow and harsh conditions because he developed in the Lost Valley of the Tibetan mountains, an area of Tibet cut off from the rest of the world. When someone did make a visit, he was often rewarded with the gift of a Tibetan Terrier. The dog was considered good luck for the return trip. People never sold their Tibetan Terriers. They believed that could bring bad luck to the whole village.

Check out our Tibetan Terrier slideshow to see more photos!

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.