Tibetan terrier, breed of medium-sized dog originating in Tibet probably several thousand years ago. It stands from 14 to 16 in. (35.6–40.6 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 15 to 30 lb (6.8–13.6 kg). Its double coat consists of a soft, woolly underlayer and a profuse, finely textured, straight topcoat with hair falling over the eyes and forming a beard on the lower jaw. It may be solid white, cream, gray, smoke, black, or gold in color, or any of these in parti-color or tricolor patterns. Introduced into the United States in 1956, the Tibetan terrier is exhibited in the miscellaneous class at dog shows sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. See dog.
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