A shaggy, ancient companion and watchdog from Tibet, prized as a 'luck-bringer' in monasteries and villages. Not a true terrier — sturdy, agile, and adaptable with a profuse protective coat and large snowshoe-like feet.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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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.
Adaptable to apartments or houses with moderate daily exercise — a couple of walks plus play and the chance to use their agility. Surefooted and athletic thanks to flat, round feet evolved for snow and rough terrain. Enjoys family activity and dog sports. Manages cold well; watch overheating in hot weather under the heavy coat.
Diet
Feed a balanced complete diet portioned to maintain a lean body; the breed can gain weight if under-exercised. No breed-specific dietary disorders are prominent, though as with many long-coated breeds keep an eye on the coat/skin condition that diet quality supports.
Behavior & temperament
Intelligent, affectionate, sensitive, and loyal, with a reserved-but-alert watchdog nature. Trainable but can be independent and slow to obey if bored — short, positive, varied sessions work best. Generally very good with children, dogs, and other pets when socialized; bonds strongly to family and can be wary of strangers. Moderate energy with playful bursts.
Health
Long-lived but with several inherited concerns: progressive retinal atrophy and primary lens luxation (both DNA-testable), hip dysplasia, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL, a fatal neurodegenerative disease — DNA test available). Recommended screening: annual eye exams plus DNA tests for PRA, PLL, and NCL, and hip evaluation.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Profuse double coat needs serious commitment — brush thoroughly several times a week to the skin to prevent matting; many pet owners keep a shorter trim for easier care. Sheds relatively little (hair, not heavy seasonal blow) but mats readily. Keep eyes and feet clean and trimmed of excess hair. Mentally engage this clever dog and socialize early for a confident, well-mannered companion.
