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Utility group · Tibet

Tibetan Terrier

Also called TT, Tsang Apso, Holy Dog of Tibet.

Medium dog, moderate energy, trains well with consistency.

  • Affectionate
  • Sensitive
  • Clever
  • Reserved
  • Gentle
AI-generated illustration of an adult Tibetan Terrier
AI-generated illustration
Size
Medium
Weight
9 to 11 kg20 to 24 lb
Lives
15 to 16 years
Energy
Moderate
Trains
Moderate
Barks
Moderate

Training

Training a Tibetan Terrier

Utility breeds. Many of these think before they obey. Earn compliance with reward and consistency; they do not do it for free.

  1. Build Trust First

    Start here

    Sensitive breed that needs to bond with handler before formal training begins.

  2. Gentle Methods Essential

    Harsh corrections damage the relationship permanently: reward generously, correct calmly and rarely.

  3. Patience with Strangers

    Reserved by nature. Allow them to approach new people at their own pace.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

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At home

Living with one

Breeds developed for a job that no longer exists or never fitted a group. Includes the spitz and primitive breeds.

Gets on with

  • ChildrenHigh
  • Other dogsHigh
  • StrangersModerate
  • CatsHigh

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise
1 hour daily. Moderate walks and play. Enjoys hiking and outdoor activities.
Grooming
High maintenance. Daily brushing to prevent matting. Professional grooming helpful.
Drool
Very Low
Coat
Double coat, Long, Wavy or straightWhite, Golden, Cream, Grey, Black, Tricolour, Brindle
In a flat
Can work, with enough exercise outside it.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    Moderate

    Inherited eye disease causing gradual blindness; DNA test available

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Moderate

    Joint malformation; screen breeding dogs

  • Lens Luxation

    Moderate

    Displacement of lens in eye; can lead to glaucoma if untreated

Where they come from

History

Sacred "Holy Dogs of Tibet" raised by Tibetan monks for over 2,000 years. Never sold, only given as gifts. Believed to bring good luck. Not actually a terrier despite the name.

  • Dr. Agnes Greig's Bunti · Given to British doctor in 1922 as thanks for saving a life; became foundation of Western breeding

Similar breeds

All breeds

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