01/Overview
Tibetan Terriers are called “little people” in Tibet, and are sometimes human-like in their discernment. The TT can be clever and even sneaky. They are discerning in relationships; your friends may or may not be their friends; however, they bond deeply to their families. In all cases, they maintain their survival instinct from the thousands of years in the extreme climate and varying altitudes of the Tibetan mountains.
Highlights
02/History
The Tibetan Terrier is the "Holy Dog of Tibet.” The breed’s history dates back over 2,000 years in the Lost Valley of Tibet in the Himalayan Mountains. It is called the Lost Valley because in the 14th Century, the access road was lost due to an earthquake.
To live in a location that has the harshest of climates and wide variations in elevation, the TT had to be versatile and rugged. They also had to be athletic and have a strong survival instinct. They were treated like children by the monks and families they lived with. They were called “the little people." They were bred and raised for 2000 years by the monks in the monasteries.
The Tibetan Terrier was never sold. They were given as gifts to only the most important visitor and to people who performed an exceptionally kind deed. This is how the TT came to be in the outer world.
An English physician, Dr. Agnes R. H. Greig, was practicing medicine in India, just South of Tibet. In 1922, she saved a Tibetan woman’s life. With immense gratitude, Dr. Greig was gifted a Tibetan Terrier. She named the puppy Bunti.
Predictably, Dr. Greig wanted a TT to breed to her beloved Bunti, and so she started the Lamleh line of Tibetan Terriers. She moved to England and continued to breed generation after generation, proving the purity of the breed. Subsequently, in 1937, she was instrumental in getting the breed recognized by The Kennel Club (UK). The breed was officially called the Tibetan Terrier.
Of course, they are not true terriers as we know them today. We have the genetic testing to prove their purity. However, they are kin to numerous breeds from that region such as the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, the Puli, the Pumi, the Tibetan Spaniel and, of course, the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu.
03/Appearance
The Tibetan Terrier's average height is from 15 to 16 inches, with females slightly smaller. The breed may range from 14 to 17 inches. The average weight range for both males and females is 20 to 24 pounds; with a minimum of 18 pounds and maximum of 30 pounds for both sexes.
Physically, the breed is squarely built and sturdy on an athletic frame underneath all that hair. They are capable of doing a 180-degree turn in the blink of an eye or scale a six-foot fence with equal agility.
Texture: The coat is long and double-coated; all colors are acceptable. Their profuse, double coat kept them warm in the high altitudes. As the story is told, each Spring, the locals would shear their coated pack animals, the sheep, and also the Tibetan Terriers, and create wool to make clothes and warm bedding. It is told that they would sew the children into their woolen clothes each winter to keep them warm!
Standard Colors
04/Consider
Is a Tibetan Terrier right for you? Consider if the breed’s personality is in alignment with your own nature. Ask yourself what kind of time you have now, and will you have in the future, to care for a dog. Do you have the time and inclination to train a TT? Do you have the patience to work with a dog that has “creative thinking?” Are you sedentary or do you enjoy walking and hiking in all weather? Further considerations are the age of your children, whether you go off for lots of travels on weekends, and of course, whether you like to brush hair and care for the personal needs of a dog of the TT’s nature.
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The Tibetan Terrier is overall a healthy breed. However, occasionally there are individuals with health problems that require extra care. Consider whether you are inclined to care for a dog, for possibly an extended period of time, that may have a health issue. Lifespan: Happily, the TT usually lives from 12-17 years! In rare cases they may die younger from one of the potential health risks listed below.
The Tibetan Terrier is a free spirit. These dogs are often aloof with strangers but completely devoted to family members and friends. True to their roots, they have a strong instinct to alert their loved ones to any perceived or possible intruders. Blessed with keen eyesight, they can spot anything out of place in their territory from meters, or even kilometers, away, and will instantaneously alert with their own cacophonous sound. Harkening back to their mountainous origins in Tibet, they love to perch in the highest place in the house or yard to scan everything in sight.
