For a dog as gorgeous as the Tibetan Terrier, it’s no surprise why they are considered one of the more expensive breeds. The average Tibetan Terrier price and the expenses of owning them are almost intimidating for some.
If you are curious about how much you will spend when you decide to buy a Tibetan Terrier puppy, this guide is all you need.
This article details all the expenses you have to prepare for, as well as some cost-efficient methods on how you can save a few bucks as an owner!
The Average Cost of a Tibetan Terrier Puppy
The price of a Tibetan Terrier puppy, on average, ranges from $1,300 to $2,500. This pricing largely varies depending on several factors. But, like any other high-class dog, the breeder’s reputation and the overall quality of the pup have the most influence on its price.
As Tibetan Terriers were dogs living with monks, it isn’t easy to put a definite price on them. They are also quite rare in the United States, which spells a much higher price tag.
Another thing to note is that due to their rarity, they aren’t easily found in shelters or rescues. Your main option is to really buy them from reputable breeders, who may also be a trouble to find.
Here’s a short video showing a bit of the history and mystique surrounding the Tibetan Terrier:
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Tibetan Terrier Puppy
Reputable breeders don’t simply assign an expensive price on Tibetan Terriers for the sake of profit. There are factors such as age, health, and location that directly impact how the breeders come up with their pricing.
Here’s a more detailed list of the factors affecting the Tibetan Terrier’s price:
- Age: Since Tibetan Terriers live longer than most dogs, their price doesn’t vary much throughout the stages of their lives. However, there are still instances when getting a puppy will cost more than adopting an adult because the younger ones are more trainable.
- Breeder’s Reputation: Purchasing a Tibetan Terrier from a reputable breeder will cost more than sourcing from puppy mills and backyard breeders. More often than not, professional breeders invest more money to safeguard their dogs; thus, they also charge more.
- Health Screenings: Breeders usually get their Tibetan Terriers’ health checked to ensure that they are of sound mind and body before being rehomed. The dams and sires also undergo careful health screening so they won’t pass specific health issues to their offspring.
- Registration Papers: Registering the Tibetan Terrier in a kennel club is an excellent investment since their lineage will be monitored. However, this will cost you a few extra dollars since most breeders add this to the price of the pup.
- Training and Socialization: If you want a Tibetan Terrier with a good temperament, it would be better to get one that has gone through obedience training. Dogs that are already trained are much more expensive since professional trainers often charge a premium for their services.
Although it may seem extensive, this list is by no means complete. There are other, less recognized factors such as location and gender, which might also affect the price of the Tibetan Terrier.
For a more detailed overview of all these factors, consult with a reputable breeder near your area. From there, you can determine whether their prices are reasonable or not.
READ NEXT: Living With a Tibetan Terrier: How Much Do They Really Shed?
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Tibetan Terrier From a Rescue?
The adoption fee for Tibetan Terriers is only between $150 and $800. This is an absolute steal, considering how they go for around $1,900 on average from reputable breeders.
Note, though, that the chances of finding a Tibetan Terrier from a rescue or shelter are pretty slim.
Tibetan Terriers are often raised in cold and snowy regions where most public transport cannot be accessed. Practical expenses going to far-flung adoption centers to get a Tibetan Terrier may be more expensive than the adoption fee.
READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Adoption: Process, What to Ask and Tips to Get Approved
Initial Cost of Tibetan Terrier Ownership
The price of the Tibetan Terrier puppy itself isn’t the only thing you should consider when getting this pooch. There are a lot of things to think about in order to cater to their needs, like food, water bowls, and treats.
Here’s a list detailing everything you need to buy for your Tibetan Terrier puppy right before you bring them home:
- Food and Treats: A Tibetan Terrier should only eat the best kibble to ensure that their body can keep up with their high energy. It would be best to throw in some high-quality treats as well, which will cost you between $50 and $80.
- Food and Water Bowls: Since Tibetan Terriers are hyperactive dogs, you should get them large bowls. Choose stainless steel ones because they are easier to clean, manageable, and super cheap. They would run you about $10 to $25.
- Bed: Choosing a bed for your dog is no easy task since you have to think about its size and material. Taking into account the small stature of a Tibetan Terrier and its double coat, you should get a sturdy, comfy bed costing $30 to $150.
- Crate: Make sure that when choosing a crate, you prioritize heavy-duty brands. Tibetan Terriers are smart breeds that can unlock crates if they aren’t secure enough. A suitable crate for this pooch will cost between $50 and $200.
