The Tibetan is a very hardy breed and is considered long-lived with most living well beyond 12 years and many to 15 or 16 years. Some problems found in the Tibetan Terrier are: hip dysplasia (HD), patella luxation (PL), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), lens luxation (LL), hypo-thyroidism, cataracts and canine neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CCL/NCL). Some of these problems have been proven to be hereditary, and conscientious breeders have screened their stock and can explain these problems and their incidence. Many breeders will have knowledge of their puppies’ bloodlines and potential buyers are advised to ask questions and inquire as to evidence of any testing done on the sire and dam. After all — a healthy and happy puppy is what you are looking for.

Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation

The TTCA has established a non-profit foundation, the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation, to provide financial support for the health and welfare of the Tibetan Terrier breed by funding medical and genetic investigations conducted by universities, veterinary schools and other institutions involved in canine research with specific reference to diseases to which the Tibetan Terrier breed is prone. In addition, the Foundation provides a “rescue fund”for the welfare of the Tibetan Terrier breed to support the rescue activities of the TTCA. It is also contemplated that the Foundation will maintain a data bank containing information relating to health problems and genetics distinctive to Tibetan Terriers which will be made available to breeders and their veterinarians. Visit the TTHWF website soon.

NEWS

A December 2007 progress report was received from Dr. Gustavo Aguirre, VMD, PhD, regarding his PRA research in Tibetan Terriers (LINK). On March 22, 2008, Dr. Aguirre reported further progress: "We have identified two other candidate genes for study, and are developing informative microsatellites for testing. We have started an unrelated project to see if use of the SNP array chips in well defined small populations can be used to identify known and unknown retinal disease loci. If this works, it will be applicable to small populations such as what we have in the TTs." The Tibetan Terrier Health & Welfare Foundation Board approved a grant to Dr. Aguirre of $2500, to further his research efforts.

Contributions to the Tibetan Terrier Health & Welfare Foundation can be mailed to PO Box 1001, Southport, CT 06890. Other correspondence with the Foundation can be directed to Jackie Faust, Secretary, 58 Ark Road, Medford, NJ 08055. Please visit our new website, www.tibetanterriersfoundation.org.

Make a donation to the TTHWF (pdf)