Legends surround the history of the Tibetan Terrier. Breed in the Buddhist Monasteries of Tibet, the dogs were considered prized mascots or luck-bringers and were carefully guarded and nurtured by the lamas of this remote region. Believed to be a very old breed, whose origin is traced to the Lost Valley of Tibet, Tibetan Terriers were given as tokens of esteem, in gratitude of a service rendered or as a wish for peace and prosperity.
At first glance, one of the Tibetan's most notable features is its hair, covering the eyes and foreface. Close inspection reveals that beneath all this hair is a powerfully built, compact, square-bodied dog with alert eyes and a keen expression. Tibetan's are considered intelligent, brave, faithful and bold. They are medium-sized dogs, whose average height is 15 to 16 inches at the withers and 20 to 24 pounds in weight.
The Tibetan is not a true terrier. It does not have a terrier disposition and does not burrow into the earth. The Tibetan Terrier is intelligent and easily trainable. Most TTs are wary of strangers but are affectionate with family and friends. Your Tibetan will love to walk with you and will make a wonderful traveling companion. Tibetans are couch potatoes at heart.
The Tibetan's trademark look requires a long. flowing double coat. Underneath the profuse, fine (but not silky) outercoat lies a dense, woolly undercoat. The coat should be long but not hang on the ground. The coat can be wavy of straight, and a natural part appears down the middle of the back. Puppy coats are shorter and softer that those of adults, and they lack the undercoat.