Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan terrier, often called the TT, is a medium-sized Tibetan companion and utility dog rather than a true terrier. Traditional dogs of this type served as watchdogs, traveling companions, and general village or monastery dogs in the highlands, and the breed is also associated with the name Tsang Apso. Its square, sturdy body, large round feet, high-set tail, and profuse double coat give it a shaggy outline suited to rough ground and cold weather. Coat colors vary widely, with gold, black, white, brindle, and parti-color patterns all seen.

Modern Tibetan terriers are house dogs that still need regular activity and problem-solving. They can be clownish and social with their own people, yet cautious enough to announce strangers, so puppies benefit from thoughtful exposure to visitors, traffic, grooming tables, and other dogs. The coat may be kept long or clipped for easier maintenance, but mats develop quickly where harnesses rub and behind the ears. Breeding programs commonly pay attention to hips, patellas, eyes, and inherited neurologic or lens conditions. Anyone choosing a puppy should ask whether the line is selected for stable temperament as carefully as for coat.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow