Tibetan Terrier
Not a terrier either, but a Tibetan monastery dog with flat round feet that work like snowshoes. It was given as a luck gift and never sold.
Photo by Ian Wilson, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Tibetan Terrier is not a terrier either. It was kept in Tibetan monasteries as a companion and a luck bringer, and it was never sold, only given, which is why the breed reached the West slowly.
Its most distinctive feature is the feet: large, flat and round, functioning as snowshoes for crossing snow at altitude, and unlike anything else in the dog world.
Temperament
Affectionate, clever and reserved with strangers. Tibetan Terriers are devoted to their families and take time to warm to visitors.
They are sensitive and they read a household closely. They are also independent and can be stubborn, and they are more thoughtful than biddable. They are good with children who respect them and they dislike being left alone.
Care and grooming
The long double coat needs thorough combing every day or two and mats readily, particularly during the coat change at around a year old. Many owners keep it in a shorter clip.
Progressive retinal atrophy, primary lens luxation and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis all have DNA tests. Hip dysplasia occurs. Twelve to fifteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour a day plus play. They are more athletic than they look and they enjoy hiking.
The coat is the main commitment. They are otherwise one of the easier medium sized companions and they are still uncommon.
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