The most obvious features of the TT are the profuse coat and unique feet! The feet are large, round and flat providing traction in a snowshoe fashion which gave the breed the necessary grip on the difficult terrain of the mountains. The double coat gave the protection against the harsh climate. This is a sturdy, medium-sized, balanced breed, square in outline, moving over the ground with a smooth, effortless stride and a powerful drive.
| General
Physical Description |
The most obvious features of the TT are the profuse coat and unique feet! The feet are large, round and flat providing traction in a snowshoe fashion which gave the breed the necessary grip on the difficult terrain of the mountains. The double coat gave the protection against the harsh climate. This is a sturdy, medium-sized, balanced breed, square in outline, moving over the ground with a smooth, effortless stride and a powerful drive. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Size Category | Medium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight Height Range | Dogs should measure between 36-41cms and weigh between 10 – 13 kgs. Bitches should ideally measure slightly less. Please note that there is no official weight range guidance given by the Kennel Club. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ailments | A tough and hardy breed, the TT is free from many known ailments. However, puppies should be purchased from parents who have been both hip-scored and eye tested as PRA, Lens Luxation and Hip Dysplacia are potential problems. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Susceptibility To Illness | Low | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | This hardy little dog has developed to survive the harsh, variable climates of the Himalayan mountains. The biggest of the Tibetan breeds, the TT was used as a companion, guardian and herder by the monastries as well as a watchdog for the nomad encampments of traders who travelled to and from China. The TT was also known as the ‘luck bringer’ or ‘good luck dog’ and were given to adventurous travellers as good luck charms. The breed was discovered by a doctor living in India, who performed a life saving operation on a merchant’s wife. He had also brought his in-whelp bitch with him and when the puppies were born presented one to the doctor as a thank you. She, Dr Grieg, became very taken with the breed and later bought another pup from the merchant. She mated the two and, after the third generation was born, the breed was recognised by the Indian Kennel Club. In the early 1930’s the doctor returned to England and the breed received Kennel Club recognition in 1937. | |
| Intelligence | A very trainable breed as long as training is done in a calm, equable manner. They can be strong-willed and stubborn therefore firm, kind handling has the best effect. | |
| Show Characteristics | The head should be of medium length, narrowing slightly from the ear to the eye with a marked but not exaggerated stop. The muzzle should be strong with a well-developed lower jaw. The nose should be black. The hair should fall forward over the eyes with a small but not exaggerated amount of beard. The dark brown eyes should be large and round and set fairly wide apart with black rims. The v-shaped pendant ears should not be too large and set fairly high on the side of the skull. Full dentition is desirable with either a scissor or reverse scissor bite. The strong, muscular neck should be of medium length. Both forelegs and hind legs should be heavily coated, the former being straight and parallel with slightly sloping pasterns; the latter being well-muscled with well-bent stifles and low set hocks, giving a level topline and drive. The body should be compact and powerful. The feet should be large and round and heavily coated between the toes and pads. They should not be arched. The tail should be of medium length, set on fairly high and carried in a gay curl over the back, with execessive feathering. Any kink near tip which often occurs is permissible. The movement should be smooth and effortless with a good reach and powerful drive. They should have a double coat, the undercoat being fine and woolly, the top coat profuse and fine but neither silky or woolly. A straight or waved coat is acceptable but never curly. | |
| Country Of Origin | Tibet |
| Other Names |
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TT |
| Dog Group Kennel Club | Utility | |
| Breed Classification | The Tibetan Terrier has no terrier characteristics and is a member of the Utility group. They were originally bred to protect the camps of nomads in the mountainous regions of Tibet and today are used for companions and seen in the show ring. |
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| Energy | High | |||||
| Overall Exercise | 60 - 80 minutes per day. Whilst this breed does have boundless energy and enjoys regular exercise, they will adapt to a ‘day in’ should family circumstances dictate this. They adore agility and flyball! |
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| Distress Caused if Left Alone | High | |||||
| Personal Protection | Medium | |||||
| Suitability As Guard Dog | High | |||||
| Risk of Sheep Worrying | High | |||||
| Tendency to Bark | Low | |||||
| Ease of Transportation | High | |||||
| Level of Aggression | Low | |||||
| Compatibility With Other Animals | High | |||||
| Suitable
For Children |
Medium | |||||
| General Character And Temperament | A lively, good-natured and loyal companion, the TT has an engaging personality with strong guard dog abilities. The TT loves immediate family members when the respect and loyalty have been earned but is somewhat cautious with strangers. | |||||
| Lifespan |
> 15 years TT’s normally live long lives, 15-16 years of age being very common |
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| Average
Litter Size |
6 The Average number of pups in a litter is 6 |
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| Average
Food Cost |
< $8 per week | |||||
| Feeding
Requirements |
The TT is not normally a fussy eater, making them an easy breed to feed. | |||||
| Other
Expenses |
The average price of a puppy is around $1200. | |||||
| Average
Puppy Price |
$1000-1600 | |||||