Exercise Expectations
Grooming Expectations
There is never a dull moment with a Tibetan Terrier! Although they are the Holy Dog of Tibet and referred to by Tibetans as "the little people" because of how they fit into the home like a member of the family, they can be as sneaky and mischievous as young children at times! This isn’t the breed for everyone, but it is perfect for those who live a creative and serendipitous life. People who own a Tibetan Terrier are often reclusive or artistic, perhaps entrepreneurial in nature, much like this breed. When the breed is right for someone, it’s a match for life. Sometimes, even more conventional owners find life with a Tibetan Terrier expansive and enriching, making it a match made in heaven.
05/Puppies
Tibetan Terrier puppies are one of the most adorable breeds! They are athletic almost from the time they can walk. They are light on their feet and fly through the air with the greatest of ease. And yet, these puppies need special care to keep them safe from their own antics. They are fearless and know no boundaries. They must be taught how to respect the things that could endanger their lives. It is our job to keep them safe by watching over them with vigilance.
A word to the wise: care for your puppy as if it were a little person: love it, cuddle it, and set clear boundaries from Day One. Your puppy will require play time, rest time in a safe location like a crate, good quality food and fresh water. Keep training times short (5-10 minutes), including time to touch your dog affectionately.
06/Activities
Tibetan Terriers are capable of performing every sport available, with caution required around the Dock Diving option. TTs typically don’t like water, and they can hold a grudge if you force them to participate in a sport which they resent. Tap each link below to find out more.
Gallery
07/Standards
The Tibetan Terrier is recognized by the world's leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Tibetan Terrier is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
09/Rescue
10/Facts
11/FAQ
The Tibetan Terrier is a free spirit. These dogs are often aloof with strangers but completely devoted to family members and friends. True to their roots, they have a strong instinct to alert their loved ones to any perceived or possible intruders. Blessed with keen eyesight, they can spot anything out of place in their territory from meters, or even kilometers, away, and will instantaneously alert with their own cacophonous sound. Harkening back to their mountainous origins in Tibet, they love to perch in the highest place in the house or yard to scan everything in sight.
Official Standard of the Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier evolved over many centuries, surviving in Tibet's extreme climate and difficult terrain. The breed developed a protective double coat, compact size, unique foot construction, and great agility. The Tibetan Terrier served as a steadfast, devoted companion in all of his owner's endeavors.
General Appearance: The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog, profusely coated, of powerful build, and square in proportion. A fall of hair covers the eyes and foreface. The well-feathered tail curls up and falls forward over the back. The feet are large, flat, and round in shape producing 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.
Head: Skull - Medium length neither broad nor coarse. The length from the eye to the tip of the nose is equal to the length from eye to the occiput. The skull narrows slightly from ear to eye. It is not domed but not absolutely flat between the ears. The head is well furnished with long hair, falling forward over the eyes and foreface. The cheekbones are curved but not so overdeveloped as to bulge. Muzzle - The lower jaw has a small amount of beard. Stop - There is marked stop but not exaggerated. Nose - Black. Teeth - White, strong and evenly placed. There is a distinct curve in the jaws between the canines. A tight scissors bite, a tight reverse scissors bite or a level bite are equally acceptable. A slightly undershot bite is acceptable. Eyes - Large, set fairly wide apart, dark brown and may appear black in color, neither prominent nor sunken. Eye rims are dark in color. Ears - Pendant, falling not too close to the head, heavily feathered with a "V" shaped leather proportionate to the head. Faults - Weak pointed muzzle. Any color other than a black nose. Overshot bite or a very undershot bite or a wry mouth. Long narrow head. Lack of fall over the eyes and foreface.
