The Tibetan terrier is one of the oldest and most beloved dog breeds in the world. Known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” this dog acted as both a guard and a companion to the Buddhist monks who lived in the monasteries over 2000 years ago.
Today, the Tibetan terrier is known as an affectionate, loyal, and intelligent dog that provides endless entertainment and companionship. They’re also known for their long, luxurious coat (it was cold up in those monasteries!)—which, while impressive, definitely take some grooming, trimming, and shaping to look its best.
Let’s take a look at some grooming basics for this beloved breed (including the hairstyles you’re definitely going to want to try with your TT):
Tibetan terrier grooming basics
The Tibetan terrier has a double coat that, when allowed to grow, can easily touch the floor. The undercoat is a natural wool insulator (again, for protection from the cold!), while their top coat is typically softer. The texture of this dog’s hair can run the gamut. Some dogs have a curlier, coarser texture while other pups have a softer, straighter look.
The TT’s coat will need regular brushing to keep matting at bay. The longer the coat, the more often you should plan to brush your dog. If your dog has a full-length haircut, plan to brush them on a daily basis. Luckily, this a low-shedding breed already and shedding will be even less with regular brushing.
As far as bathing goes, plan to bathe your TT regularly, at least a few times each month and more if you schedule muddy trips to the dog park. Clean your pet’s coat thoroughly with dog-formulated shampoo, conditioner, or other cleansing products and rinse out completely.
When bath time is over, spend plenty of time drying off your dog. That probably means a blowdry with a dog-safe dryer. Because the Tibetan terrier has such a serious coat, it can take a long time to dry, and your dog can feel cold and uncomfortable if left to air dry.
You should also make sure to give your dog regular nail trims. A good rule of thumb? If you can hear their nails on the floor, their nails are too long—and it’s time to get your nail clippers.
Last, but not least is, of course, regular haircuts. Because their hair grows quickly and fully—and will grow to the ground if you allow it—it’s important to schedule regular trims with a professional groomer.
Top Tibetan terrier haircuts
As mentioned, Tibetan terriers are a breed that need regular haircuts. But not all haircuts are created equal, so which should you get for your pet?
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular haircuts for this full-coated breed:
Tibetan terrier haircut #1: Puppy cut
The puppy cut is a popular style for a variety of dog breeds, including the Tibetan terrier. And for good reason! This hairstyle, which keeps the coat even and short throughout the face and body (typically between one and two inches of length) is not only easy to take care of, but it also allows your pet’s adorable face to take center stage.
While this hairstyle is low-maintenance (especially when compared to longer cuts), you’ll need to plan regular trims to keep the length nice and short.
Tibetan terrier haircut #2: Show cut
TTs are a favorite at dog shows—and this hairstyle is one of the main reasons why.
When left to grow, this breed’s coat grows extremely long—all the way to the ground. These flowing locks are often called a TT’s “show cut.”
This hairstyle is categorized by a coat that hangs off the body and down to the floor. The face is usually kept long and parted down the middle to allow the dog to see .
The key to success with this hairstyle? Constant grooming. Plan to schedule regular sessions with a professional groomer. You’ll also have to brush your TT daily (sometimes multiple times a day!) to keep their coat smooth, shiny, and tangle-free.
Tibetan terrier haircut #3: Casual cut
If you think the puppy cut is too short and doing your dog’s gorgeous locks a disservice, but you also think the show cut is just too involved and high-maintenance for you to actually take care of, try the casual cut.
The casual cut is kind of a happy medium between the puppy cut and the show cut. Similar to the puppy cut, this hairstyle is typically the same length all over—but unlike the puppy cut, this style preserves more length (typically around four to five inches). While you must brush this cut regularly to prevent matting, it’s definitely not as involved as the show cut—but will help your pet show off those longer locks the TT is known for. And the best part? Because you’re not trying to keep it super short (like the puppy cut), you can stretch your time between trims a little longer.
Think of the casual cut as the Goldilocks of hair trims for your Tibetan terrier. Not too short, not too long…but just right.