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Keeping a similar resemblance to its smaller cousin, the Lhasa Apso, the Tibetan Terrier, lives at the lower end of the medium-sized breeds, stands about 15 at the shoulder and weighs between 20 and 24 pounds. A breed hallmark is a tall, fine topcoat with a beautiful and opulent double coat-woolen bottom. TTs are unique among dogs for their large, flat “snowshoe” legs, adapted for centuries to help them interact in the icy, mountainous terrain of their homeland.
The name of the breed is only half correct: Tibetan terriers are Tibetan, but they are not true terriers — not by blood, temperament, or job description. Westerners carelessly hung the name “Terrier” on this Asian dog, and it stuck. Among the many Tibetan dogs associated with the TT Buddhist monasteries and the Dalai Lama, an ancient breed developed in spectacular isolation of the Lost Valley. TTs are known as companions and sentinels, but during their long history they have served as shepherds and guardians of the herd.
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog, deeply coated, of powerful construction, and square in proportion. Hair loss covers the eyes and forehead. The well-winged tail is bent and falls backwards to the front. The legs are large, flat and round in shape creating a snowshoe effect that provides traction. The Tibetan Terrier is well balanced and capable of both strong and efficient movement. The Tibetan terrier is shown as naturally as possible.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
Potential TT owners may mistakenly think that this is not a dog for them, based on the manicured, flowing coat seen on television dog shows. But there is an agile, versatile dog under a multi-purpose coat suitable for everyday life. The TT has a double coat, undercoat fleece, moisture resistant and a natural insulator. The texture of the coat can vary from soft to hard to prone to more or less matting. The natural coat of the breed can stand for anything of nature. It may be convenient to keep the dog in a puppy cut if a full coat hinders the desired outdoor adventure. That being said, the real benefit of grooming TT is that it strengthens bonding in the relationship, has great training, and is a way to monitor the dog’s health. It can be surprising how pleasant beauty can be.
It is an independent-minded breed that is sharp in learning and will wither through obsessive repetitions or harsh methods. Training practices are recommended that allow the dog to choose the right behavior. Clicker-training instruction is widely available, and both humans and dogs will enjoy a developing partnership by training together. TTs are enthusiastic students who like to work closely with their boss (in things like agility, rally, and nose work) and doing chores that contribute to the household. They seek companionship on the basis of mutual cooperation, trust and respect. They have great potential for love and dedication towards their people.
TT likes to take walks and hang out with his people. Individuals of the breed may have more or less drive for exercise. A good breeder will be able to match each potential owner with a compatible dog. If you want to climb a mountain, there is a TT for that. If you are a household person and just walk around the block or take the stairs twice a day, there is a TT for that. Many TTs enjoy a post in the house where they can look out of a window or door and do sentry duty for their home. If the place is like a staircase or a balcony view, it is even better.
Tibetan terriers evolved into a challenging land that experienced both feasting and fasting as a way of life. A traditional Tibetan diet would include easily digestible porridge (ripe barley flour), and meat broth such as staples. TT often got leftover ghee in the form of food. Naturally lean animals that taste their food (they chew it!), It is not uncommon for TT to leave something in their bowl. Historically, the diet of farmers promoted longevity, while the rich foods of kings caused the disease. Keeping this in mind, it is best to feed an honest meal with real ingredients, and rely on a TT to get what it needs rather than relying on the instructions on the feed bag. A lean dog is more energetic, healthy and full of happy vitality!
TT can be a hardy, healthy breed that grows gracefully. But just as second-generation immigrants in Western countries succumb to Western diseases, the same phenomenon can be linked to changes in TT health issues due to environmental changes in diet and lifestyle from their country of origin. Early spay and neuter can predispose dogs to joint issues. Many breeders request that the dog reach maturity before changing. Geriatric heart murmur and cataracts are not uncommon in old age TT. Occasionally senior TT gets vestibular disease, which is fortunately something they can recover from. Cancer is an increasing concern in aging TT. Responsible breeders examine their stock for health conditions such as allergies, thyroid issues, bladder stones, periodontal disease, hip and patella issues. Genetic testing (such as for NCL, LL, PRA, etc.) is a valuable tool used by breeders to eliminate the expression of those diseases in their puppies.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: