The Tibetan Terrier originally came from the Himalayan country of Tibet. There, the breed was raised mainly by the lamas in monasteries, and was kept purebred for over 2,000 years.

The lamas kept the Tibetan Terriers as companions, good luck charms and watchdogs. They were never sold but were given as gifts to promote good fortune or as a mark of great respect.

The Tibetan Terrier is not actually a Terrier. He does not have the true Terrier disposition, nor does he go to ground. The breed received the name because their size was comparable to many Terriers and was smaller than the hunting breeds.

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized, shaggy dog of sturdy build, square in proportion, measuring 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder and weighing from 18 to 30 pounds.

The breed has a profuse double coat, the undercoat being very soft and woolly. The outer coat has the texture of human hair, is straight or slightly wavy but never silky or curly. It is long but must not hang to the ground.

Tibetan Terriers have a heavy fall of hair over the eyes and face and plumed tail set high and carried over the back.

Their feet are unique among dogs. They are large, flat and round with no arch, producing a snowshoe effect suitable for traction on rough ground.

Tibetan Terriers come in a wide range of colors, including white, gold, tricolor, brindle, silver, black and many parti-color variations. There is no preferred color yet some judges tend to consider certain colours more than others.

TTs are totally natural, not docked, cropped, clipped, scissored are changed in any way. As the double coat is profuse, they must be brushed and bathed on a regular basis. That's all that is required to make them look appealing.

Tibetan Terriers are noted for their intelligence -often outwitting their owners-, loyalty, affection and amiable disposition. They must be accepted as part of the family and should not be ignored or left alone for long periods of time or live exclusively in a kennel or outdoors. They are completely devoted to their family and very sensitive to the mood of all family members.

They blossom with early socialization and good every-day care. They often don't readily accept strangers, which is unfortunate, because their aloofness is sometimes interpreted as a lack of gentleness.

TTs make excellent watchdogs. They bark if anyone approaches, but do not keep up constant yapping once they have sounded the alarm.

They are very intelligent and can be trained (using positive methods) for conformation, obedience, agility, tracking and even herding.

Small enough to live comfortably in a city apartment, yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of outdoor life with lots of room to run, the Tibetan Terriers's size as well as its temperament, make the breed well suited for its role as a companion dog.