Tibetan Terrier

Patellar Luxation

Legg-Perthes Disease

Hip Dysplasia

Heart murmurs

Tibetan Terriers are not picky eaters and can be fed dry food once or twice a day. Up to 1 1/4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals, is recommended.

In the past, their Tibetan diet would typically include easily digestible gruel such as cooked barley flour with meat broth.

They do have a risk of becoming overweight, so care needs to be taken to ensure the amount of food they are given does not exceed their requirements.

Tibetan Terriers are known for their perfectly manicured, flowing coats. They possess a double coat, the undercoat being woolly, resistant to moisture and a natural insulator. Coat textures can vary from softer to harder to more or less prone to matting.. Seasonal changes will promote more shedding, usually only once or twice a year.

Spending time to groom your dog will not only strengthen the bond with your dog but also provides a way to monitor your TT's health.

Tibetan Terriers may need daily brushing and maintenance due to their long coats. Their hair has a long growth cycle. As a result, their coat grows quite long and may require occasional trimming. Tibetan Terriers typically require an extensive amount of grooming. You are advised to be brush them every 2-3 days to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Note that you must never brush a dry coat; misting them with conditioner and water would help ease the brushing. Also, pay extra attention beneath their leg joints, the beard, and hindquarters. Regular bathing, once every week or two, is recommended for Tibetan Terriers. Removing excess hair from the ear passages is also important, and clip any build-up of hair between pads of the feet.

Tibetan Terriers need moderate exercise and enjoy long outdoor walks, a short jog, or even something as simple as walking up and down the stairs a couple of times a day incorporated into their daily routine. Playing a few rounds of fetch could also be a form of exercise. Playtime is essential for any dog and will help not only to strengthen the bond but keep them mentually stimulated.

Tibetan Terriers are generally healthy, happy dogs that ages gracefully.

Annual visits to the vet will help identify any health problems which arise. Spaying or neutering them too early can predispose dogs to joint issues so dogs should reach maturity first before getting desexed.

Occasionally, older Tibetan Terriers can develop vestibular disease but is something that they can recover from if treated early. Cancer is also a risk for aging Tibetan Terriers. Responsible breeders screen their TT's for health conditions such as allergies, thyroid issues, bladder stones, periodontal disease, hip and patella issues. Genetic tests (such as for NCL, LL, PRA, etc.) are a valuable tool used by breeders to eliminate the expression of those diseases in their puppies.

Tibetan Terriers are ideal for all family types, young and old. They are sweet and affectionate family dogs, sensitive to their owners, and with proper introduction, are gentle with older children. Because of their watchdog origins, Tibetans can be reserved around strangers.

Tibetan Terriers are wonderful family dogs but best for families with older children who are respectful and learn how to handle these dogs properly. They are excellent watchdogs and will bark if they notice anything unusual. If their daily exercise needs are met, Tibetan Terriers can also do well in apartments.

Training Tibetan Terriers are relatively easy but they still need a consistent and firm hand in training. Agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and even herding events are some of the talents Tibetan Terriers have and would enjoy competing in.

Tibetan Terriers that show basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. They are independent-minded dogs which making them fast learners, but may disagree when treated harshly. Always use positive training techniques that allow them to learn the proper behaviours.

Tibetan Terriers can live happily with other pets provided they are trained and socialised from an early age.

Some TT's like to guard their resources like toys and food, which can sometimes make it challenging for them to live with other pets. They can sometimes show off their dominance over other dogs, so they should be properly socialised as puppies.