The Tibetan Terrier And Willy - Crufts Best Of Show 2007
Since the Tibetan Terrier ‘Willy’ (full name Fabulous Willy)
won the trophy for Best in Show at Crufts Dog Show 2007, many
people may now be considering choosing the Tibetan Terrier as a
family pet. If you are, you will be pleased to hear that the
temperament of this breed has been one of the most attractive
aspects of the breed since it was first established in the
1920’s. As would be expected from a dog previously used as a
watch dog, they tend to be reserved around strangers, but
should never be aggressive or shy with them.
One of the features for which the Tibetan Terrier is known is
their broad, flat feet. We don’t think that such feet can be
found in any other dog breed. The eyes are large, and dark. The
Tibetan Terrier is one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, as
has been established by recent DNA analysis. The feet have
developed for mobility in snow. It has been said that the
Tibetan terrier, is more of a herding dog, than a terrier.
It makes an excellent guard dog and has a powerful, siren-like
bark which is surprising in a dog this size. It is also a loyal
and affectionate pet, though it has a mind of its own and needs
firm training. Although its coat requires regular grooming, it
does not need a great deal of exercise. This is a playful breed
and will enjoy human company in the garden or on the occasional
foray into the countryside.
The eyes are large, dark, and set fairly far apart. Long and
thick, but should not be so long as to touch the floor, as is
typical in breeds such as the Lhasa Apso, or the Maltese.
The appearance of the Tibetan Terrier is that of a powerful,
medium sized dog of square proportions, with a shaggy coat. A
fall of hair covers the face and eyes, but long eyelashes
generally prevent hair from getting in the Tibetan Terrier’s
eyes, and the breed has very good eyesight. As such, the early
history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation
dogs.
No particular colours are preferred, as with terriers generally
a wide range of colours are permissible, however, liver and
chocolate are not allowed. Although waves are acceptable the
coat should not be silky or curled.
Breed health problems have been seen and because of that,
Tibetan Terrier clubs recommend purchasing from breeders who
participate in eye and hip testing.
The Tibetan or Lhasa Terrier, being such an ancient breed, is
probably the ancestor of the Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu. The most
plausible version of its history is that it was bred as a
herder, working in tandem with the much larger Tibetan Mastiff
which guarded the herds. Less hardy individuals were given to
the Tibetan monks, who in turn may have given them to nomadic
tribes to protect them on their travels; it is also possible
that the nomads stole the dogs. Another account claims that the
Tibetan Terrier originally came from Japan and was brought to
Tibet by nomadic traders.
Like the other Tibetan dogs now popular in the West, the
Tibetan Terrier has a long and luxurious coat. Typically it has
a fringe falling forward over the eyes, a small beard and a
jaunty kink to its tail.
It makes an excellent guard and has a powerful, siren-like bark
surprising in a dog this size. It is also a loyal and
affectionate pet, though it has a mind of its own and needs
firm training. Although its coat requires regular grooming, it
does not need a great deal of exercise. This is a playful breed
and will enjoy human company in the garden or the occasional
foray into the countryside.
More information at
http://www.dog- breeds.me. uk/html/tibetan- terrier.php . A
‘must-visit’ web site for all Dog Lovers.
About The Author: Steve Evans is web master of the
http://www.dog- breeds.me. uk