| AKC TIBETAN TERRIER BREED STANDARD |
Tibetan Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
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
Link to American Kennel Club
Non-Sporting Group
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
Link to American Kennel Club
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