Group

Utility

Origin

Tibet

Original Function

Guarded and protected monasteries and flocks

Availability

Rare in Australia; puppies usually born June to August

Average Life

12 – 14 years

Maturity Age

3 – 4 years in females; 5 - 6 years in males

Height

24” – 28”  /  60 – 75 cm

Weight

40 – 80 kg

Watchdog qualities

Excellent; can be night barkers

Attitude to strangers

Cautious and aloof but friendly once introduced

Coat Type

Hypoallergenic straight double coat; woolly undercoat
Coat is shed leading into summer

Colour

Black, black & tan, brown, shades of gold gray or blue

Grooming needed

Very clean dogs without a doggy smell; Regular bath in tepid water, comb weekly

Coat maintenance

Thorough brushing during yearly moult

Training

Intelligent dogs that will benefit from socialization, obedience / varied training from 3-4 months

Exercise

Extremely active agile dogs that require regular daily exercise  

Food

Recommend a well balanced diet
Discuss with your breeder

Good family dog?

YES Great with children; need to be considered as an important member of the family; very loyal

Around other people?

Aloof and protective; best to socialise them well when they are young; often will need unfamiliar people to be introduced

With other breeds?

Best to introduce from a young age; but great with other dogs when socialized

Living with other animals?

As a stock guarding breed TMs are very good with other pets and animals

Suitability to climate

Double coat acts as an insulator to keep body temperature constant in hot and cold climates

Hereditary Disease

Relatively healthy but have hips and elbows checked for hip dysplasia

Town or country

Need good fencing and plenty of room; digging and chewing can be chosen pastimes

Special Considerations

Very rare breed in Australia

Special Features

Non allergenic coat; excellent with agility, obedience and as a member of your family

Character Sketch

Loyal, loving, gentle, brave, extremely intelligent, protective, beautiful, spirited