- Leashes and Collars: It is suggested that every dog owner has at least two leashes for their pet. These are handy in safeguarding the Tibetan Terrier, as well as in training them. Leases and collars from pet stores are only $15 to $50.
- Toys: Since Tibetan Terriers are known to be gentle dogs with a lot of energy, get them toys that meet their energy demands but also have a tender feel. Smaller toys with less flare and more durability would cost $20 to $30.
- Grooming Essentials: The tricky part of grooming a Tibetan Terrier is its long, double coat. You would need to purchase a quality slicker brush, along with some other grooming essentials like shampoo, clippers, and nail trimmer if you want them to look their best. All these essentials can incur between $30 and $150.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Tibetan Terriers are more susceptible to ticks and fleas because of their hair. On the same note, they are also targetted by internal parasites. Deworming and preventive medication for these issues cost about $50 to $200.
- Initial Vet Visits: To prevent your Tibetan Terrier from acquiring risky conditions such as hip dysplasia and certain heart issues, you’ll need a few vet visits early on. These visits would cost about $100 to $300.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: To battle more common illnesses of Tibetan Terriers such as cataracts and geriatric heart murmurs, it’s best to give your puppy early vaccine shots. These initial vaccine shots would run you about $75 to $200.
- Neutering or Spaying: Most vets recommend getting a Tibetan Terrier neutered or spayed if you aren’t planning to breed them. The suggested age for the puppy to undergo this procedure is around four months or when they’ve reached puberty. Neutering or spaying usually costs around $50 to $500.
- Dog License: A dog license helps authorities identify your dog if they get lost. Often, it comes with an ID tag with your contact information so you can be easily reached. A license usually goes for about $10 to $20.
- Microchip: Microchipping or embedding a chip in your dog’s shoulders is legally required in the United States. Similar to a dog license, this would help you find your hyperactive Tibetan Terrier in case they get lost. This usually costs between $40 and $60.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: You might also need a few other items for your pooch, like poop bags, poop scoopers, water bottles, and many others. These are generally easy to find and cost anywhere between $15 and $30.
Below is a table summarizing all of the initial costs needed to have a happy, healthy Tibetan Terrier, excluding the pup’s price:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $50 – $80 |
Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $25 |
Bed | $30 – $150 |
Crate | $30 – $200 |
Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
Toys | $20 – $30 |
Grooming Essentials | $30 – $150 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Microchip | $40 – $60 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
Total Initial Cost | $525 – $1,995 |
With this rundown, expect to at least spend between $525 to $1,995 for your pup’s initial needs. If you already have some of these items, that’ll help a lot in lessening these costs.
Annual Cost of Owning a Tibetan Terrier
Perhaps one of the most daunting things to think about when you are a Tibetan Terrier owner is the yearly cost of owning one.
To ensure that your Tibetan Terrier is growing and developing healthily, you’d have to set aside an annual budget for it.
Here’s a summary of the yearly expenses your Tibetan Terrier needs:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $240 – $720 |
Toys | $25 – $100 |
Bed and Crate | $60 – $360 |
Leashes and Collars | $20 – $30 |
Grooming | $100 – $250 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $250 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $400 |
Pet Insurance | $500 – $600 |
Vaccinations | $80 – $250 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $30 – $50 |
Yearly Total | $1,405 – $3,010 |
Average Monthly Cost | $117 – $251 |
Some of the essentials you’d have to focus on for this pooch are its grooming needs, routine veterinary care, pet insurance, and vaccinations. Collectively, these may cost a large sum of money, so you really have to prepare.
Grooming a Tibetan Terrier might be the most costly part of owning them. They need frequent baths and combing because their fine outer coat is prone to matting.
Professional grooming services for Tibetan Terriers often run between $100 and $250.
Since Tibetan Terriers are prone to illnesses with costly medical procedures like geriatric heart murmurs, it’s best to get them checked up routinely.
These frequent checkups will go for $200 to $400. But, as always, prevention is better than a cure.
To make it easier for you to handle medical expenses, get your pup pet insurance. This will safeguard your budget from any emergency treatments your dog will need.
Insurance companies catering to Tibetan Terriers charge between $500 and $600, depending on your chosen plan.
Keep in mind that these are conservative estimates. Your expenses in a year can vary depending on different circumstances.
Other Potential Expenses
So far, we’ve only talked about the basic expenses of owning a Tibetan Terrier. But there are a few other services that you may find useful as your dog ages. Most of which are optional, except for medical emergency fees.
