Meet Gary, a 3 year old Tibetan Terrier who lives with his mom, Maria, and little sister Gabby (a chihuahua mix), in Alamosa:
Nickname: GarBear
Favorite toy or game: Chasing squirrels and playing keep away with Gabby
Favorite thing to do with his person: Playing fetch and cuddling on the couch
Special Talents: He is a good listener and behaves very well
From Maria: "Gary is my companion-protector-comforter! My life is more fulfilling with him in it - he knows when I’m happy and when I need a hug!! I love my four-legged child very much!!!"
Wondering if a Tibetan Terrier like Gary would be suitable for your family? Here's a little bit more information about the breed from the AKC:
Although still considered a medium-sized dog, they are on the small end of the scale, usually weighing 20-24lbs and standing about 15" tall (at the shoulders)
Fun Fact: The Tibetan Terrier was bred and raised in monasteries by lamas over 2000 years ago!
They have profuse, dense, double-coats that can grow very long, much like their cousin, the Lhasa Apso, but many people choose to keep them in a shorter cut like the one you see Gary sporting! This breed needs to be kept well-groomed to prevent matting, either by frequent brushing and/or regular cuts.
This breed can be very energetic and make good walking and hiking partners, but their smaller size makes it a little easier for them to get the exercise they need in a yard.
Fun Fact: In the Lost Valley of Tibet, TTs were prized companions of anyone fortunate enough to own one, and were considered "luck-bringers"!
Tibetan terriers are smart, sensitive dogs with a bit of a stubborn streak, so patience is necessary when training. They make great candidates for agility, and with their working-dog origins, they love having a job to do.
Although a generally healthy and hardy breed, a responsible breeder will make sure to screen their breeding animals for allergies, thyroid issues, bladder stones, periodontal disease, hip and patella issues. Additionally, genetic tests (such as for NCL, LL, PRA, etc.) are a valuable tool used by breeders to eliminate the expression of those diseases in their puppies. You can read the Official Breed Club Health Statement here.
Fun Fact: TTs are not actually terriers, but were named as such due to their size, and the first "official" TT was brought to the USA in 1956!
Interested in adopting a Tibetan Terrier already in need of a good home? Check out the following sites:
TTs in Rescue - Tibetan Terrier Club of America (national rescue network)
Rescue Page - Rocky Mountain Tibetan Terrier Club (Colorado network)
LapDogRescue.org - Lap Dog Rescue of New Mexico (not specific to Tibetan Terriers)
Dumb Friends League - Now in the San Luis Valley! (also not specific to TTs)
Looking to add a puppy to your family and want to find a responsible breeder? Check out the AKC's breed information page (as well as their page on responsible breeders), the Tibetan Terrier Club of America (national club), and the Rocky Mountain Tibetan Terrier Club (Colorado-based club) for more information about the breed, breeder referrals, what to look for in a breeder, and what to expect from your new pup.
If you'd like to have your pet featured, please contact us through our website or at slvpetcare@gmail.com for more information.
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