Tibetan terriers - do they bark a lot?

[Suzzaney]

I'm reading conflicting reports about them. Anyone have experience?

I used to have a Tibetan terrier/cavalier mix. She was very TT in looks and attitude, however. She didn’t really bark much. Either way, they don’t have the “yappy” bark that springs to mind when you hear “terrier”.

My neighbour has one. It was very barky at my kids for several years, seems a bit more chill now she and they are older. That’s a grand experience of 1 but would put me off!

I have a tibetan terrier cross and he doesn’t bark much at all really. He actually such a chill little guy.

Tibetan Terriers are not terriers and yes they do bark as they are a guard dog.

They have a deep carrying bark that's hard to ignore.

But, I don't find that they are excessive or yappy barkers.

Mine will bark if someone is at the door but also stop when I tell them to do so.
Very clever dogs that with the right approach can easily be trained to do anything.

PS I am biased as I am currently owned by 2 Tibetans.

Ours does I’m afraid to say. Very much the guard dog who loves sitting at the window barking at everyone.

My Dad has had 3 of them over the last 20 years. Terrible barkers.

My aunt has one that’s an awful gobshite. Plus they are quite susceptible to diabetes so it’s been blind and skinny for the past 2+ years and needs injections and a special diet.

I know two and they're not easy dogs. Stubborn, opinionated and a bit snappy and barky. I wouldn't have one.

An old colleague of mine was banned from bringing his Tibetan into work as it barked too much 😬

I might keep this breed in mind for when I get too old for a giant. The fact that they're a little guard dog appeals to me.

@CoubousAndTourmaIet - they are great dogs all round!
I regards to guarding, in their home land of Tibet, they often sit on the rooftops of the monasteries to keep watch. If someone approaches, they will bark and allert their hoomans, that's their job done! I think people who find them barky, don't appreciate the breed and are definitely not acknowledging this doorbell type behaviour in the right way.

Mine bark because that's what they are meant to do. My job is to investigate and let them know all is covered by me, no need for further action.

Sadly many people don't understand dogs and breed traits that have been selected for centuries. They just try and work against these traits rather than with the traits. As a result people are surprised that their dog turns into a little hooligan.

The Tibetan Terrier is an interesting breed, I can understand your love for these little dogs @Ylvamoon

I totally agree about the importance of understanding the heritage of a breed with regard to its instincts and behaviour, and channelling it in the right direction. I've spent my entire adult life learning to think like a Livestock Guarding Dog, so I'd probably be okay with the barking of a TT 😉

We've had 2 Tibetan terriers. They are misnamed as terriers. One was a notorious barker at anything. Both unfortunately died young. First was poorly bred from dam with high score for hip dysplasia. (Our fault for not checking thoroughly enough before purchase). He was beautiful looking but completely devoid of brain.

Second one tragically died knocked over by car. I had a difficult relationship with him - he would attack me (biting) if I was home alone with him but fine with rest of the family or when any one else was home. We were employing a behavioural therapist when he was killed.

@lemoncrisp I have never come across a truly aggressive bitey Tibetan.
And I have had a fair few over the years many were fosters for rescue.

They usually back down as soon as human or dog stands their ground.

Not sure what happened to you and your dog to get it so wrong.