Tibetan Terrier (detailed introduction)

   The Tibetan Terrier, originating from Tibet, has a temperament similar to terriers, hence the name. The Tibetan Terrier has a well-developed, protective double coat, compact size, unique foot structure, and is very agile. It is a determined and devoted companion dog. So, if you want to get one, how do you select a quality breed? Today I will introduce the breed standards of the Tibetan Terrier.
　　1. Tibetan Terrier Appearance
　　The Tibetan Terrier has a medium-sized body, a rich coat, strong structure, and square proportions. The abundant hair covers the eyes and face. The tail, richly feathered, curls and falls forward onto the back. The paws are large, flat, and round, creating a snow boot effect when walking. The structure of the Tibetan Terrier is stable, movements are both strong and efficient. Moreover, the Tibetan Terrier should appear as natural as possible.
　　2. Tibetan Terrier Head
　　1. Head: Medium length, neither wide nor coarse. The distance from the eyes to the nose tip is roughly equal to the distance from the eyes to the occiput. The head narrows slightly from the ears to the eyes. The space between the ears is not strongly arched but not completely flat either. The head hair is abundant, hanging forward and downward, covering the eyes and face. The cheekbones are curved but not overly prominent to protrude. Muzzle: The lower jaw has a small amount of whiskers. Stop: Clear but not exaggerated. Nose leather: Black. Teeth: White, strong, and tidy. Between the canine teeth on the lower jaw, the teeth are obviously curved. Tight scissor bite, tight reverse scissor bite, and pincer bite are all acceptable. Slight underbite is also acceptable.
　　2. Eyes: Large and quite widely spaced, color deep brown or black. Neither protruding nor sunken. Eye rims are dark. Ears: Hanging, drooping but not too close to the head. Have lots of feathering, ear shape V-shaped, proportionate to the head.
　　3. Faults: Weak and pointed muzzle. Nose leather color other than black. Overbite, exaggerated underbite or skewed mouth. Long and narrow head. Lack of abundant hair hanging in front of eyes and face.
　　3. Tibetan Terrier Neck and Body
　　Neck: Length proportionate to body and head. Body: Compact, square, and solid. Very good speed and endurance. Topline: Level when moving. Chest: Heavily feathered, mature Tibetan Terrier's chest can extend to the elbows. Ribs: Well supported, never appearing rustic or coarse. Chest should not be too wide, slightly narrow, allowing freer movement of the front legs on both sides. Loins: Slightly arched. Tail: Medium length, heavily feathered, set fairly high, curling forward over the back, may curl to either side. May have a kink near the tip.
　　4. Tibetan Terrier Forequarters
　　Shoulders: Sloped, muscular, and laid back. Forelegs: Appear straight and strong when viewed from the front. Heavily feathered. Vertical distance from withers to elbow equals from elbow to ground. Paws: Tibetan Terrier paws are unique among all dogs. Large, flat, round paws create a snow boot effect when walking. Thick and firm pads, a lot of hair between toes and pads. To ensure paw health, the hair between toes and pads needs to be trimmed flush with the sole. The pads support the body well. Dewclaws: May be removed.
　　5. Tibetan Terrier Hindquarters
　　Hind legs: Heavily feathered, moderate bend in the stifle, hind legs slightly longer than forelegs. Thighs: Quite broad, muscular. Hock: Low set, neither turned inward nor outward. Paws: Same as front legs. Dewclaws: May be removed.
　　6. Tibetan Terrier Coat
　　Double coat. Undercoat soft and woolly. Outer coat abundant and fine but never silky or woolly. Can be wavy or straight. Coat is long but must never drag the ground. When standing on hard ground in good light, the underside of the abdomen can be seen. Puppy coat is short, single-layered, usually softer than adult coat. A natural parting usually appears on the neck and back. Fault: Adult lacking double coat. Sculpting, trimming, stripping, or shaving the coat violates the breed’s fundamental requirements and is a serious fault.
　　7. Tibetan Terrier Colors
　　Any color and color combination, including white, is acceptable. There is no preferred color or combination.
　　8. Tibetan Terrier Gait
　　The Tibetan Terrier’s gait is extended, free, with front legs reaching well and hind legs providing elastic drive. When walking, hind legs track neither inward nor outward and align with front footprints; at a fast trot, single tracking occurs. When paws and leg structure are correct, the movement appears powerful and elastic, showing high agility and strong endurance.
　　9. Tibetan Terrier Size
　　Average weight 20~24 pounds, with an allowed range of 18~30 pounds. The weight to height ratio is more important than weight alone; it should be a proportionate, square dog. Males average 15~16 inches at the shoulder, females slightly smaller. Body length (distance from shoulder joint to base of tail) equals shoulder height. Fault: taller than 17 inches or shorter than 14 inches.
　　10. Tibetan Terrier Temperament
　　Tibetan Terriers are very intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted, and affectionate. The breed may appear cautious and reserved. Fault: Excessive shyness.
　　That’s the introduction. Fellow dog lovers are welcome to add comments and share the joy of dog raising together. In a word: There is no dog that cannot be raised well, only owners unwilling to invest effort.