Here’s the shortlist of potential expenses for your Tibetan Terrier:
- Pet Daycare: If you need to travel out of town and need a place to leave your dog in the meantime, you might want to consider a pet daycare. The usual rates of daycare centers are $25 to $85 a day.
- Dog Walking: Tibetan Terriers aren’t very comfortable being alone, and they may develop separation anxiety. You can employ the service of dog walkers for about $15 to $25.
- Emergency Medical Procedure: Even dogs in top condition are prone to emergency medical procedures. Older Tibetan Terriers need frequent treatments to avoid their already rapid health decline. These emergency procedures would range from $1,000 to $5,000.
If you have the means to provide all of the services mentioned above to your dog, then do not hesitate. They’ll shower you with endless love and affection in return, so the investment will be worth it.
Places to Find Tibetan Terrier Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you have assessed that you can provide all the essentials of a Tibetan Terrier, it’s now time to find out where to look for one. As I have already mentioned, their rarity prevents them from being easily found in shelters or rescues.
The best bet you have to get your very own Tibetan Terrier is with renowned or reputable breeders.
Here’s a list of some of the highly recommended Tibetan Terrier breeders:
- Barnstorm Tibetans – This Illinois-based breeder raises Tibetan Terrier pups in their own home and socializes them daily from birth until they find their new families. All their breeding stock are given OFA testing to ensure their litters are in top condition.
- Deep Acres Tibetans – If you live in or near Iowa, you’re in luck because you can easily visit Deep Acres Tibetans. They were recognized as the past director of the Tibetan Terrier Health and Welfare Foundation, so you’re assured that all their litters are healthy!
- Maitri Tibetans – If you’re in New York, contact Maitri Tibetans for a puppy. They only sell Tibetan Terriers by contract to approved homes. They don’t just let the pooches go to families that cannot assure their dogs’ welfare.
- Tibetan Terrier Club of America (TTCA) – The TTCA is an official breed club for Tibetan Terriers. They have a directory of Tibetan Terrier breeders from over 15 states. They ensure that their breeder’s list only includes reputable puppy sources.
If you prefer having an older Tibetan Terrier or you are an advocate of rescuing and adopting dogs, here’s a list of organizations and groups you can contact:
- TTCA Rescue Program – The TTCA has a rescue program that aims to find the best homes for Tibetan Terriers. They even have an extensive Rescue Questionnaire that assesses whether you’ll have a great relationship with the breed.
- California Tibetan Terrier Rescue – This rescue is a California-based subsidiary of a larger, more expansive rescue in the United States known as Rescue Me! They ensure that available Tibetan Terriers in California are properly brought into new and loving homes.
- Adopt-a-Pet – Known for being a very influential non-profit web service, Adopt-a-Pet can also help you find the perfect Tibetan Terrier that suits you. They have the most efficient pet adoption site that employs useful filters when searching for a pet.
READ NEXT: 13 Ways to Find Free Puppies in Your Area for Adoption (2023)
Money-Saving Tips for Tibetan Terrier Owners
Owning a Tibetan Terrier is a commitment in every sense of the word — especially financially. There shouldn’t be an excuse to have your pet settle for less.
That being said, there are still a few ways you can make your whole experience as a “pawrent” worthwhile without leaving a hole in your wallet.
Here are a few tips that can help you be a bit frugal with your new pet:
- Invest in high-quality essentials. Getting items that’ll last long will be a money saver in the long run. You wouldn’t have to keep buying replacements for things you’re confident will last a while.
- Get freebies from breeders. Some breeders are more than happy to give freebies such as dog bowls or leashes. This will help you save a few bucks initially, but then again, the quality of the products might not be top tier, so be prepared to repurchase.
- Groom your dog at home. Although Tibetan Terriers are a bit more challenging to groom at home, it isn’t entirely impossible. You’ll just need the right tools, a few pieces of advice from groomers and vets, and you’re all set to go!
- Make homemade treats and food. Homemade food is another wise and practical tip to save money since you’re giving your pup all the essential nutrients without paying for a brand name.
Owning a Tibetan Terrier requires the same financial investment as most dog breeds. Dabble in a few cost-efficient activities, and you won’t be spending as much as you thought!
Final Thoughts
Tibetan Terriers aren’t one of the cheapest dogs we have today. This was proven by the rundown of expenses we’ve covered in this article.
Nevertheless, once they’re happy and satisfied with your care, they’ll be the most loyal and fun-loving dogs out there.
You wouldn’t want to miss out on getting a Tibetan Terrier because they’re one of the rarest and coolest pets to have!