From the craggy mountains of Tibet comes a small to medium sized dog
noted for its loyalty, affection and amiable disposition. The breed
has transformed from an active, agile herder to a house pet and
companion dog, though the herding instinct is still intact.
The
Tibetan Terrier somewhat resembles the Tibetan goat in its long and
flowing coat. The dogs were referred to as "Apsos" in Tibet,
thought to be derived from the Tibetan word "rapso" for
goat. This charming legend-steeped Asian breed from ancient times was
first bred by Tibetan monks, and it was jealously guarded in the Holy
City of Lhasa. The breed's origins can be traced back some 2000 years
to the Lost Valley of Tibet.
The
Tibetan Terrier was treasured as a symbol of Good Luck. Referred to as
"Little People" by the monks who raised them, the dogs were
thought to possess religious significance. The "luck
bringers", also called "Holy Dogs", were kept purely as
companions and symbols of status. The good luck dogs were given to, or
stolen by, Nomadic tribes for protection. Highly esteemed, the dogs
were never "sold" but were given as a token of luck or as an
expression of profound gratitude and respect. For centuries Lamas, or
monks, raised these dogs as companions to share the solitude of their
remote lifestyle. the belief was that upon the Lama's death, the soul
entered the body of the Apso, bestowing the utmost respect.
The
Tibetan's value as a guard dog stemmed not from its size, but from the
fact that no Tibetan person would harm one of these "Holy
Dogs" or anything the dog protected. It was the alarm bark of
these ancient dogs which gave the signal for the Great Tibetan Mastiff
guards to be released for attack.
The
occasional visitor was given a dog to safeguard the trip to the
outside world from the remote Lost Valley. Thus, this charming dog was
introduced to Britain, and later to North America, during this
century. Though possibly one of the more numerous of the native breeds
inside Tibet today, it is still a rarity in the Western world.
Fortunately
the Tibetan Terrier has flourished nearly unchanged for 2000 years. It
is a totally natural dog: not docked, clipped or changed in any way.
It has not been tampered with and probably appears very much today as
it did a millennium ago in the homeland. It is the Tibetan Terrier who
has contributed to the development of all the other Tibetan breeds
from the Shih-Tzu to the Lhasa Apso to the Tibetan Spaniel.
Looking
rather like a miniature Old English Sheepdog, the Tibetan Terrier has
a profuse coat of long hair that falls over the eyes. Stiff eyelashes
help hold the hair over the eyes allowig better vision., In the
western world many Tibetan Terriers wear barrettes to further enhance
vision. Their thick tousled coats, textured like human hair, are
virtually non-allergenic and come in many colours: gold, white, cream,
grey, soot, black, parti-colour and tri-colour. This abundant, fine,
long hair has an undercoat of fine wool. The undercoat usually sheds
once each year and the outer coat once every three years. The tail is
medium length, well-feathered and set fairly high. It is carried in a
gay curl over the back, often with a kink at the tip. The dog requires
a thorough brushing at least twice a week to maintain smartness and to
keep the coat free of tangles and mats. The beed is generally healthy.
It has a powerful square body, has an upward lift at the quarters and
is well ribbed up with a slightly arched loin. Size varies from a
height of 14" to 16", and weights vary from 18 pounds to 30
pounds.
The
"Terrier" part of the name is a misnomer. Mild mannered, the
Tibetan Terrier lacks the stance, bearing and aggressive, peppery
terrier temper. Burrowing in the ground is also not part of Tibetan
Terrier disposition.
Tibetan
Terriers enjoy travel and are extremely sensitive to human moods.
Although quiet about the house, Tibetan Terriers are excellent
watch-dogs, possessing a unique bark that starts on a low note and
rises like a siren. They have a loving nature but take time accepting
strangers. This amenable, affectionate, intelligent, curious, bold,
courageous and very happy medium-sized dog makes an excellent
companion dog.
Reprinted
from Classic Critters, March 1993, Written by J.J.Horton
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