Why are they called terriers?

When the English first started to classify dogs all small dogs were called terriers. Now the Terrier (from terre meaning ground) Group is composed only of dogs bred to hunt vermin from the ground. The TT never rooted game (though some show very creative gardening instincts as they satisfy their curiosity!) nor does it have the peppery disposition associated with the true terrier.

Tibetans are very quick learners and can learn to avoid doing things just as quickly as they learn how to do them - causing some owners to think their dog is slow. When training TT's one must remember they are very self-reliant and can have a very independent turn of mind. However, they are extremely eager to please; the key to successful training is earning both their love and their respect for you as leader.

The Tibetan is a very hardy breed and is considered long-lived with most living well beyond 12 years and many to 15 or 16 years. There are some defects found in the general dog population found in the Tibetan Terrier. Conscientious breeders screen their stock and can explain these problems and their incidence: hip dysplasia, patella luxation, hernias, progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation and cataracts.

As with all dogs, Tibetans should have regular check-ups and yearly boosters for rabies, distemper, parvo and other contagious diseases.

The TT is not a particularly high energy dog; he normally adapts to the lifestyle and pace of his owners, particularly upon maturity.

The TT must be groomed on a regular basis and, to keep in good shape, this means a good weekly brushing. Combed, their coat protects them just as our clothes protect us; uncombed the coat becomes an unremovable wool jacket. Puppies shed their soft "puppy coat" while growing their adult double coat. During this "blow," which may last for several days or several weeks, they need more frequent grooming and may appear to mat up overnight. A skilled groomer can comb out the undercoat or trim a TT in a variety of cute styles but he will look very different.

Most Tibetans are more playful and outgoing with their families than with strangers. However, a puppy's personality depends partly on how it is raised - one who has met many people and faced lots of new situations in his first few months of life will be more outgoing than one who did not. A TT who does not wish to socialize will normally turn his back and go off by himself.

Try, if you can, to visit a breeder so you can meet at least one of the parents, litter mates and possibly other TT's. If you cannot visit, then get to know the breeder as well as you can by phone and mail. Most breeders want to know the people who buy their pups and are glad to talk about their puppies and older dogs. Remember, however, they may be busy people with things to do; try to keep conversations to the point and keep any appointments you make to visit.

Most breeders find homes by word of mouth. Many have waiting lists and do not need to advertise.

Breeders lists are maintained by several local Tibetan Terrier Clubs, by the Tibetan Terrier Club of America and many all-breed clubs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) will furnish names and addresses of breeders. Dog show catalogs list the names and addresses of all the exhibitors, some of whom may have or know of available pups or adults. In some areas of the country TT's are occasionally advertised in the newspaper. Several national dog magazines carry ads for all breeds.

If you hope to show or breed, you want a dog of excellent quality. Study the most recent (1987) STANDARD, a description of the ideal Tibetan approved by both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Tibetan Terrier Club of America. Try to see several Tibetans and compare them to the STANDARD and to each other before you purchase one. Do be fair to the breed and the breeder and tell him what you expect of your dog. It is in the best interest of the Tibetan Terrier - and costs no more in time or money - to breed only the top quality. Some breeders insist their best pups should be shown; others are willing to place them in pet homes. A pet quality TT (one who deviates from the standard) can be just as good a companion as a show dog.

There is no reason to prefer males or females. TT boys are unusually loving and many even enjoy watching and caring for puppies. Neutering either gender results in better health in the long term and eliminates medical and behavioral problems associated with the reproductive cycle.

You should receive an up-to-date veterinarian's health certificate and medical record listing all inoculations, worming and other treatment the dog has received. You should receive clear, written instructions on feeding and care.

You should receive AKC registration papers which may be the "blue form" initially issued for each puppy in a litter or an "individual white form" with the dog's registered name. Pets are often soled with a "limited registration" - a special form for dogs who are not to be bred or shown in competition. You should insist on a bill of sale listing the breed, breeder, sex, color, birth date and registered names and numbers of the parents, particularly if AKC papers are not available for any reason.

Conscientious breeders can show you proof that both parents have had their hips X-rayed upon maturity and their eyes have been cleared by a canine ophthalmologist within the past year.

Most breeders give you a pedigree or "family tree". A contract which guarantees your new friend's basic health for an extended period of time indicates the breeder's willingness to help you, if necessary, down the road. Many breeders also give you some of the food the pup has been eating and a leash and/or collar.