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Canadian Kennel
Club Breed Standard
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 truncation 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 in. (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 cheek bones 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
fore quarters. 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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