Tibetan Terrier
Known in French as Terrier Tibétain
- Height at the withers
- 36 to 43 cm
- Weight
- 8 to 14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Tibet
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact, square-built dog with a long, abundant double coat and large, snowshoe-like feet suited to snow. Despite its name, it is not a terrier but a companion dog, nicknamed the “holy dog of Tibet.”
History and origins
An ancient breed developed more than 2,000 years ago in the Buddhist monasteries of Tibet as a cherished companion, watchdog and herder. Known as “Holy Dogs” and “luck bringers,” they were never sold, only given as gifts.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Primary lens luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Tibetan Terrier FAQ
How big does the Tibetan Terrier get?
The Tibetan Terrier stands 36 to 43 cm at the withers and weighs 8 to 14 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Tibetan Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Tibetan Terrier live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Tibetan Terrier need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Tibetan Terrier good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Tibetan Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are primary lens luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.
