An ancient Tibetan companion and monastery sentinel with a long, flowing double coat. Confident, alert and independent, devoted to its family but aloof with strangers.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Apartment or small home with daily walks
Apartment + 2× daily 30-min walks
A small dog adapts well to apartment living with two structured walks a day plus indoor enrichment. Crate-train for alone-time and give supervised free-roam of the household when settled.
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Recommended
Home with secure yard + daily routine
House + fenced yard + 45 min daily exercise
A house with a securely fenced yard, two structured walks per day, and indoor enrichment (chews, training, puzzle feeders). Most small breeds settle well as household pets when this baseline is met.
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Ideal
Household companion with varied enrichment
House + fenced yard + sport or hobby
A household companion that joins family activities, has a secure yard, and engages in a hobby suited to the breed — earthdog, scent games, trick training, mini-agility. Mental work matters as much as the walks.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Excellent apartment dog — small, indoor-oriented and adaptable. Needs modest daily exercise (short walks and play); not a high-energy breed. Hardy and tolerant of cooler climates given its dense coat; provide shade and avoid overheating in summer, especially in heavily coated dogs.
Diet
Feed a quality small-breed diet in measured portions; the breed can become overweight if overfed and underexercised. Dental care matters as small breeds are prone to periodontal disease. No specific dietary disorder, but watch calorie-dense treats.
Behavior & temperament
Confident, independent, alert and dignified, with a strong watchdog instinct and tendency to bark at strangers. Affectionate and loyal with family but can be stubborn — patient, reward-based training and early socialisation are key. Low-to-moderate energy. Best with gentle, respectful children; can be choosy with other pets but usually fine when socialised.
Health
Predispositions include hereditary renal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions (dry eye/KCS, cherry eye, entropion), patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc issues in some lines. The long coat over the eyes can contribute to irritation. Notably long-lived, often reaching the late teens. Recommended screening: ophthalmic exams, patella checks, and kidney function awareness; keep eyes clear of hair.
Tips, DIY & hacks
The long, dense coat mats easily — daily brushing if kept long, or a practical 'puppy cut' clipped every 6-8 weeks for easier upkeep. Keep facial hair trimmed or tied to protect the eyes, and clean tear-staining. Moderate, fairly steady shedding. Be patient and consistent with house-training, which can take time in this independent breed.
