Tibetan Terrier breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Tibetan Terriers
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Tibetan Terrier breed
Tibetan Terriers are an ancient breed with a rich history in Tibet.
Despite their name, they are not true terriers but are classified as a companion and herding breed.
Tibetan Terriers were highly regarded as lucky charms and were often given as gifts to bring good fortune.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They have a medium-sized build and stand at an average height of 35.5-40.5cm for males and females.
The weight range for Tibetan Terriers is 8-14kg.
They can have a lifespan of 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Tibetan Terrier like?
Tibetan Terriers have a friendly and outgoing temperament, making them wonderful family companions.
They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature.
Tibetan Terriers form strong bonds with their families and can be protective of them.
They generally get along well with children and other pets when properly socialised from an early age.
Tibetan Terriers are alert and make excellent watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners of any potential threats.
Early socialisation and positive training are important to help them develop into well-behaved and confident dogs.
Our Tibetan Terrier Community
"Wilbur is dog with personality- funny and adventurous- and when he gets the chance he loves a muddy puddle."
Wilbur’s owner, Lynn from Edinburgh
"Daisy is a very sweet dog, she loves children. She loves walks, lots of cuddles and tickles and just being close to you."
Daisy’s owner, Karen from Dorset
How much exercise does a Tibetan Terrier need?
Tibetan Terriers have moderate exercise needs and require approximately 1 hour of exercise per day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
They enjoy regular walks, playtime in a secure area, and interactive activities such as puzzle toys or obedience training.
Although they are not as high-energy as some other breeds, they still benefit from mental stimulation and social interaction. Engaging them in activities that challenge their intelligence, such as agility or scent work, can be particularly enjoyable for Tibetan Terriers.
Tibetan Terrier puppies have lots of energy and curiosity. However, it's important to avoid overexertion due to their growing bodies. Puppies should have controlled play sessions and short walks to avoid putting too much stress on their developing joints and muscles.
Gradually increase the duration and intensity of exercise as they grow older, until full adult exercise at 12-18 months.
Consult with your vet for personalised exercise recommendations based on your puppy's needs.
Need an extra hand exercising your Tibetan Terrier? Find a local borrower today.
Do Tibetan Terriers need a lot of grooming?
Tibetan Terriers have a unique double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and tangle-free.
Their hair is long, thick, and can be wavy or straight.
They have a minimal-shedding coat, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies.
To maintain their coat, Tibetan Terriers need to be brushed at least two to three times a week.
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and under the legs.
Some owners choose to trim the hair around the eyes for better visibility or to visit a professional groomer for a clip.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Tibetan Terriers easy to train?
Tibetan Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also have an independent streak.
They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, including rewards, praise, and consistency in training.
Early socialisation and puppy training classes are highly recommended to help them develop good manners and proper behaviour.
Tibetan Terriers thrive with gentle and patient training methods, as they may be sensitive to harsh discipline.
Keeping training sessions fun, varied, and mentally stimulating will help maintain their interest and prevent boredom.
Want to experience spending time with a Tibetan Terrier to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Tibetan Terrier near you.
What do Tibetan Terriers eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is important for the overall health and well-being of Tibetan Terriers.
Feed them a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
Most do well being fed twice daily.
Puppies should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until they reach their full adult size, usually around 12-15 months.
Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until 6 months old when they should be reduced to twice daily.
As Tibetan Terriers are prone to weight gain, it's important to monitor their portion sizes and avoid overfeeding.
Treats should be given in moderation to prevent excessive calorie intake.
Consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations based on your Tibetan Terrier's needs.
Are Tibetan Terriers healthy?
Tibetan Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the health concerns that can affect Tibetan Terriers include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be.
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye.
Distichiasis - abnormally growing eyelashes which can grow into the eye and can cause pain and damage to the eye’s surface.
Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness.
Neurological
Canine Progressive Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) - is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain and nervous system.
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your dog or want to discuss further if a Tibetan Terrier is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Start training at a young age and use positive reinforcement methods to ensure your Tibetan Terrier develops good manners. Join a local puppy class to help with early socialisation.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
