By Breed
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25 min
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The Tibetan Terrier’s personality is affectionate, sweet, and spirited. Despite the name, they’re not actually true terriers, but they’re spunky enough to keep life interesting and are a bit more bouncy than other Tibetan breeds.
These furry lovebugs love nothing more than being with their people, and will follow you from room to room just to be next to you. They’re super snuggly and take their companionship duties very seriously, so expect cuddles on the couch and lots of kisses.
Tibetan Terriers are more than just furry best friends though – they’re excellent watchdogs. Having been bred as monastery guardians, they’ll protect the house and alert you if they hear or see anything suspicious. This makes them naturally reserved towards strangers, and unlikely to rush over to make friends with new people. They’ll keep their distance and watch from afar, but once they trust someone, it’s wagging tails and cheeky smiles all round.
When they’re not watching out the window from their favourite spot in the house (usually a window ledge or on the back of a sofa), the Tibetan Terrier is a playful pooch that loves games and activities. They’ve got a mischievous streak and are known for their goofy sense of humour, which might involve stealing a sock or two to get your attention.
These dogs are super smart and sensitive, easily picking up on their owner’s tone and mood. This can make training a highly rewarding experience, especially as they love working closely with their owner. However, a less desirable Tibetan Terrier characteristic is that they’re a bit stubborn. Known to be independent thinkers, they often have a ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude, and will push the boundaries if they sense inconsistency in your rules. Patience and lots of paw-sitivity is crucial.
Separation anxiety can also be a big deal for this breed as they love their humans so much. If left alone for too long, they can become distressed and resort to destructive behaviours, so it’s best they have someone at home with them.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a spirited dog with a whole lot of heart, the Tibetan Terrier could be the breed for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweet-natured, kind, and affectionate | High maintenance grooming needs |
| Highly adaptable to different environments | Not the best match for young children |
| Excellent, loyal watchdog | Independent, stubborn streak |
| Can live with other dogs and cats | Known to bark a lot |
| Long life expectancy | Can be reserved with strangers |
| Hypoallergenic coat | Suffers from separation anxiety |
Yes, the Tibetan Terrier makes a terrific family dog. They’re friendly, affectionate, and devoted to their loved ones. Known for their fun-loving, playful ways, Tibetan Terriers slot right into family life, and will be a beacon of happiness in the home. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or prefer snuggling up on the sofa, they’re highly adaptable to different types of families – as long as they’re with their people. This makes them prone to suffer from separation anxiety, so they need someone home with them most of the day.
Tibetan Terriers are generally good with kids, given they have lots of energy and love to play, but they can be a little rambunctious for very young children. They’re also pretty sensitive, and might not tolerate toddlers and little ones who don’t understand how to respect boundaries. They’re an ideal buddy for older, more sensible children who know how to handle dogs with care, and can play proper games with them such as canine sports.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes, Tibetan Terriers generally get on well with other dogs if they’ve been socialised properly from a young age. However, they might try to dominate or boss their canine buddies around. They can live with a cat if they’ve been raised together, but they won’t hesitate to chase after felines that aren't part of their pack. Care is needed around other small animals though as these dogs have a strong prey drive.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Tibetan Terrier is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Tibetan Terrier properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Fully grown Tibetan Terriers need at least 1 hour of exercise a day, ideally consisting of a few vigorous walks and lots of mental enrichment.
Their exercise needs are a ‘tail’ of two halves though, as some are more lively than others. Many Tibetan Terriers want to tag along on hikes and be your jogging partner. Others are just as content with a walk around the block and some indoor playtime. As long as they’re not bored though, the Tibetan Terrier should be tip-top! Understimulated dogs can become destructive, noisy, and unruly, so it’s important they have enough going on to keep them busy and entertained.
Given their enthusiasm and intelligence, canine sports are a popular choice for this breed. They excel at activities like flyball, agility, hiking, rally, and nosework, giving both their brains and bodies a good workout.
Another favourite pastime is performing sentry duty for the home. They’re known to enjoy having a post in the house where they can keep watch out of a window. The higher the vantage point, the better.
Tibetan Terriers can be little escape artists! Make sure your back garden fence is thoroughly secure, as they might jump, dig, or climb their way out if they sense more fun is on the other side.
Tibetan Terriers are intelligent dogs, and can easily become top of the class if they put their mind to it. They learn fast and love working closely with their owner, making them good contenders for canine sports such as agility, rally, and nosework. They also like contributing to household jobs, which is music to many people’s ears!
However, this smartness is offset with a stubborn streak. Tibetan Terriers are independent thinkers and don’t do well with heavy repetition during training. They’ll get bored and think of something better to do. Keeping things fresh and fun is key.
Unleash your Tibetan Terrier’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as our Shrimp & Coconut Meaty Treats – designed especially for promoting healthy skin and coat.
2. Avoid harsh corrections. They’re sensitive to their owner’s moods, and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Use a gentle, upbeat approach to build trust and respect.
3. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial as Tibetan Terriers can be a bit timid or reserved with strangers. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
4. Prioritise potty training. Housebreaking a Tibetan Terrier can take a little longer than with other breeds, so establish a consistent routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what’s expected of them.
5. Keep sessions short and varied. Avoid too much repetition, and keep training sessions short and sweet (about 5–10 minute bursts). Tibetan Terriers are clever canines but they get bored fast, so rotate between different commands and games to help them stay interested.
6. Give them a job to do. Tibetan Terriers are effective watchdogs, they excel in canine sports, and they make amazing therapy dogs thanks to their sweet temperament. Engaging in activities where they need to think is a good way to ensure they stay switched on.
