The long-lashed mountain dog!
Tibetan Terriers are a remarkable breed with a very rich history. As indicated by their name, they are originally from Tibet. They are not, however, actually terriers. They were referred to as terriers by European travellers, who believed they resembled the breed they were familiar with.
Their original name is Tsang Apso, which translates to “shaggy” or “bearded.” Their alternative older name was Dokhi Apso, meaning “outdoor/working shaggy dog.”
And goodness did they work! Tibetan terriers were bred for multiple purposes, including acting as watchdogs, herding livestock, hunting, and were even treated as good luck charms! One of the more unusual jobs they had was to fetch items that had fallen down mountainsides! Their excellent eyesight and keen sense of smell made them perfect for this job.
Their eyesight is fantastic, and they are famous for their beautiful long eyelashes which help to prevent their line of sight from being compromised. A soft shaggy double coat with waves running through the hair helped to keep them warm during their time in the mountains. Feathered ears helped to regulate their temperature and their distinguished moustache/beard helps to keep their faces warm while sniffing in the snow.
One of the more unusual traits of the breed are their feet! Unlike most other mountain breeds, which tend to have narrow, rounder feet for gripping, Tibetan terriers have broad, flat feet. They also have extra tufts of hair between their toes, which is ideal for climbing mountains, acting as natural snowshoes.
These lovely companionable dogs come in a range of colours, including black, black/white, cream, and sable. The rarest colour to be had is gold.
In fact, the first documented Tibetan terrier outside of Tibet was brought to England in 1922 by Dr. Agnes Greig. She had performed surgery on a patient in Tibet and was gifted a beautiful gold and white pup, named Bunti, as thanks. She acquired a male, Rajah, and set up a breeding kennels, believing that the dog’s gentle temperament and affectionate, playful nature would be perfectly suited for families.
They were officially recognised as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1973 and have been wiggling their way into people’s hearts!
Some celebrities that also love this fabulous breed include Rachel Bilson from the hit show, The OC, as well as Downton Abbey star, Hugh Bonneville.
