The classic shaggy dog is in no way related to the terriers. If we talk about the roots of origin, then this dog is rather closer to a miniature shepherd. The dog, brought from India to England, immediately won the hearts of stiff English, and then charmed the whole of Europe. In Russia, a long-haired dog took root quickly, and now there is no problem finding breeders of this breed.
Tibetan Terrier: breed description
A rather long shaggy coat hides a small, medium-sized dog. The height of the terrier is usually about 35-40 cm, and the weight reaches 13-14 kg. The body of the animal has a square shape, eyes are large, usually dark brown. A distinctive feature of the dog is, of course, its thick and long coat, the color of which can be from golden white to pure black. The hairy friend’s ears are V-shaped, hanging. Dogs of this breed are not intended for hunting, but do an excellent job of guarding the house.
Character
The breed of the Tibetan Terrier appeared on Tibet, therefore it is not at all surprising that the dog has a very calm character and good disposition. In everyday life, such a pet is completely unpretentious, since it was originally bred as a companion and defender of a person. Grown in a harsh climate, the dog perfectly tolerates any temperature changes. The Tibetan Terrier is a wonderful friend, watchman and shepherd.
Despite their good-natured appearance and kind nature, these dogs are very distrustful of strangers and are always ready to protect their house and all its inhabitants. But even if the pet barks loudly, it will never bite, because by its nature it is non-aggressive. Of course, like any other animal, every puppy from an early age exhibits character traits. Among them there are playful babies, and gloomy grumblers, and just “pests”, but mostly the Tibetan terrier is very industrious and lends itself very well to training. These are faithful animals that become very attached to their masters.
Origin history
This breed has a very rich and long history of its origin. It is from these long-haired good breeds that the breeds now known as Shih Tzu, Lhassa and Tibetan Spaniels originated . Initially, the "Tibetans" were used exclusively as shepherds. They coped well with large herds of sheep. But compared with larger mastiffs, miniature terriers began to seem relatively helpless, so more and more often they went to monasteries for protection.
There was a tradition of giving dogs as a talisman for travelers.
How the animal appeared in England
Misty Albion is the second place after India where the breed in question appeared. The Tibetan Terrier was brought there in 1926 by Dr. Greig, who literally fell in love with a friendly dog. A well-known doctor brought three representatives of this breed from the Indian coast. In order for official breeding of these animals, the dogs were registered as Lhasa Terriers. The Tibetan Terrier got its current name 4 years later, when the international standard of this breed was adopted based on the description of the Kennel Indian Club.
Addiction to ailments
Like most domestic animals, the Tibetan Terrier is susceptible to infectious diseases. The description of the breed says that, despite great endurance and excellent health, long-haired good people should be given annual vaccinations. In order to protect the pet from the risk of disease, it is necessary to make the following complex injections:
- From the plague.
- From leptospirosis.
- From viral hepatitis.
- From parvovirus enteritis.
- From rabies.
This is the minimum set of mandatory vaccinations for dogs of this breed.
Terriers are not prone to hereditary diseases, but occasionally there are cases:
- Hereditary hip dysplasia.
- Eye diseases.
- Neuralgic ailments.
Dog breed Tibetan Terrier: care and maintenance
Despite the unpretentiousness, dogs need some care and proper nutrition. This is primarily due, of course, to the hair of the animal. In order for the pet to feel comfortable and look good, it is necessary to give him time and attention.
Hair care
The Tibetan Terrier, whose photo can be found on numerous dog breeders' portals, is the owner of a unique wool structure. Moreover, depending on the color, the density of the undercoat varies. It is with this parameter that the interval with which the dog needs to be combed is determined. The flying terrier’s hair flying in the wind makes the pet simply magnificent. Especially if you plan to participate in exhibitions, you will have to make a lot of efforts to make the Tibetan terrier look really unique.
To properly care for your pet's hair, you need to purchase a massage brush with metal teeth. An adult animal needs to be combed at least once a week. In fact, the more often you use the brush, the less time this procedure will take, since the wool simply does not have time to roll into the tangles. In addition, well-combed hair remains clean much longer. To comb a pet should be in the course of hair growth. In order to make the coat more malleable, it can be slightly moistened with water. First you need to comb the tips, and then gradually approach the roots.
Undoubtedly, the most difficult places are the paws and belly of the dog, as well as the axillary and inguinal areas.
Water treatments
Dirty hair is better not to try to comb. This is a very time-consuming and long process, besides inconvenience to both the owner and the pet. Therefore, it is better to wash the dog first. Shampoo is selected based on the color of the dog, it is better to purchase a tool that will not irritate the skin of the pet.
