This breed’s name reveals its origins in Tibet, but the rest of its name is misleading, as the Tibetan Terrier is not a descendant of the Terrier family - they actually originate from herding breeds.
They say that if you own a Tibetan Terrier, you own a best friend on four legs. They make the ideal family dog that wants to be by your side all the time. They do not do well being left home alone but are easy to train, so can come along with you wherever you go. They adjust easily to any new situation and are a delight to have as companion dogs.
Tibetan Terriers are perfect dogs for people who like routine and structure, and can assure this for their furry friend. What they don’t handle well are changes to their daily routine. They like a structured day-to-day life so they can plan when they are going to go for a walk and when they are going to be fed. Tibetan Terriers are very sensitive in that respect and, like your personal assistant, will let you know when it’s time to be fed and go for a walk.
They are good watchdogs but won’t bark for long. A short bark to alert that there is somebody at the door will suffice. They love their exercise, preferable daily and for a long time.
Looking after their coats, which are fully developed by 3-4 years, isn’t that easy. They need to be brushed daily, very carefully from the bottom to the top and occasionally require just a trim.
Weight: | 8-14kg |
Health risk: | Medium |
Life expectancy: | 12-15 years |
Coat: | Long |
Grooming intensity: | Medium |
Monthly cost (food): | low |
Trainability: | Low |
Activity level: | Low |
There are many sources to get your Tibetan Terrier from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding a Tibetan Terrier to adopt:
To help your rescued Tibetan Terrier to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Tibetan Terrier from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.