Tibetan Terrier
Other names: Tsang Apso, Dhoki Apso

Despite his name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a terrier! He was originally used as a herding dog and watchdog before eventually falling into the companion dog category we are mostly familiar with today. Considered sacred in Tibet, he is much more lively than his Tibetan cousins hailing from the same group. Cheerful, docile and very smart, this little dog is perfectly suited for family life, which he takes great pleasure in and is very devoted to.
Key facts about the Tibetan Terrier
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Origins and history
His origins can be traced back to Tibet, where he gets his name from. The breed has since further developed in the United Kingdom. It is throughout the course of the 20th century that Dr. Agnes Greig imported the first specimens in Europe. The FCI officially recognised the breed in 1957.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 5 : Tibetan breeds
Physical characteristics of the Tibetan Terrier
Adult size
Female : Between 14 and 16 in
Male : Between 14 and 16 in
Weight
Female : Between 18 and 29 lb
Male : Between 18 and 29 lb
Coat colour
All colours are admissible (white, golden, grey, black, etc.) barring chocolate and liver. Parti and tri-coloured dogs exist.
Type of coat
The coat is long.
The Tibetan Terrier sports a doublecoat: an abundant topcoat, of fine texture that is neither silky nor wooly, which can be straight or wavy, but never curly. The undercoat is thin and wooly.
Eye colour
The eyes are a dark brown.
Description
The Tibetan Terrier is slightly smaller than what would traditionally be considered a medium-sized dog, and has an abundant coat. His head is not massive but is certainly robust, with a short muzzle and a strongly built lower jaw. The eyes are big and round. The ears are ‘v-shaped’ and pendant, with a fringe. The frame is stocky and compact. The limbs are straight and muscular. The tail, of medium size, is cheerfully carried in a curl over the back.
Good to know
In Tibet, he was considered a sacred dog, and was indeed dubbed the ‘Sacred Dog of Tibet’.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Tibetan Terrier
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Compatibility
Price
The price of an Tibetan Terrier varies depending on its origins, age, and variety. You have to count an average of £880 for dogs subscribed to the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog of this size, you have to estimate an average of £ 18 per month.
Grooming
His long and abundant coat requires very regular, fastidious maintenance, so as to prevent knots from forming, and to preserve its beauty and protective properties.
His pendant ears also need to be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.
Shedding
In contrast to many of his fellow canines, the Tibetan Terrier is generally only subject to one moulting season a year, during which brushes will need to be daily. Other than that, shedding is quite moderate.
Nutrition of the Tibetan Terrier
Rather primitive, this dog prefers traditional nutrition based on meat, vegetables and carbohydrates. The meals must be modified according to the dog’s daily activities, and the latter may vary a lot from individual to individual.
Not everyone is in the position to prepare homemade food though, in which case high-quality kibble sold commercially will come to the rescue of the busiest dog owners.
One meal a day is enough for a dog of this size, preferably in the evening to encourage better digestion.
Health of the Tibetan Terrier
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is 13 years on average.
Strong / robust
Extremely robust, the Tibetan Terrier tolerates difficult weather without a problem.
Withstand heat
This dog is not fearful of heat, but he does need to be prevented from performing too intensely on hot days, and to be taken out for walks early in the morning and late at night.
Withstand cold
His double coat contains a wooly undercoat which protects him from the cold, and from bad weather in general.
Tendency to put on weight
Very energetic, this little dog rarely gains excess weight. His intended weight must be maintained through a balanced diet. Physical exercise should not be overlooked simply because this dog is part of the companion and non-sporting group!
Common illnesses
- Vascularisation of the retina
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections