15 Dogs That Look Like Tibetan Terrier (Pictures & Info)
15 Dogs That Look Like Tibetan Terrier (Pictures & Info)


By: Sarah Hodgson
March 7, 2024
- Posted in Similar Dog Breeds
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The Tibetan Terrier is a large and powerful dog breed but there are other dogs that look and some even act like the, In this article, we will explore 15 dog breeds that resemble the Tibetan Terrier in appearance.
Let's dive in!
Characteristics Of a Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed with a unique appearance. This breed has long fur, floppy ears, facial hair, and a tail that curls around the back. The Tibetan Terrier is an ancient breed that was once revered in their native Tibet and thought to bring good luck to their owners. Tibetan Terriers were raised as companions for Buddhist monks, and they also made excellent guard dogs for the monasteries.
The Tibetan Terrier is a sturdy and well-built breed with a muscular body. They stand at a height of 14 to 17 inches and weigh between 18 to 30 pounds. This breed has a long, wooly double coat that comes in a wide range of colors, including white, black, gold, gray, or a mix of these.
Now let's jump into the dogs that resemble them!
Dogs That Resemble Tibetan Terrier
1. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed that also originated in Tibet. They are known for their long, flowing coats and their alert, fearless personalities. Lhasa Apsos were bred to be companions and watchdogs in isolated Tibetan monasteries. Lhasa Apsos are loyal and devoted to their owners, but they can be wary of strangers. They are intelligent and independent, but they can also be stubborn and difficult to train. Lhasa Apsos require socialization and training from a young age to prevent them from becoming overly protective or aggressive.
2. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that originated in China. It is often referred to as the "little lion" due to its lion-like appearance. The Shih Tzu is a popular pet due to its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an excellent companion dog.
While the Shih Tzu may not be as large as the Tibetan Terrier, it does share some physical similarities, such as its long coat and round face. This is because the Shih Tzu is believed to be a descendant of the Lhasa Apso, which is also a dog breed from Tibet.
3. Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel is a small dog breed that shares some physical characteristics with the Tibetan Terrier. This breed is also native to Tibet and was bred to be a companion dog for monks in monasteries. They are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, and they make great family pets.
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small dog breed that typically weighs between 9 and 15 pounds and stands at a height of 8 to 10 inches. They have a long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, white, and gold. Their coat is also double-layered, which provides insulation against the cold weather.
4. Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a small, charming dog that is often compared to a cotton ball due to its soft and fluffy coat. Although it may not resemble the Tibetan Terrier at first glance, it shares some similarities with the breed. Cotons de Tulear are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, with a willingness to please their owners.
In terms of appearance, the Coton de Tulear may not be as large as the Tibetan Terrier, but they share similar characteristics such as a long, flowing coat and a sturdy build. Cotons typically weigh between 8 and 13 pounds and stand between 9 and 11 inches tall.
5. Maltese

The Maltese is a small dog breed that resembles the Tibetan Terrier in terms of their luxurious, long, and silky white coat. They are also known for their lively, playful, and affectionate personality, which makes them a popular companion dog.
The Maltese is a breed that is highly adaptable to different living situations. They can thrive in apartments or small houses, as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are also a good fit for families with children, as they are gentle and playful.
6. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog that is known for its fluffy white coat. They have a friendly and playful personality, making them great family pets. While they may not look like the Tibetan Terrier at first glance, there are some similarities between the two breeds.
In terms of size, the Bichon Frise is much smaller than the Tibetan Terrier. They typically weigh between 7-12 pounds, while the Tibetan Terrier can weigh up to 150 pounds. However, both breeds are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners.
If you're looking for a smaller dog that has some of the same characteristics as the Tibetan Terrier, the Bichon Frise might be a good option. They are intelligent, easy to train, and make great companions for families or individuals who are looking for a smaller breed.
7. Havanese

The Havanese is a toy breed and the national dog of Cuba. They are small and cute, with round faces and floppy ears. They have a playful and affectionate personality that accompanies their good-natured temperament, making them a lovely family dog.
The Havanese is also known for its intelligence and is a popular choice for learning tricks, competing in dog sports, and entering dog shows. They are super soft and have a beautiful coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
8. Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small dog breed that originated in China and is closely related to the Tibetan Terrier. They are known for their long, flowing fur and their affectionate, loyal personalities. Here are some key characteristics of the Pekingese:
- Size: Pekingese are small dogs, typically weighing between 7 and 14 pounds.
- Appearance: They have a distinctive flat face, large eyes, and long, flowing fur. Their fur can be any color, but is often white, black, or brown.
- Temperament: Pekingese are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They can be stubborn at times, but are generally friendly and outgoing.
- Health: Pekingese are prone to certain health issues, such as eye problems, respiratory issues, and dental problems. Regular vet check-ups and proper grooming can help prevent these issues.
9. Lowchen

The Lowchen is a small dog breed that looks similar to the Tibetan Terrier. However, it is much smaller, weighing only 10-18 pounds and standing at 10-14 inches in height. The breed has a long, silky coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and cream.
Compared to the Tibetan Terrier, the Lowchen requires less grooming. Its coat only needs to be brushed once a week to prevent matting. The breed is also easy to train and can adapt to living in small apartments or houses.
10. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a small toy breed that originated in Germany in the 1980s. They have a long, silky coat that is tricolored in black, tan, and white. Although they may not look like the Tibetan Terrier at first glance, there are some similarities between the two breeds.
One of the main similarities between the Biewer Terrier and the Tibetan Terrier is their personality. Both breeds are known for being loyal and protective of their families. They are also both intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks.
11. Bolognese

The Bolognese breed is a small, toy dog that is known for its playful, affectionate nature. Although they are not as large as the Tibetan Terrier, they do share some physical similarities.
Bolognese dogs have a distinctive white coat that is soft and fluffy. They are also known for their dark, expressive eyes and their small, compact size. In terms of temperament, Bolognese dogs are known for being loyal, affectionate, and intelligent.
While they may not be as imposing as the Tibetan Terrier, Bolognese dogs make great companion animals for those who are looking for a smaller dog that is easy to care for. They are also great with children and other pets, making them a good choice for families.
12. Poodle

The Poodle is a classic breed with a distinctive curly coat that has been used to create many designer dog breeds, including the Mastidoodle. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. They are intelligent, loyal, and obedient dogs that are known for their hypoallergenic coat, which sheds very little.
13. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs that have a friendly and playful personality. They are known for their long, floppy ears, and silky coat that comes in a variety of colors. Cocker Spaniels are a popular breed in the United States and are often used as companion dogs.
When it comes to their appearance, Cocker Spaniels are not as large as Tibetan Terriers, but they do share some similarities. Both breeds have long, flowing coats, and a regal appearance. Cocker Spaniels are also known for their large, expressive eyes, which give them a sweet and loving expression.
14. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized breed that shares some physical similarities with the Tibetan Terrier. This breed is known for its curly or wavy coat, which comes in black, brown, white, or a combination of these colors.
Portuguese Water Dogs are highly active and intelligent dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are also known for their friendly and loyal personalities, which make them great family pets.
15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium-sized breed that has a striking resemblance to the Tibetan Terrier. These dogs are known for their dense, shaggy coat that covers their entire body, including their face. They are also known for their loyalty, intelligence, and energetic personalities.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a muscular build and a square-shaped head with a strong jawline. They have a dense, shaggy coat that can be black, gray, or white, and their ears are typically floppy. They stand at a height of 17-20 inches and weigh between 30-50 pounds.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for a dog that looks like a Tibetan Terrier, there are plenty of options to choose from. Keep in mind that while these dogs may resemble Tibetan Terriers, they may not have the same temperament or characteristics. It's important to research each breed thoroughly before making a decision. So hope this helped you get an idea and let us know down below!

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