| By :
Brent McCoy
The Tibetan Terrier (known as the "Tsang Apso" in Tibet) is very much the meaning of their native name - "shaggy dog" - and looks very much like a miniature Old English Sheepdog with a long, shaggy coat that comes in virtually any color. Despite their Western name they are not actually a terrier but rather a member of the non-sporting or utility category. The breed originated more than 2,000 years ago, and was initially bred for the chief purpose of companionship. A number of their most distinguishing attributes are sensitive and devoted nature as well as their long, shaggy coat that actually sheds very little when properly groomed - which essentially make the Tibetan Terrier a fitting dog for families with older children and allergy sufferers. The Tibetan Terrier's origins are largely unknown, but was originally created in Tibetan monasteries over 2,000 years ago where they were bred as companionship dogs that could withstand the harsh climate and were occasionally given as good luck charms to keep visitors safe on their travels. Tibetan Terriers were never sold but one female eventually left Tibet with an English doctor as a gift for saving a life. Soon they acquired a male to begin a breeding program, and this is how the Tibetan Terrier came to be introduced to the Western world. Like their relative in the Lhasa Apso, they are believed to have descended from the most ancient of dog breeds. Tibetan Terriers are classified as a medium to small-sized breed of dog. The recommended standard size for the Tibetan Terrier male and female is 14-17 inches tall from paw to shoulder and a weight of 18-30 pounds. The Tibetan Terrier is recognized for their devoted, sensitive, independent and sometimes mischievous personality. They are often reserved with visitors, but their size can mean they are unsuitable as a guard dog. The Tibetan Terrier is also known to be highly intelligent - but only rank 62nd in comparison with other dogs in terms of their ability to be taught obedience instructions. They are also famous to be good with gentle kids - making them not the best choice as a family pet with young children who will handle them too roughly. The Tibetan Terrier is sometimes well-suited with other dogs as long as they are socialized well and understand that the human is the pack leader - otherwise they may try to dominate them. The Tibetan Terrier enjoys a small yard to run around in, but they can be quite suitable for living in an apartment so long as they are given adequate exercise. The Tibetan Terrier loves leisure activities including agility trials, flyball, running around the yard or even herding. They possess a moderate level of energy that decreases with age and require exercise each day in the form of two short walks or outings at different times of the day to ensure they have no excess energy to burn off through destructive behavior or barking. The Tibetan Terrier can be the right breed of dog for a family with older children or even an allergy sufferer due to their non-shedding coat. They are fit to anyone that is eager to commit to a fairly high level of grooming and allow time to give them early socialization with different people and animals and positive obedience training as well as take them for a couple of short daily walks and bestow a very high amount of love and attention. Though they may be to some extent inappropriate in households with younger children, if you are able to meet their need for love, keeping clean and patient guidance then the Tibetan Terrier may perhaps make the ultimate breed of dog for you.
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