The Tibetan Terrier Club of America would like to call your attention to several essential

breed specific areas that are being affected by judging decisions which are contrary to our

breed standard. It is imperative when judging the Tibetan Terrier that the background of

Tibet’s extreme climate and difficult terrain be considered in the evolution of this breed.

These extremely harsh conditions require the Tibetan Terrier to have abundant, protective

coat. Our standard reflects this in describing the Tibetan Terrier as a dog that is

profusely coated. The proper double coat is an essential breed characteristic and

consists of a soft, woolly undercoat and an abundant, fine textured outer coat. While the

outer coat hair shaft is a fine texture (as opposed to the Lhasa Apso which has a heavy,

straight, hard coat) the Tibetan Terrier’s outer coat should not be either silky or wooly.

The depth of the undercoat layer may vary by breeding lines, climate, or estrus but should

always be apparent in an adult Tibetan Terrier. Due to the varied nature of the changing

coat pattern, young adults should not be penalized for having a “half and half” texture.

Adult coat generally comes in first over the shoulders but can take a year or even longer

for the entire coat to change to adult texture. (Puppy coats are single, shorter and may be

softer than adult coats). Please pay special attention to the fact that the outer coat and

undercoat are of different textures – this is essential for insulation and protection in the

Tibetan climate.

While this is a “coated breed” it is not a “coat breed”. The coat may be either wavy or

straight. There should be no preference given to either a wavy coat or a naturally straight

coat. Ironing of the coat is contrary to the natural presentation required by the standard

and should not be rewarded or encouraged. In addition, there are no preferred colors or

combination of colors in the Tibetan Terrier. Different coat colors reflect light differently

and the breed has variations of both shiny colors and matte colors; please do not confuse

light reflection with conditioning. The lack of a fall of hair over the eyes and foreface is

also a fault. This fall was again a protective measure to guard the eyes from the harsh

sunlight as well as strong winds and dirt.

According to our standard, “The Tibetan Terrier is shown as naturally as possible.” It

goes on to state “Sculpturing, scissoring, stripping or shaving are totally contrary to

breed type and are serious faults”. Requiring the dog to be shown as naturally as

possible does not mean unkempt – the exhibit should be clean, brushed and free of mats.

The only trimming allowable under the standard is to the hair between the toes and pads,

which may be trimmed level with the underside of the pads for health reasons. Our

Illustrated Guide to the Tibetan Terrier clearly states our position that both the exhibitors

who show scissored and sculpted dogs and the judges who reward them show an

intentional and blatant disregard for the standard. While these seem like harsh words,

they demonstrate how determined we are as the Parent Club to maintaining the natural

and charming look of our breed.

Many years ago an excellent article regarding overgrooming was sent to all judges of

Tibetan Terriers entitled Cake or Frosting?. I would encourage you to review this

article before your next TT assignment.

If you have further questions or would like to

request a copy of this article or the Illustrated Guide to the Tibetan Terrier, please contact our Judges Education Chair at:

Margy Pankiewicz, Judges Education, TTCA;

1645 Seaks Run Rd., Glen Rock, PA 17327;

Malishar@msn.com; (717) 235-6991.