Information on AKC Tibetan Terrier Puppies
Tibetan Terrier Breed Standard
The Tibetan Terrier evolved over many centuries, surviving in Tibet’s extreme climate
and difficult terrain. The breed developed a protective double coat, compact size,
unique foot construction, and great agility. The Tibetan Terrier served as a steadfast,
devoted companion in all of his owner’s endeavors.
General Appearance
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog, profusely coated, of powerful
build, and square in proportion. A fall of hair covers the eyes and foreface.
The well-feathered tail curls up and falls forward over the back. The feet are
large, flat, and round in shape producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction.
The Tibetan Terrier is well balanced and capable of both strong and efficient
movement. The Tibetan Terrier is shown as naturally as possible.
Head
Skull--Medium length neither broad nor coarse. The length
from the eye to the tip of the nose is equal to the length from eye to the occiput.
The skull narrows slightly from ear to eye. It is not domed but not absolutely
flat between the ears. The head is well furnished with long hair, falling forward
over the eyes and foreface. The cheekbones are curved but not so overdeveloped
as to bulge. Muzzle--The lower jaw has a small amount of beard.
Stop--There is marked stop but not exaggerated. Nose--Black.
Teeth--White, strong and evenly placed. There is a distinct curve
in the jaws between the canines. A tight scissors bite, a tight reverse scissors
bite or a level bite are equally acceptable. A slightly undershot bite is acceptable.
Eyes-- Large, set fairly wide apart, dark brown and may appear
black in color, neither prominent nor sunken. Eye rims are dark in color. Ears--Pendant,
falling not too close to the head, heavily feathered with a "V" shaped
leather proportionate to the head.
Faults--Weak pointed muzzle.
Any color other than a black nose. Overshot bite or a very undershot bite or a
wry mouth. Long narrow head. Lack of fall over the eyes and foreface.
Neck and Body
Neck-- Length proportionate to the
body and head. Body--Compact, square and strong, capable of both
speed and endurance. Topline--The back is level in motion. Chest--Heavily
furnished. The brisket extends downward to the top of the elbow in the mature
Tibetan Terrier. Ribs--The body is well ribbed up and never cloddy
or coarse. The rib cage is not too wide across the chest and narrows slightly
to permit the forelegs to work free at the sides. Loin--Slightly
arched. Tail--Medium length, heavily furnished, set on fairly high
and falls forward over the back, may curl to either side. There may be a kink
near the tip.
Forequarters
Shoulders--Sloping,
well muscled and well laid back. Legs--Straight and strong when
viewed from the front. Heavily furnished. The vertical distance from the withers
to the elbow equals the distance from the elbows to the ground. Feet--The
feet of the Tibetan Terrier are unique in form among dogs. They are large, flat,
and round in shape producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction. The pads
are thick and strong. They are heavily furnished with hair between the toes and
pads. Hair between the toes and pads may be trimmed level with the underside of
the pads for health reasons. The dog should stand well down on its pads. Dewclaws--May
be removed.
Hindquarters
Legs--Well furnished,
with well bent stifles and the hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs.
Thighs--Relatively broad and well muscled. Hocks--Low
set and turn neither in nor out. Feet--Same as forefeet. Dewclaws
May be removed.
Coat
Double coat. Undercoat is soft
and woolly. Outer coat is profuse and fine but never silky or woolly. May be wavy
or straight. Coat is long but should not hang to the ground. When standing on
a hard surface an area of light should be seen under the dog. The coat of puppies
is shorter, single and often has a softer texture than that of adults. A natural
part is often present over the neck and back. Fault--Lack of double
coat in adults. Sculpturing, scissoring, stripping or shaving are totally contrary
to breed type and are serious faults.
Color
Any color or combination of colors including white are acceptable to the breed. There are
no preferred colors or combinations of colors.
Gait
The Tibetan Terrier has a free, effortless stride with good reach in front and flexibility
in the rear allowing full extension. When gaiting the hind legs should go neither
inside nor outside the front legs but should move on the same track approaching
single tracking when the dog is moved at a fast trot. The dog with the correct
foot and leg construction moves with elasticity and drive indicating that the
dog is capable of great agility as well as endurance.
Size
Average weight is 20 to 24 pounds, but the weight range may be 18 to 30 pounds.
Proportion of weight to height is far more important than specific weight and
should reflect a well-balanced square dog. The average height in dogs is 15 to
16 inches, bitches slightly smaller. The length, measured from the point of shoulder
to the root of tail, is equal to the height measured from the highest point of
the withers to the ground. Faults--Any height above 17 inches or
below 14 inches.
Temperament
The Tibetan Terrier is highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and affectionate. The breed may be cautious
or reserved. Fault--Extreme shyness.
Approved March 10, 1987
