Group 9 · Companion dogs
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is not actually a terrier, but a medium-sized, long-haired companion dog from the Tibetan monasteries. It is cheerful, clever and affectionate, with a mind of its own and a beautiful coat.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Tibetaanse Terriër by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 9 examinations:
- 7 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (9)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 12 (NCL12)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ATP13A2 c.1623del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Pituitary dwarfism (PD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- LHX3: a deletion of one of six 7 bp [GTGTTTT] repeats in intron 5
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17: c.1473+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy 3 (Tibetan type) (PRA3)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- FAM161A: SINE insertie
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PCARE: c.3149_3150insC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Tibetaanse Terriër, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Hip dysplasia (HD), Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 12 (NCL12), Patellar luxation (PT), Pituitary dwarfism (PD), Primary lens luxation (PLL), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Progressive retinal atrophy 3 (Tibetan type) (PRA3) and Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Tibetan Terrier needs varied daily walks and play. Its long double coat needs a thorough brush right down to the skin a few times a week, or a shorter trim.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Tibetan Terrier is cheerful and affectionate, but has a mind of its own and is often reserved with strangers. Patience and kind, consistent training work best. Allow time for coat care.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
