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Tibetan Terrier

Also called Tsang Apso, Dokhi Apso, Lhasa Terrier (historic)

Recognised breedFCI group 9Short profile

From Tibet; Great Britain holds FCI patronage.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight8 to 14 kg2
Height, male36 to 41 cm32
Height, female35 to 41 cm32
Lifespan12 to 14 years42
Sizemedium

Wikipedia range; the FCI standard sets no weight.

lively and good-natured
loyal, engaging companion
sure-footed on rough ground thanks to broad, flat feet
32

Coat and looks how to spot one

long double coat

A plentiful, fine top coat that is straight or wavy but never curly, over a soft woolly undercoat. The long hair gives the breed a shaggy, rustic look.34

Colourswhitegoldencreamgrey or smokeblackparti-colourtricolour3

Personality what they are like

A happy, outgoing and alert companion full of charm, gentle rather than combative, and a little reserved with strangers. Despite the name it is not a terrier at all but a herding and guard dog at heart.3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Daily grooming is needed to keep the long coat free of tangles; it sheds very little.4

Home where they are happiest

Suits a small house with a small to medium garden, in town or country.4

The story where it all began

A herding and guard dog of Tibetan traders, sometimes called the holy dog of Tibet. Dr Agnes Greig brought a puppy named Bunti to England in 1922 after treating a patient in Tibet, and the first British litter followed in 1924. The Kennel Club of India gave it its current name in 1930, and the AKC recognised it in 1973.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is not a real terrier: the name came from its size, while its original work was herding and guarding.3

  2. 2

    Its broad, flat, hairy feet act like natural snowshoes.2

  3. 3

    The breed's British line began with a puppy called Bunti, given to a doctor in 1922.2

  4. 4

    It was first registered as the 'Lhasa Terrier' before being renamed in 1930.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to 'shaggy or bearded ("apso") dog, from the province of Tsang'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

KelsangTashiLhamoNorbuDorjeJigmePemaSnowballFluffyBuddyLuckySunny

A day in the life told by a Tibetan Terrier

I start my day with a happy dance as my human wakes up. After a good stretch, we head out for a leisurely walk where I sniff every interesting leaf. Back home, I guard the living room from the mailman with a dignified bark. Then comes the best part: a gentle brush session that makes my coat shine. I spend the afternoon napping on the sofa, one eye open for treats. When my family returns, I greet them with wiggles and a toy in my mouth. Evening is for cuddles and more guarding. I love my simple, joyful life.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 209, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 5 Tibetan breeds; definitive recognition 18 December 1957, standard published 22 August 2017.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Utility group; not a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Recognised in 1973 in the Non-Sporting Group.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tibetan Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tibetan Terrier tip

Tibetan Terriers often have sensitive stomachs, so stick to a highly digestible, low-fat diet and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. Because they are prone to diabetes and pancreatitis, always check with your vet before introducing any new treat or food.

Source: petmd.com

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Tibetan Terrier, and at what times?

Adult Tibetan Terriers should be fed at least two meals a day, ideally in the morning and evening, to keep their stomach comfortable. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Follow the food label for portions and consult your vet for a tailored schedule.5

What should a Tibetan Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, balanced dog food is the best choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human foods out of reach and ask your vet for diet advice.6

How often should I bathe a Tibetan Terrier?

Furry Diary’s starting plan suggests bathing your Tibetan Terrier every 28 days. General guidance recommends at least once every three months, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty or have skin issues.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Tibetan Terrier need brushing?

Daily brushing is essential to keep their long double coat free of tangles. Furry Diary’s plan recommends brushing every two days, but more frequent sessions help manage shedding and mats.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Tibetan Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Furry Diary’s plan. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the pink quick; if you're unsure, ask a groomer or vet for help.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Tibetan Terrier need?

Your Tibetan Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise each day. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Tibetan Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or debris, gently wipe the outer ear. Never poke anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary’s plan includes daily tooth brushing ideal and weekly ear checks.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Tibetan Terrier live?

Tibetan Terriers typically live between 12 and 14 years. With good care and regular vet visits, they can enjoy a long, happy life.42

Is a Tibetan Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed is gentle, outgoing, and charming, making them wonderful family companions. They are generally good with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized from puppyhood.3

Can a Tibetan Terrier be left alone?

Tibetan Terriers are companion dogs and may not enjoy long periods alone. How long they can be left depends on the individual dog; ask your breeder or vet for advice tailored to your pet’s personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI nomenclature: Tibetan Terrier (209) fci.beused for recognition
  2. Wikipedia: Tibetan Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, weight, fun facts
  3. FCI breed standard no. 209 fci.beused for coat, colours, height, temperament, history
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Tibetan Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, grooming, exercise, home
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.