At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia range; the FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long double coat
A plentiful, fine top coat that is straight or wavy but never curly, over a soft woolly undercoat. The long hair gives the breed a shaggy, rustic look.34
Personality what they are like
A happy, outgoing and alert companion full of charm, gentle rather than combative, and a little reserved with strangers. Despite the name it is not a terrier at all but a herding and guard dog at heart.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Up to about an hour of exercise a day.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Daily grooming is needed to keep the long coat free of tangles; it sheds very little.4
Home where they are happiest
Suits a small house with a small to medium garden, in town or country.4
The story where it all began
A herding and guard dog of Tibetan traders, sometimes called the holy dog of Tibet. Dr Agnes Greig brought a puppy named Bunti to England in 1922 after treating a patient in Tibet, and the first British litter followed in 1924. The Kennel Club of India gave it its current name in 1930, and the AKC recognised it in 1973.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is not a real terrier: the name came from its size, while its original work was herding and guarding.3
- 2
Its broad, flat, hairy feet act like natural snowshoes.2
- 3
The breed's British line began with a puppy called Bunti, given to a doctor in 1922.2
- 4
It was first registered as the 'Lhasa Terrier' before being renamed in 1930.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 209, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 5 Tibetan breeds; definitive recognition 18 December 1957, standard published 22 August 2017.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Utility group; not a vulnerable native breed.4
- AKC
- Recognised in 1973 in the Non-Sporting Group.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tibetan Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Tibetan Terrier, and at what times?
Adult Tibetan Terriers should be fed at least two meals a day, ideally in the morning and evening, to keep their stomach comfortable. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Follow the food label for portions and consult your vet for a tailored schedule.5
What should a Tibetan Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced dog food is the best choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human foods out of reach and ask your vet for diet advice.6
How often should I bathe a Tibetan Terrier?
Furry Diary’s starting plan suggests bathing your Tibetan Terrier every 28 days. General guidance recommends at least once every three months, but you can bathe more often if they get dirty or have skin issues.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Tibetan Terrier need brushing?
Daily brushing is essential to keep their long double coat free of tangles. Furry Diary’s plan recommends brushing every two days, but more frequent sessions help manage shedding and mats.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Tibetan Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Furry Diary’s plan. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the pink quick; if you're unsure, ask a groomer or vet for help.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Tibetan Terrier need?
Your Tibetan Terrier needs up to about an hour of exercise each day. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Tibetan Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or debris, gently wipe the outer ear. Never poke anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary’s plan includes daily tooth brushing ideal and weekly ear checks.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Tibetan Terrier live?
Tibetan Terriers typically live between 12 and 14 years. With good care and regular vet visits, they can enjoy a long, happy life.42
Is a Tibetan Terrier good with children and other pets?
This breed is gentle, outgoing, and charming, making them wonderful family companions. They are generally good with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized from puppyhood.3
Can a Tibetan Terrier be left alone?
Tibetan Terriers are companion dogs and may not enjoy long periods alone. How long they can be left depends on the individual dog; ask your breeder or vet for advice tailored to your pet’s personality.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Tibetan Terrier (209) fci.beused for recognition
- Wikipedia: Tibetan Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, weight, fun facts
- FCI breed standard no. 209 fci.beused for coat, colours, height, temperament, history
- The Royal Kennel Club: Tibetan Terrier royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, grooming, exercise, home
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.