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Siddhartha
Tibetan
Terrier
Breed
Information
DESCRIPTION
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The
Tibetan Terrier is a medium sized dog, with a generally square outline,
carrying a beautiful long double coat, which comes in a wide range of
colours. Any colour (or combination of colours) including white, but
excluding chocolate, is acceptable in this breed. The double coat protects
the entire dog, even falling in front of the dark, widely spaced eyes. The
fine outer coat can be straight or wavy. The undercoat is soft and woolly.
The coat should be long, but should not touch the ground. The Tibetan
Terrier does not shed seasonally, but the female is likely to drop some
hair if kept in full coat, especially after having puppies. If you intend
showing your TT you should never use a scissors on him. See the American
Kennel Club breed standard. This point is echoed in detail in the
illustrated Standard of the Tibetan Terrier published by the Tibetan
Terrier Association in 1995, Page 43, first paragraph. Some pet owners
like to keep their companions in a 'puppy cut', and a good groomer will be
only too happy to show pictures of the various cuts, and then groom to
your specification.
The tail
of medium length is heavily furnished, set fairly high and carried in a
gay curl over the back. The heavily feathered ears hang pendant, falling
not too close to the head. The nose and eye rims are black. The lower jaw
is slightly bearded. The desirable mouth is a tight scissor bite, but a
tight reverse scissor bite (the inner surface of the lower teeth touches
the outer surface of the upper teeth) is also acceptable. The top line is
level. This breed’s unique large flat feet, well furnished with hair,
produce a snowshoe effect that provides traction and flotation in snow.
The Tibetan Terrier has great agility as well as endurance. They are
lively, intelligent and extremely loyal to their family, full of character
and personality, and a devilish twinkle in their eye.
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Height:
14 - 16 inches 36 - 41 cm |
Weight: 20 to
24 lbs |
Size:
Small to medium |
Showing: Irish Kennel Club and English
Kennel Club - UTILITY Group.
BREED STANDARD
Click
here
to view the
English Kennel Club
Breed Standard
Click
here
to view the American Kennel Club Breed Standard
Click
here
to view the Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard
HISTORY
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They
originate from Tibet; "The Land of Snow", the majority of the area being
18,000 feet above sea level, containing the world’s highest mountains.
People and animals alike, constantly battle against the elements; snow,
severe frost, floods, dust storms, and arid conditions. The long coat
and the unique large round flat foot play their part in helping this
breed to survive such harsh conditions. Originally raised by the
Tibetan monks in monasteries, this breed was highly thought of by the
Tibetan people, and is an ancient contributor to many other Tibetan
breeds. The breed was considered to be "lucky" and dogs were often given
as gifts, but never sold.
They
were introduced to England in 1926, by a female surgeon, Dr. A.R.H.
Greig, who had been working in India. She was given several dogs, the
first by a grateful patient, and then by the Dalai Lama himself. Her
dedication to these dogs resulted in recognition by the Indian Kennel
Club (1930) and the English Kennel Club (1931). The majority of the
Tibetan Terriers we see today originate from the stock belonging to Dr.
Greig and her mother, using the Lamleh and Ladkok affixes.
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NOTES
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The long
coat needs a lot of attention; so many owners who are not showing their
dogs clip them, especially in summer. Bathe every 7 - 14 days. They can be
flea sensitive. Brush every 2 - 3 days with a straight
pin brush (not one with bobbles). Never
brush a dry coat. Always mist with conditioner and water to ease
brushing. Novice owners should be ready for the responsibility of grooming
a coated breed! Since he is such a light shedder, the Tibetan Terrier is
one of the better breeds for allergy sufferers. The Tibetan Terrier is a
particularly good watchdog. Don't be fooled by the
hair over the eyes; they never miss a trick.
They are
a very healthy breed and can live to 15 + years. Breed followers recognise
the existence of two eye conditions known to be inherited, Primary Lens
Luxation and Generalised Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The breed can also
suffer from Hip Dysplasia a deformation of the hip
socket. The incidence of these conditions can be reduced by all stock
being examined for eye and hip status, before being used in a breeding
programme. Testing can only be undertaken with dogs over twelve months of
age. For those interested in breeding click
HERE
for an article on the downside of inbreeding.
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CLICK
HERE FOR
INFORMATION ON HIP DYSPLASIA |
CLICK
HERE
FOR
INFORMATION ON EYE PROBLEMS |
CLICK
HERE TO BOOK
EYE TEST
IN CLOGHRAN ON-LINE |
These days, there are Tibetan Terriers throughout the world. In
England, since 1992, there have been over 800 new dogs registered
each year. Indeed in 2004 registrations were 1,304.
Ireland has only now started to publish registrations, but the
number of Tibetan Terriers registered here would be significantly
smaller. |
PERSONALITY
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Sweet,
gentle and loving. Lively and fun. Can be wilful,
which is only to be expected from the breed that invented creative
disobedience. Tibetan Terriers are devoted
to the family, but sometimes wary of strangers. Some are good guard dogs,
and take the order to mind the house very seriously. When told to
do so, my Molly takes up position on top of a comfy armchair
in the front window,
as her predecessors did before her.
They
offer loyalty and companionship. They enjoy being around people,
and are a fun breed. They are as happy loafing on the couch
as they are hill-walking, so long as they are with their beloved people.
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BEHAVIOUR
CHILDREN: Good natured. Best with older, considerate children.
Perhaps you would enjoy reading some little verses relating to puppies; if
so please click
here.
FRIENDLINESS: Extremely loving and loyal to the family. Can
sometimes be a little reserved with strangers.
TRAINABILITY: Slightly difficult to train. Responds to firmness
tempered with kindness. Bullying will get you nowhere, but they do love
to please, and can usually turn a training exercise into fun a games.
Click
here
to find out about housebreaking your puppy.
INDEPENDENCE: Moderately dependent on people.
DOMINANCE: Low.
OTHER
PETS: Good with other pets if raised with them from puppy hood.
COMBATIVENESS: Friendly with other dogs.
GROOMING AND PHYSICAL NEEDS:
GROOMING:
Frequent and regular grooming needed. Click
here
for further information
about grooming your Tibetan Terriers.
COAT:
Long coat double coat, keeping them warm in winter, and comfortable in
summer.
TRIMMING
& STRIPPING: No trimming or stripping needed
particularly if you want to show.
SHEDDING: Very light.
EXERCISE: Moderate exercise needed.
JOGGING:
A pretty good jogging companion, and if you like hill walking, they will
fall in with that.
INDOORS:
Relatively inactive indoors, they love the comfort of your sofa.
APARTMENTS:
Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
OUTDOOR SPACE:
A small yard is sufficient.
CLIMATE: Does
well in most climates.
OWNER: Good
for novice owners, but I think you definitely need a sense of humour.
Have you got a sense of humour? Find out when you try this link
Sherpaboy.
LONGEVITY:
Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
TALENTS:
Loving Companion, Good Listener, Likes to help with the
Gardening, Watchdog, Agility, and Competitive Obedience.
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 ©
Siddhartha
Tibetan Terriers Ireland
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