For those breeders, whose desire is to be nothing more than a steward of the breed then the future of the Tibetan Terrier may very well be in your hands. Taking care of the breed is a serious responsibility that has become evermore challenging. Not to say there were not difficulties in the past, many of our early breeders can attest to some of the problems they faced and corrected. Today we are seeing fundamental changes based more on a preferred look instead of what is truly correct. This is dangerous territory. Why? It is actually very simple. There is only one breed type, alter it and you lose the dog. TTs can be particularly difficult to access because of the distinct variations between the Lamleh and Luneville types. However, many of our dogs today are what I call blends. Understanding type and its finer details has taken me years of study. I would not be without the TTCA Illustrated Guide To The Tibetan Terrier or the TTA 1995 publication The Illustrated Standard Of The Tibetan Terrier with drawings by Angela Mulliner. The later is no longer available but if you can find a copy it is well worth it.
To put it simply, a TT is a sturdy, compact dog that is moderate with good overall balance. It is a dog that wastes no energy while moving and is extremely efficient, exhibiting both power and agility. Now how does it accomplish this? Well, it comes down to well-muscled structure with every part having a purpose in making the total dog. This you must study first. Memorize the standard and from there go to books on structure, movement, and function.
Is the TT I described what you are seeing today? In some cases, yes, but there has been an emphasis by some breeders for the more exaggerated, extreme dog. They undoubtedly have made an impact, and the breed is being compromised as a result. A correct TT is magnificent in and of itself. It does not need to be accentuated. Exaggeration forces something that isnŐt, and making more of something does not necessarily mean it is better. We are seeing it all over from heads to rears. Why I wonder? So to have a greater advantage in the show ring! Is it really worth it? If you donŐt like what the standard calls for then perhaps the Tibetan Terrier is not the dog for you.
TTs are not an elegant breed but to the contrary. Nonetheless, it is a look that has
become so popularized that the correct TT is the exception rather than the
norm. It is disconcerting to say
the least when the average person thinks a TT comes only in black and white
with a smooth, straight coat. This
has not come about overnight; these extreme, exaggerated dogs were evident in
the eighties. Many of them you
will find behind those of similar types today. Angela Mulliner in a talk given at the third World Congress
makes the point well, ŇThe tough, supremely functional character of the
Tibetan Terrier is well worth preserving, despite those siren voices who would
present it merely as ŇA Glamour BreedÓ now. What a trivialization.
The Tibetan TerrierŐs characteristics should not be diminished by
fashion, ignorance, or carelessness.Ó
Has too much already been lost? I donŐt believe it has. Breeding correct dogs has never been easy work. It takes knowledge. Select for type and only type. This goes for dogs you show, dogs you breed, and puppies you choose for future breeding. If done right, the pendulum will eventually begin to swing the other way.