The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Tibet. Despite its name, it is not a member of the terrier group. The breed was given its English name by European travellers due to its resemblance to known terrier breeds. The Tibetan name for the breed, Tsang Apso, roughly translates to “shaggy or bearded (“apso”) dog, from the province of Tsang”. Some old travellers’ accounts refer to the dog as Dokhi Apso or “outdoor” Apso, indicating a shaggy or bearded working dog which lives outdoors.
History
According to legend, Tibetan Terriers were kept purebred for over 2000 years. Tibetan Terriers were kept as good luck charms, mascots, watchdogs, herding dogs, and companions. They were also used to retrieve articles that fell mountainsides.
Also known as the “Holy Dogs of Tibet,” Tibetan Terriers were never sold, only given as gifts by monks to promote good fortune. As such, the early history of the breed is linked to only a handful of foundation dogs.
Dr. A.R.H. Greig of England brought the first Tibetan Terrier to Europe in 1922. She was given a gold and white female puppy named “Bunti” after successfully operating on a patient in Tibet. After acquiring a second male, “Rajah,” Dr. Greig established a kennel and began to breed them.
The first litter was born in 1924 and were registered as Lhasa Terriers. In 1930, the Kennel Club of India changed the breed’s name to Tibetan Terrier. The first Tibetan Terriers in the US were imported in 1956 by Dr. Henry and Mrs. Alice Murphy of Great Falls, Virginia. In 1973, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed, classifying it as part of the non-sporting group.
Tibetan Terriers are related to and have contributed to the development of other breeds, including the Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Spaniel, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, among others.