Neck and Body: Neck - Length proportionate to the body and head. Body - Compact, square and strong, capable of both speed and endurance. Topline - The back is level in motion. Chest -Heavily furnished. The brisket extends downward to the top of the elbow in the mature Tibetan Terrier. Ribs - The body is well ribbed up and never cloddy or coarse. The rib cage is not too wide across the chest and narrows slightly to permit the forelegs to work free at the sides. Loin -Slightly arched. Tail - Medium length, heavily furnished, set on fairly high and falls forward over the back, may curl to either side. There may be a kink near the tip.
Forequarters: Shoulders - Sloping, well muscled and well laid back. Legs - Straight and strong when viewed from the front. Heavily furnished. The vertical distance from the withers to the elbow equals the distance from the elbows to the ground. Feet - The feet of the Tibetan Terrier are unique in form among dogs. They are large, flat, and round in shape producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction. The pads are thick and strong. They are heavily furnished with hair between the toes and pads. Hair between the toes and pads may be trimmed level with the underside of the pads for health reasons. The dog should stand well down on its pads. Dewclaws - May be removed.
Hindquarters: Legs - Well furnished, with well bent stifles and the hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs. Thighs - Relatively broad and well muscled. Hocks - Low set and turn neither in nor out. Feet - Same as forefeet. Dewclaws May be removed.
Coat: Double coat. Undercoat is soft and woolly. Outer coat is profuse and fine but never silky or woolly. May be wavy or straight. Coat is long but should not hang to the ground. When standing on a hard surface an area of light should be seen under the dog. The coat of puppies is shorter, single and often has a softer texture than that of adults. A natural part is often present over the neck and back. Fault - Lack of double coat in adults. Sculpturing, scissoring, stripping or shaving are totally contrary to breed type and are serious faults.
Color: Any color or combination of colors including white are acceptable to the breed. There are no preferred colors or combinations of colors.
Gait: The Tibetan Terrier has a free, effortless stride with good reach in front and flexibility in the rear allowing full extension. When gaiting the hind legs should go neither inside nor outside the front legs but should move on the same track approaching single tracking when the dog is moved at a fast trot. The dog with the correct foot and leg construction moves with elasticity and drive indicating that the dog is capable of great agility as well as endurance.
Size: Average weight is 20 to 24 pounds, but the weight range may be 18 to 30 pounds. Proportion of weight to height is far more important than specific weight and should reflect a well-balanced square dog. The average height in dogs is 15 to 16 inches, bitches slightly smaller. The length, measured from the point of shoulder to the root of tail, is equal to the height measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground. Faults - Any height above 17 inches or below 14 inches.
Temperament: The Tibetan Terrier is highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and affectionate. The breed may be cautious or reserved. Fault - Extreme shyness.
Approved March 10, 1987
Meet the Judges
Ekarat Sangkunakup reflects on judging Non-Sporting breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry quality, Breed winners, and Group results.
All About Judging
Reflections from Lee Whittier on judging the 2025 TTCA National Specialty – insights on breed type, structure, and the Standard.
The tail falls forward over the back, and may curl to either side. It is set on fairly high and is profusely coated, presenting the balance of the head and tail.
Standard Markings
A Note About Color: All coat colors and combinations are acceptable. All markings are acceptable; however, note that the nose is always black.
Coat Type
Double
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Long
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
There is not just one right way to feed your Tibetan Terrier. For centuries, this breed lived in the Himalayan Mountains where the weather and terrain were demanding. They survived on what they were fed by the herders, villagers, and Lamas. They maintain this ability in the present day, but require a balanced diet with proper nutrition to have optimal health. Check with your breeder and veterinarian to see what’s right for your dog. Make sure to have regular checkups with your veterinarian.
So-called obedience training is an art with a TT. These dogs are usually better at training you with their wily ways than you will ever dream of being a trainer to them. They are so endearing that you will find them on your sofa in no time, regardless of any house rules you may have previously had in place with other dogs. Socialization is a must, as is positive reinforcement training. Keep on top of the behaviors that are important to your household. Teach your TT to come, sit, down, heel, and stay. These are the basics of a great relationship.
