Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier lived in the valleys of the Himalayas, where it accompanied families, guarded homes and sometimes helped herd livestock. Despite its name, it is not a true terrier.

Its broad, flat feet helped it move through snow.

Cheerful, affectionate and very attached to its family, it is usually good with children. It can be reserved with strangers.

Intelligent but sometimes stubborn, it learns best with gentle, varied training.

Some inherited eye diseases (lens luxation, retinal atrophy), hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism should be monitored. Tests are available.

Choose a breeder who tests their breeding dogs.

Food matched to its size and activity suits it.

Avoid excess weight.

It needs about an hour of daily activity, with walks and play.

It is agile and likes to climb.

It can live in an apartment if walked enough, and suits households that want little dog hair.

Its long double coat hardly sheds but tangles: brush thoroughly several times a week, or choose a shorter clip.

Keep hair clear of the eyes and between the paw pads.