The History of Tibetan Terriers
The Tibetan terrier is an ancient dog breed that has evolved over many centuries. It boasts an intriguing history that is associated with a group of ancient dog breeds of Asian origin.
Discover more about this ancient watchdog that has been associated with Buddhist monasteries and the Dalai Lama.
Not Actually Terriers
When you think about terriers, it comes natural to think about the feisty little dogs that were very popular in the 18th century in Britain. Rat terriers, Jack Russell terriers and Cairn terriers come to mind.
When it comes to the Tibetan terrier though, you will need to ignore the word terrier. In this dog breed it's a misnomer. This dog breed has nothing to do with the small terrier who would chase rats.
Indeed, this dog breed doesn't even belong to the terrier group. The word "terrier" was just affixed because this dog breed is the same size as other small working terriers.
In the USA and in the United Kingdom, Tibetan terriers are classified under the Non-Sporting (Utility) breed group.
Tibetans called their Tibetan terriers the "little people."
Originating in Tibet
While the term terrier is a misnomer, the rest of this breed's name is correct. Tibetan terriers, also known as the "Holy dog of Tibet, originate from Tibet where they were believed to have been bred by Tibetan monks.
This Asian dog breed was raised in Buddhist monasteries where they were kept as companions and watchdogs.
Prior to being cherished by Tibetan monks, Tibetan terriers were used as herders gathering up flocks of sheep and flock guardians.
Built for Extreme Weather
Tibet is nicknamed the "Roof of the World" because of its high altitude, with the majority of Tibetans living at altitudes between 10,000 and 16,000 feet.
Living here is not for the faint of heart, as there are extremes in temperatures with frigid winters. The mountainous terrain is also treacherous with drops where any errors of judgment could potentially lead to death.
Dogs living in these areas require features that protect them from the harsh elements.
Like a few other dog breeds, Tibetan terriers boast snowshoe feet which are large, flat and round feet which helped them navigate through the difficult mountain terrains by providing traction.
Its luxurious double coat, also helped protect this dog's breed body from the extreme weather conditions of Tibet. The Tibetan Terrier’s hair falls forward over the eyes so as to protect them from the bright sunlight, whiteness of the snow and dust.
Couple these features with this dog breed's agility and powerful build, and you have the perfect concoction for a dog breed built to survive the harsh conditions of the Land of Snows.
Bringers of Good Luck
Tibetan terriers were prized animals, often associated with good luck. The belief was that anybody who owned one was gifted with fortune.
Tradition wanted that these dogs were never sold, but only given as gifts to important visitors or as a sign of gratitude.
In 1922, Dr. Anges Greig, an English surgeon was gifted a Tibetan terrier as a sign of gratitude for saving a Tibetan woman's life when she was working in Cawnpore, India as a member of the Women’s Medical Service of India. Dr. Greig called this dog "Bunti."
This little dog surely brought good luck to Dr. Greig who fell in love with the breed and played a primary role in its formation.
When going through difficult times, Tibetans would sellundefinedtheir treasures, but they would never part with their devoted dogs.
Lamleh and Luneville Lineages
Two main western Tibetan Terrier lineages, Lamleh and Luneville, were established at the beginning of the twentieth century. The founders of these lineages were sourced from a small number of dogs that were imported from the border region between Tibet and India (Central Himalaya).
The Lamleh Lineage
Intrigued by the unique looks of the little Tibetan terrier Dr. Greig was gifted, she decided to enter "Bunti" in a Delhi dog Show in India.
The judges couldn't help but feel drawn to this little dog and suggested that Dr. Greig find her a mate to evaluate whether these dogs would breed "true."
In 1924, Bunti's first litter was born (after being crossed with Rajah) and Dr. Greig got hooked with her passion showing three generations of Tibetan terriers. At this point, the India Kennel Club accepted the breed and blessed it as "Tibetan terrier."
Once back to England, Dr. Greig kept on breeding Tibetan terriers and the famous Lamleh Kennel was established. The breed was finally recognized by the Kennel Club in 1937.
In 1956, the first Lamleh specimen made it to the USA. Her name was Gremlin Cortina, and was sent by Dr. Greig to Mrs. Henry Murphy of Great Falls, Virginia. Afterward, Dr. Greig sent a stud dog named Gregory in hopes of continuing the lineage. Gregory had a litter of puppies with Gremlin Cortina in 1957.
The Luneville Lineage
In 1953, the Downey family started a Tibetan terrier line under the prefix "Luneville" using a dog called "Trojan Kynos" as the founder.
Trojan Kynos was casually found by John Downey at the docks of Liverpool, possibly having escaped from an Indian ship. He was nicknamed "Dusky" and was bred to Princess Aureus.
The Luneville lineage quickly became popular among judges, although Dr. Greig had her doubts on whether Dusky was truly purebred.
At some point, the Luneville lineage took over the scene in Britain, casting the Lamleh dogs in the shadows.
An Ancient Breed
A study focusing on the origins of several Korean dogs including the Tibetan terrier has found this dog breed to be genetically related with the Korean wolf.
The Tibetan terrier has been classified with other ancient dog breeds such as the Afghan Hound, Basenji, Lhasa Apso, and Shi Tzu as sharing a similar genetic cluster.
References:
- Tibetan Terrier Club of America
- American Kennel Club
- Janeš, M., Zorc, M., Cubric-Curik, V. et al. Population structure and genetic history of Tibetan Terriers. Genet Sel Evol 51
Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
