Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Tibetan Terrier
Origin and Purpose
The Tibetan Terrier was bred for centuries in the monasteries in the
high Himalayas where they were loved and used by the monks and lamas
as mascots, good luck charms and watchdogs. The dense coat allowed
survival in the extreme climatic conditions. The compact size and
unique foot structure permitted movement over snow and terrain
inaccessible to man.
General Appearance
A profusely coated dog of sturdy build, square in proportion, with
the tail curled over the back. The facial hair covers the eyes and
muzzle, providing protection from the elements. The large round
feet, with no discernible arch, produce a snowshoe effect while
providing traction for traversing and climbing in extreme terrain.
Temperament
The Tibetan Terrier is intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and
affectionate. The breed may be reserved but extreme shyness is a
fault.
Size
Height 14-16 inches (35-41 cm). Weight 18-30 lb. (8-14 kg). The
weight must be proportionate to the height, maintaining a sturdy,
compact build.
Coat and Colour
Double coat. The undercoat, fine wool. The topcoat profuse, fine,
but not silky or woolly, either straight or wavy. The coat is long
but should not hang to the ground. Any colour or combination of
colours including white.
Head
Skull of medium length and width, not coarse, slightly domed,
narrowing slightly from ear to eye, there shall be a distinct but
not exaggerated stop. The cheekbones curved but not overdeveloped so
as to bulge. The length from the eye to tip of the nose should be
equal to that from the eye to the occiput. Muzzle: The jaws between
the canines should form a distinct curve. The lower jaw should carry
a small but not over-exaggerated amount of beard. The head should be
well furnished with long hair falling forward over the eyes. Nose
black. Mouth a tight scissors bite, a tight reverse scissors bite or
a level bite are equally acceptable. A slight undershot bite is
acceptable. Eyes: Large, dark, neither prominent nor sunken; should
be set fairly wide apart. Eyelids dark. Ears pendant, not too close
to the head, V-shaped, not too large; heavily feathered.
Neck
The neck is well set on the shoulders, slightly arched, and carried
erect.
Forequarters
Shoulders sloping, strongly muscled, flat and well laid back. The
forelegs should be straight when viewed from front or side. In
motion the elbows should move close to the body and parallel to the
line of travel. Pasterns are short and slightly sloping. Feet should
turn neither in nor out and must be large, round, and heavily
furnished with hair between the toes and pads. The dog should stand
well down on his pads, the foot has no arch.
Body
Compact and powerful. Length from point of shoulder to root of tail
equal to height at withers. Well ribbed up. Loin slightly arched.
Hindquarters
Strongly muscled, in balance with the forequarters. Thighs broad
with well-bent stifles. Hocks well let down, turning neither in nor
out. Both front and hind feet are structurally the same.
Tail
Medium in length, set on fairly high and carried in a gay curl over
the back. Very well feathered. There is often a kink near the tip.
Gait
When in motion the legs and feet should move parallel to the line of
travel with the hind legs tracking the fore. A dog with the correct
foot moves with elasticity and drive indicating great agility and
endurance.
Faults
Extreme shyness; weak, snipey foreface; overshot or very undershot
bite or wry mouth; lack of double coat in adults
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