The Tibetan Terrier is a loyal companion, fond of children, and has many likeable character traits, i.e.:

• intelligent, a good watchdog, lively, cheerful, and self-confident
• neither wild nor quarrelsome
• chary of strangers but devoted to his family

The word “Tibetan Terrier” is an inappropriate western term as these dogs have nothing in common with a Terrier, regarding their origin and character. “Tibetan Apso”  would more appropriately describe the breed, which in the Tibetan language refers to s.th. that is “totally covered by hair.”

In Tibet, TTs were generally held as companion dogs and watchdogs. According to ancient sources, “Tibetan Apsos” were bred in the monasteries and villages of Tibet more than 2000 years ago.

In Europe, the evolution of the Tibetan Terrier is closely related to Dr. A.R.H. Greig, a British woman who was head of a hospital in the 20s in India. Dr. Greig received a TT as a gift from a wealthy Tibetan whose wife had to undergo an operation by her. In the 1930s she started the TT purebreed-program in the United Kingdom. Two females from her kennel “Ladkok”, which was later changed to “Lamleh,” became the foundation stock for the TT breeding-program in Germany (Bruns, Kennel “vom Tiergartenbrück”).

Since then the TT has gained in popularity. A dog of captivating appearance, his color spectrum ranges from black, black & white, sable, golden, white, white-golden, black-and-tan to smoke, or grey. Any color is acceptable except liver or chocolate.

His outgoing temperament, good-natured character, and the devotion to his family make him a wonderful companion dog and loyal friend who takes any human being by storm.

Easy-going with his own species, he has no penchant for fighting. TTs love to accompany their people everywhere. A good
companion in the city, TTs also love to go for long walks in the fields and woods. When hiking in the mountains, or jogging, or at
agility tournaments, the TT has a lot of staying power.

A pleasant dog at home, the TT announces visitors to the house without being a barker. TTs are happiest when they can stay close to
their people but can also be trained to stay alone for certain periods of time.

Grooming sessions should be scheduled once a week, when you should thoroughly brush and comb your TT. At the time of a
puppie’s coat change, grooming will require more patience and time in order to remove the matted undercoat.

A well-groomed TT is an attractive sight at all times. The fact that the TT does not shed his hair is worth mentioning, and to the
housewife’s or houseman’s advantage. Do not clip the coat or trim the hair on the head of a TT based on false assumptions regarding
the love of animals. The coat is a natural protection against the sun, heat, or cold. It takes several years for the coat to grow before
attaining its full length and beauty.

A house with a garden are best suited for a TT’s home; as are apartments or flats so long as your TT gets enough exercise .