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Tibetan Terrier History
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Where the Tibetan Terrier originally came from and how it developed as a breed is unknown; what is known is that it has been bred in Lamaist monasteries of the Lost Valley in Tibet for at least 2000 years, and that it is in no way a terrier. So called because the only road leading to it was destroyed in an earthquake during the 14th century, the Lost Valley kept the Tibetan Terrier hidden and obscure for many centuries. One of the earliest companion breeds, the Tibetan Terrier was not expected to earn its keep through labor like other dogs of its time, though occasionally it would voluntarily lend a paw with herding and household chores. These dogs were alternatively called Holy Dogs and Luck Bringers by their owners, and were though to impart good fortune and long life on their owners.
Those who endeavored to journey to the Lost Valley were often given a Tibetan Terrier as a gift, and in 1920 an Indian physician by the name of Dr. Grieg received one of these dogs after treating a Tibetan woman in the valley. Dr. Grieg brought a few of these dogs to England and established a kennel. English speakers called the dogs “terriers” because its size was similar to that of a terrier, but that is about as far as the similarity goes. The breed began to appear in dog shows in England during the 1930s, and was introduced to the United States in 1956. The American Kennel Club recognized the Tibetan Terrier in 1973.
