Important Information To Be Aware Of Relating To The Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier (known as the "Tsang Apso" in Tibet) is very much the meaning of their native name - "shaggy dog" - and looks very much like a miniature Old English Sheepdog with a long, shaggy coat that comes in virtually any color. Despite their Western name they are not actually a terrier but rather a member of the non-sporting or utility category. The breed originated more than 2,000 years ago, and was originally raised for the primary reason of companionship.

A small number of their more unique attributes usually include sensitive and devoted nature as well as their long, shaggy coat that actually sheds very little when properly groomed - which assist in making the Tibetan Terrier a familiar option for families with older children and allergy sufferers.

The Tibetan Terrier's origins are largely unknown, but is known to have come from Tibetan monasteries over 2,000 years ago where they were bred as companionship dogs that could withstand the harsh climate and were occasionally given as good luck charms to keep visitors safe on their travels. Tibetan Terriers were never sold but one female eventually left Tibet with an English doctor as a gift for saving a life. Soon they acquired a male to begin a breeding program, and this is how the Tibetan Terrier came to be introduced to the Western world. Like their relative in the Lhasa Apso, they are believed to have descended from the most ancient of dog breeds.

Tibetan Terriers are termed as a medium to small-sized breed. The recommended standard size for the Tibetan Terrier male and female is 14-17 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 18-30 pounds.

The Tibetan Terrier is well-known for their devoted, sensitive, independent and sometimes mischievous character. They are generally reserved with strangers, but their size can mean they are unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Tibetan Terrier is also accepted to be highly intelligent - but only rank 62nd in comparison with other dogs based on their ability to learn obedience directives. They are also known to be good with gentle children - making them not the best choice as a family pet with young children who will handle them too roughly. The Tibetan Terrier is sometimes well-suited with other dogs as long as they are socialized well and understand that the human is the pack leader - otherwise they may try to dominate them.

The Tibetan Terrier is happiest with a small yard to run around in, but they are quite suitable for apartment living just as long as they are exercised on a regular basis.

The Tibetan Terrier takes pleasure in pursuits that include agility trials, flyball, running around the yard or even herding. They possess a moderate quantity of energy that decreases with age and need exercise every day in the form of two short walks or outings at different times of the day to ensure they have no excess energy to burn off through destructive behavior or barking.

The Tibetan Terrier can make the perfect dog for a family with older children or even an allergy sufferer due to their non-shedding coat. They are fitting for anyone who is eager to execute a fairly high amount of grooming and set aside time to give them early socialization with different people and animals and positive obedience training in addition to take them on a couple of short walks each day and bestow a very high sum of company and devotion. Though they might be fairly out of place in households with younger children, if you are able to meet their need for love, keeping clean and patient guidance then the Tibetan Terrier can make the ideal dog for you.