The Tibetan
Terrier - often called the Holy Dog of Tibet - has
evolved over hundreds of
years of harsh conditions, tempered by the warmth and care of monks high in the
Himalayas.
The "little
people", as they were called, were highly valued as companions to the monks
and families who owned them. They were treated like children in the family. Like
the children, they eagerly assisted in taking care of the monastery's or
family's property, their flocks and herds.
Sure footed and
reliable, they were sometimes sent to accompany a particularly esteemed traveler
on a treacherous mountain journey home.
No Tibetan in old
Tibet who was fortunate enough to own a Tibetan Terrier would ever sell their
dog. The dogs were considered good luck, and no one in their right mind would
"sell" part of their luck. Mistreating or mis-mating a Tibetan Terrier
could bring bad luck to the family and even the village.
While they were not
sold, they were given as gifts, perhaps in appreciation of a highly valued deed.
The first Tibetan Terrier to come to Europe came with an English doctor who was
given a dog in return for saving someone's life.
The Tibetan Terrier
who has emerged from this special environment is a healthy, bouncy,
well-proportioned breed with a gentle, fun temperament. He is highly
intelligent, sensitive, and devoted.
He is not a hunter,
he may or may not be a herder. He is, above all, a
companion. As a member of the
family, he has few equals - constantly cheerful, wonderful with children, warm
and affectionate. He is genuinely interested in your daily goings-on, will
involve himself in your life and will soon take a position as a cherished member
of your family.
If you would like a
companion who can think for himself or herself, "laugh" at you when
you are wrong and make you laugh when you are sad - one that is beautiful to
look at and has a very special history - come and meet a Tibetan Terrier.
But be warned. You may never be free of their spell.