7. Channel their independent nature. Use methods that help them feel like they’re making independent choices during training. Clicker training, for example, allows the dog to figure out the correct behaviour on their own by associating a noise with rewards.
8. Keep the barking at bay. Tibetan Terriers are natural watchdogs will bark at anything they perceive as a threat, including sounds and strangers. While you don’t want to train this out of them, you don’t want them barking at a leaf blowing in the wind! Desensitise your dog to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.
9. Get them used to being handled. Grooming will be a big part of their life, so get them prepared by frequently touching them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, feet, and mouth.
10. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
A lot! These ‘Holy Dogs of Tibet’ have a long, luxurious double coat that was designed to keep them warm up in the chilly Tibetan mountains. They have a warm, woolly undercoat with a softer topcoat. It doesn’t stop growing and is very low shedding, making them hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers. But this means they need to be trimmed regularly.
If left to grow long – known as the show cut – the coat almost reaches the ground will require daily care and attention. However, if you want a break from the brushing, the puppy cut and casual cut are a couple of shorter Tibetan Terrier haircuts that are easier to maintain.
There are a few Tibetan Terrier colours and combinations, including brindle, black, gold, sable, white, black and white, black and gold, gold and white, sable and white, and tricolour.
Here are some Tibetan Terrier grooming tips to ensure they look terrific all year round.
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, and the amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog. The Tibetan Terrier coat type is considered hypoallergenic as the shed hairs stay trapped in the undercoat instead of falling to the floor, meaning fewer allergens are spread around the house.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Tibetan Terrier lifespan is 14–16 years. They’re generally a healthy breed but like all dogs, they can be subject to a few health issues.
Healthy Tibetan Terriers should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Feeding your Tibetan Terrier a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Tibetan Terrier will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Tibetan Terriers twice a day. Due to being bred in the harsh, Himalayan environment, they’re naturally lean animals that aren’t prone to overindulging. They’ll eat what they need to survive and leave the rest, so don’t be surprised to find some leftovers in their dog bowl.
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Tibetan Terrier’s nutritional needs. Given their stocky frame, Tibetan Terriers generally do well on a high protein diet. Dry kibble, such as our Primal Wild Boar Dry Food, is good for optimal muscle growth, immune strength, and a glossy coat. Plus, it keeps their facial fur clean and tidy! You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
To help keep the hip dysplasia at bay, consider adding Joint Supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Monitor weight
A healthy Tibetan Terrier weight is 8–14 kg. They’re not greedy like a lot of breeds, but too many treats and not enough exercise can cause them to pack on the pounds. Allocate some of their daily calories to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as our Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.
Monitor blood sugar levels
As they’re prone to diabetes, create a plan with your vet to manage their glucose levels.
Look after their eyes
Tibetan Terriers are prone to a number of different eye issues, so you need to look after their eyesight. Stick to plush toys that can’t scratch their eyes, avoid rough play, and consider a diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) to help support eye health. Regular eye tests can also help detect early signs of cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Protect their coat and skin
For dogs suffering from atopy, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like Pooch & Mutt’s Bionic Biotic, or dog food made specifically with allergies in mind. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Tibetan Terrier’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Individuals, couples, and families with older children who spend a lot of time at home and can dedicate time to training and grooming. |
| Outdoor space? | A small to medium secure back garden is preferable, but not essential. Housetraining can be a problem though, so they’ll need access to a safe place to do their business outside. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and can comfortably live in flats, as long as their exercise needs are met. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live with other dogs nicely, and with a cat if they’ve been raised together, but early socialisation and proper introductions are needed. |
The unconditional love of a Tibetan Terrier is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
Tibetan Terriers can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Tibetan Terrier is between £50 and £80.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training.
If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Tibetan Terrier costs between £20and £50 per month On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Tibetan Terrier should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Tibetan Terriers even more with these tidbits and tales about this lovable shaggy dog!
Hailing from the Lost Valley of Tibet, the Tibetan Terrier has a rich and interesting history spanning at least 2,000 years. For centuries, these shaggy dogs were treasured as companions and watchdogs by Buddhist monks, and were referred to as the ‘Holy Dogs of Tibet’.
As well as being used as monastery watchdogs to alert monks to intruders, Tibetan Terriers also accompanied nomadic herdsmen, helping to guide livestock across the harsh Himalayan terrain. Being agile and sturdy, they’d run on the sheeps’ backs to move them in the right direction – an interesting but effective method while in narrow ravines!
Considered good luck charms, Tibetan Terriers were never sold, only gifted as tokens of gratitude or good fortune. This practice meant the breed was kept secret to the mystical mountains of Tibet for hundreds of years, as it was rarely known outside this region. They may have remained that way if it wasn’t for British surgeon, Dr Agnes Greig. In 1922, she was gifted a Tibetan Terrier by a local merchant for saving his wife’s life. She named the pup Bunti and instantly fell in love with the breed. When she acquired a male Tibetan Terrier from the same man, she began a breeding programme back in Europe to establish the Lamleh line.
Despite it not being a terrier in any way, it was given the name Tibetan Terrier purely due to size. In 1937, the breed was registered by England’s Kennel Club, but it took until 1956 for these cheeky chappies to make it over to the United States.
Ever since, Tibetan Terriers have continued to be adored worldwide for being loving, loyal companions with an air of ancient wisdom.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Tibetan Terrier.
1. Research the breed. Tibetan Terriers bark a lot and can’t be left alone for too long, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Tibetan Terrier puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Tibetan Terriers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Tibetan Terrier, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Tibetan Terriers in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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