| Country of origin: | Tibet |
| Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
| Occupation: | Companion |
| Size: | 8–13.5kg (18–30lb), 36–41cm (14–16in) |
| Longevity: | 13 to 15 years |
| Exercise: | Low to moderate |
| Training: | Easy |
| Grooming: | Difficult |
| Colors: | Variety of colours |
Despite its name, this breed is not and never has been a working terrier intended to go to ground after small animals. The first Westerners who saw it were simply reminded of these dogs familiar to them at home, but its Tibetan name is the Dhoki Apso, which can be translated as “long-haired watchdog”. Traditionally, it was kept by monasteries as a companion and a vocal guard dog, both roles that it still fulfils well today. Dogs were considered lucky, and were given as gifts or tributes, which is how the breed came to the West. A medic working in India in the 1930s, Dr Greig, was given puppies by a grateful patient, with which she established a breeding kennel in Britain. Although gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly lively, the breed has never become as popular as its smaller compatriot, the Lhasa Apso.
Tibetan Terriers suffer from separation anxiety – becoming noisy or destructive when left alone for long periods – proportionally much more than other breeds. While whining and yapping can be controlled, howling is a more difficult problem to eradicate. It is not known whether the problem has genetic origins or is triggered by the types of people who choose this breed as pets.