Origin
Tibetan Terriers were originally bred to herd flocks and to guard monasteries in the high regions of the Himalayan Mountains. They are thought to be the original Tibetan Holy Dog and are the tallest and liveliest of all the Tibetan dogs classed as Utility dogs by The Kennel Club. These charming dogs have gained quite a big fan base over recent years thanks to their popularity in the show ring. Tibetan Terriers are known to be good natured dogs that form strong ties with their owners, loving nothing more than to be in a home environment which they will protect and guard with vigour if the situation arises.
The Tibetan Terrier was bred to be a hardy, robust dog and one that could survive the harshest conditions of the high regions of the Himalayas. They are the tallest of all the Tibetan breeds and were used as guardians, herders and companions to the monks who lived in remote mountain monasteries. Nomads also used these charming, loyal dogs as watchdogs when they made their epic journeys from China to Tibet.
The breed is thought to be the original "Holy Dogs of Tibet" and all through the ages, they have been highly prized by monks and families alike who would treat their dogs are valued members of the family. Anyone who mistreated a Tibetan Terrier would be frowned upon and even ostrasized from their community because these dogs were so highly thought of.
Tibetan Terriers were thought to be "bringers of luck" and were often offered to intrepid travellers as good luck charms for their journeys. They were first discovered by an English doctor when a merchant offered her a puppy as a “thank you” for saving his wife's life. The doctor was enchanted by the dog and later purchased a second one from the merchant and began breeding from her two dogs. Her breeding programme eventually led to the Tibetan Terrier being recognised by the Indian Kennel Club. The doctor returned to the UK in the 1930's taking her dogs with her and by 1937 the breed was officially recognised by The Kennel Club.
Today, Tibetan Terriers are gaining popularity thanks to their charming looks and kind, affectionate and loyal natures with more well-bred puppies being registered with The Kennel Club every year.