Apply shampoo only to the coat. The Tibetan Terrier you care for is very sensitive to the soap composition. Therefore, it is better not to touch the skin of the animal, do not rub anything into it. Lather the dog with light enough movements, and then rinse the shampoo with plenty of water.
At the end of water procedures, be sure to wrap the terrier in a well-absorbing towel. It is not recommended to use a hair dryer, as this can adversely affect the coat. When the pet dries, it will become much more active and cheerful.
Eyes and ears
Puppies of the Tibetan Terrier are prone to increased lacrimation. This is a completely natural phenomenon, so do not worry about this. The causes of these symptoms are simple: the hair growing on the baby's face gets into the eyes and irritates the mucous membrane. With age, this disappears, as the fur grows and falls down.
Nevertheless, you should periodically rinse the eyes of the terrier. To do this, it is enough to moisten a cotton swab in boiled warm water and gently wipe the organs of vision of the pet from the outer corner to the nose.
Claws
It is great if the Tibetan terrier has the ability to run on a hard surface and sharpen its claws. In order for the dog to feel as comfortable as possible and not have problems with the claws, it is better to cut the hair under them (flush with the pads). It is also recommended to monitor the length of the claws and trim them if necessary. For these purposes, special claw cutters are sold in pet stores. They have stops so you don't accidentally cut too much and hurt your terrier.
Look carefully at the claw: you can cut only the very tip, in which there are no blood vessels.
Teeth
Just like any person, a dog is prone to problems with teeth. The Tibetan Terrier often suffers from tartar. At first it looks like a small coating on enamel and does not cause concern, but then such formations can lead to very serious problems with the oral cavity of the animal. You need to start caring for your teeth from the first days of the appearance of a Tibetan terrier puppy in your home. Be sure to buy a special bone in the store, which is designed not only to entertain the animal, but also to care for the oral cavity.
If the plaque still remains, you need to independently clean the dog’s teeth. Simply moisten a regular brush in boiled cold water and walk through the teeth of the terrier. It is better not to allow the formation of stones, since it is much more difficult to get rid of them, and most likely you will have to consult a specialist.
Nutrition
Since the dog is unpretentious, the diet of the terrier is not much different from the standard dog menu. The Tibetan Terrier in Russia has become quite popular. First of all, the owners note the amazing nature of the animal, and secondly - its unpretentiousness in food. Of course, this does not mean that the pet can be given everything that is left on the table. In his diet, there must be food containing mineral and nutrients. It is especially important to monitor the proper nutrition of the puppy. The thoughtless creature still does not understand what he can eat, and what better to refrain from.
It is better to feed babies more often (up to seven times a day) in small portions so that they do not overeat. Older dogs eat less often, but the portions should be larger. After each meal, it is necessary to wash the terrier's bowl so that harmful microbes and fungi do not form in it.
Of course, we must not forget that the pet should always have access to drinking water. When thirsty, the animal may begin to search for other sources of moisture.
In addition to natural food, it is worth feeding a specialized dog. It is advisable to consult with a veterinarian or breeder about which food the Tibetan terrier loves the most. Feedback from dog breeders about different feeds and manufacturers is often different, so rely on the opinion of a specialist you trust.
Do not feed the pet the same for a long time, the diet should be varied, then the dog will never have problems with hair or stomach.
Training
As mentioned earlier, Tibetan terriers are very trainable thanks to their intelligence and quick wit. With the right approach, the dog will easily learn everything that the owner requires of it. But do not forget that in the first place the terrier is an animal, so he needs to show that it is you who are the leader. If the pet began to take a leading position, it will be very difficult to influence him. In order to avoid such problems, you must immediately accustom your pet to the fact that he, for example, can jump onto the sofa only with your permission. If the pet disobeys, shout at him loudly and seriously. But remember: any punishment should be immediate, because otherwise the dog simply will not understand why it is scolded.
In no case can a dog be beaten, even an innocent slap can harm the terrier's psyche.
It is very important to pay maximum attention to the socialization of the puppy. To do this, he needs to be led out to the street as often as possible, where he will meet other people and animals. This is necessary so that the appearance of a stranger does not become an incentive for a pet to behave aggressively. A more adult dog can begin to train and train.
Conclusion
Getting a Tibetan terrier, you get not only a faithful friend, but also a great watchman. Dogs are well mastered in both urban and rural areas. Nevertheless, such a pet needs daily walks and the opportunity to run in nature. A four-legged friend will be a great jogging companion or walk in the woods. This dog breed is not suitable for hunting, but terriers do an excellent job with everything else. With the right diet, timely vaccinations and precautions, the pet will be cheerful and cheerful for many years. If you plan to participate in exhibitions, carefully read the international requirements that a Tibetan terrier must meet. Photos of medalists will help to understand what parameters an ideal dog of the considered breed should have.