The “Little People”, as they were called, were highly valued as companions to the Monks and families who owned them. They were treated like children in the family. Like the children, they eagerly assisted in taking care of the monastery’s or family’s property and their flocks and herds.

Sure footed and reliable, they were sometimes sent to accompany a particularly esteemed traveler on a treacherous mountain journey home.

No Tibetan in old Tibet who was fortunate enough to own a Tibetan Terrier would ever sell their dog. The dogs were considered gook luck, and no one in their right mind would “sell” part of their luck. Mistreating or mismating a Tibetan Terrier could bring bad luck to the family or even the village.

They were, however, given as gifts, perhaps in appreciation of a highly valued deed. The first Tibetan Terrier to come to Europe came with an English doctor who was given a dog in return for saving someone’s life.

The Tibetan Terrier who has emerged from this special environment is a healthy, bouncy, well-proportioned breed with a gentle, fun temperament. He is highly intelligent, sensitive and devoted.

He is not a hunter. He may or may not be a herder. He is, above all, a companion. As a member of the family, he has few equals-constantly cheerful, wonderful with children, warm and affectionate. He is genuinely interested in your daily goings-on, will involve himself in your life and will soon take a position as a cherished member of your family.

If you would like a companion who can think for himself or herself, “laugh” when you are sad, one that is beautiful to look at and has a very special history, come and meet a Tibetan Terrier.

But beware! You may never be free of their spell.

The rest is history. At REGALIA we are proud to have had our dogs serve as the foundation for and included in the pedigrees of many of the best known and top winning Tibetan Terrier breeders.

We are not a kennel. Our dogs are raised as companions in our home with love and affection. Health and temperament are primary concerns of our breeding program. Our pups are raised around other dogs, our cats, and lots of neighborhood children who stop by almost every day. When the pups are old enough they have a large yard in which they romp and learn about the great outdoors. It isn’t unusual for us to hear a little knock on the door and find the neighborhood children asking “Can the pups come out to play?”

Prior to breeding our dogs obtain OFA and CERF Certifications as well as DNA testing for PLL and NCL to assure us that they do not have those hereditary conditions. Because of this, over the 35 years that we have been in the breed, we have had very few health problems and are able to provide a strong health guarantee on our pups.

We live in a lovely small town in the “Gold Country” area of the California Sierra Foothills. Our dog owners and customers frequently spend the night or weekend in our guest house and enjoy the sights in this interesting part of California history.

In our 35 years in the breed, in addition to health and personality, we have remained true to our desire to produce living art through Sculptural Genetics.

Please contact us for more information.

Jerry and Jeanette Chaix

General Appearance:

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog, profusely coated, of powerful build, and square in proportion. A fall of hair covers the eyes and foreface. The well-feathered tail curls up and falls forward over the back. The feet are large, flat, and round in shape, producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction. The Tibetan Terrier is well balanced and capable of both strong and efficient movement. The Tibetan Terrier is shown as naturally as possible.

Head:

Skull – Medium length neither broad nor coarse. The length from the eye to the tip of the nose is equal to the length from eye to the occiput. The skull narrows slightly from ear to eye. It is not domed but not absolutely flat between the ears. The head is well furnished with long hair, falling forward over the eyes and foreface. The cheekbones are curved but not so overdeveloped as to bulge.

Muzzle – The lower jaw has a small amount of beard.

Stop – There is a marked stop but not exaggerated.

Nose – black.

Teeth – White, strong and evenly placed. There is a distinct curve in the jaws between the canines. A tight scissors bit, a tight reverse scissors bit or a level bite are equally acceptable. A slightly undershot bit is acceptable.

Eyes – Large, set fairly wide apart, dark brown and may appear black in color, neither prominent nor sunken. Eyerims are dark in color.

Ears – Pendant, falling not too close to the head, heavily feathered with a “V” shaped leather proportionate to the head.

Faults – Weak pointed muzzle. Any color other than a black nose. Overshot bit or a very undershot bit or a wry mouth. Long narrow head. Lack of fall over the eyes and foreface.

Neck and Body:

Neck – Length proportionate to the body and head.

Body – Compact, square and capable of speed and endurance.

Topline – The back is level in motion.

Chest – Heavily furnished. The brisket extends downward to the top of the elbow in the mature Tibetan Terrier.

Ribs – The body is well ribbed up and never cloddy or coarse. The rib cage is not too wide across the chest and narrows slightly to permit the forelegs to work free at the sides.

Loin – Slightly arched.

Tail – Medium length, heavily furnished, set on fairly high and falls forward over the back, may curl to either side. There may be a kink near the tip.

Forequarters:

Shoulders – Sloping, well muscled and well laid back.

Legs – Straight and strong when viewed from the front. Heavily furnished. The vertical distance from the withers to the elbow equals the distance from the elbows to the ground.

Feet – The feet of the Tibetan Terrier are unique in for among dogs. They are large, flat and round in shape, producing a snowshoe effect that provides traction. The pads are thick and strong. They are heavily furnished whit hair between the toe and pads. Hair between the toes and pads may be trimmed level with the underside of the pads for health reasons. The dog should stand well down on its pads.

Dewclaws – May be removed.

Hindquarters:

Legs – Well furnished, with well bent stifles and the hind legs are slightly longer than the forelegs.

Thighs – Relatively broad and well muscled.

Hocks – Low set and turn neither in nor out.

Coat:

Double coat. Undercoat is soft and woolly. Outer coat is profuse and fine but never silky or woolly. May be wavy or straight. Coat is long but should not hang to the ground. When standing on a hard surface an area of light should be seen under the dog. The coat of puppies is shorter, single and often has a softer texture than that of adults. A natural part is often present over the neck and back.

Faults – Lack of double coat in adults. Sculpturing, scissoring, stripping or shaving are totally contrary to breed type and are serious faults.

Color:

Any color or combination of colors including white are acceptable to the breed. There are no preferred colors or combinations of colors.

Gait:

The Tibetan Terrier has a free, effortless stride with good reach in front and flexibility in the rear allowing full extension. When gaiting, the hind legs should go neither inside nor outside the front legs but should move on the same track approaching single tracking when the dog is moved at a fast trot. The dog with the correct foot and leg construction moves with elasticity and drive indicating that the dog is capable of great agility as well as endurance.

Size:

Average weight is 20 to 24 pounds, but the weight range may be 18 to 30 pounds. Proportion of weight to height is far more important than specific weight and should reflect a well-balanced square dog. The average height in dogs is 15 to 16 inches, bitches slightly smaller. The length, measured from the point of shoulder to the root of tail, is equal to the height measured from the highest point of the withers to the ground.

Faults – any height above 17 inches or below 14 inches.

Temperament:

The Tibetan Terrier is highly intelligent, sensitive, loyal, devoted and affectionate. The breed may be cautious or reserved.

Faults – Extreme shyness.