LIVING WITH LAMLEH DOGS
TIBET
To understand what a Tibetan Terrier should be, it is essential to understand their country of origin. Tibet is a country of huge mountains which act as a barrier to the rain, harsh and drying sun coupled with desicating wind, and altitude - thin air with little vegitation. For thousands of years the population lived primarily in villages and towns in the south and southeast, with nomadic herding peoples led by tribal chieftains inhabiting the steppes. Think Genghis Khan, Marco Polo and Mongols, with a sprinkling of Buddist monastaries and in the 16th century, the creation of the sacred office of the Dalai Lhama.
And how did the dogs fit into this picture? They were a mix of creative scavengers, intense and alert watchdogs, travellers who possessed the qualities of endurance and hardiness. With a certain sturdiness or ruggedness yet with agility and flexibility, they were extremely loyal to their own, had an indifference toward strangers, and a wonderful sense of humor to counterbalance the hardships of life. They helped with herding, guarding, and protecting, contributing in a variety of ways to the lives of their people.
