Tibecot

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Tibet <> Madagascar -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Tibecot

The Tibecot is a hybrid dog, the result of the deliberate combination of two intelligent pets, both native to different isolated regions: the Coton de Tuléar, a small white dog that thrived in the wilds of Madagascar, and the Tibetan Terrier, the sure-footed good luck charm of Buddhist monks in the remote mountains of Tibet. These little canines are particularly sensitive to the moods of their families and need a lot of attention to keep them happy and balanced, and their long coats require a lot of grooming. Their exercise requirements are below average, however, and with a little extra training they make pleasant housemates in larger or smaller environments.

History of the Tibecot

The Tibecot is a designer dog, the intentional crossing of two lesser-known companion dogs, the Coton de Tuléar, a small white dog that developed on the island of Madagascar, and the Tibetan Terrier, a charming and reliable canine that was developed in the mountains of Tibet. The history of these two related breeds is shrouded in mystery.

 

        

A little of the Tibetan Terrier

        
The Tibetan Terrier is thought to have been created first, some 2,000 years ago. These little dogs have always been considered lucky charms and family companions by the monks who developed them, and although they may have caught a mouse here and there, they are Terriers in name only. They were, however, known to help herd sheep on occasion, and were renowned for their ability to crush sheep's backs when driven into narrow ravines. Tibetan Terriers were never sold, but were often given as gifts to the villagers surrounding the monasteries and to highly valued or esteemed guests.
Standard of the Terrier tibétain

 

        

A little of the Coton de Tuléar

The Coton de Tuléar is a much more recent breed than the Terrier du Tibet, depending largely on the ability of this small white dog to survive on its own. It shares its lineage with several other Mediterranean dogs, such as the Ccaniche, the Bichon à poil frisé and the Bichon maltais, which are descended from an ancient Italian Water Spaniel. These dogs all have distinctive silky coats, most of them single-coated and many of them white. No one knows for sure how the little white dogs arrived on the island of Madagascar, or indeed which variety of Bichon contributed to the creation of the breed, although the most likely candidate is the Bichon Tenerife. We do know that Bichon dogs, like the Bichon Tenerife, were frequently used as anti-parasitics on ships, and that Madagascar was an important commercial port. The most widespread legend concerning the origins of this dog states that several of these dogs arrived on land as the sole survivors of a shipwreck off the coast of Tuléar hundreds of years ago, although there are no documents to prove this theory. We do know that they became feral for one reason or another and survived as scavengers and pack hunters on the island of Madagascar for several generations before attracting the attention of the local population, earning them the title of "royal dog of Madagascar".
Standard of the Coton de Tuléar

Appearance of the Tibecot

Tibecot hybrids are generally sturdy little dogs, slightly longer than they are tall. They may inherit the broad, flat feet with their unique round shape that give the Tibetan Terrier its sure-footedness on rocky surfaces, or the small, round feet characteristic of the Coton de Tuléar. The head is of moderate length and width, narrowing slightly towards the front to give it a slightly triangular shape, with a straight, medium-length muzzle, strong chin and tight, scissor bite. It has round, wide-set eyes, usually black or very dark brown, and V-shaped or triangular ears with heavy fur that hang over the sides of the head and frame the face. This cross can come in many different colors and markings due to the Tibetan Terrier heritage, but the addition of Coton de Tulear is likely to make all-white or predominantly white dogs more common.

Temperament of the Tibecot

Although this crossbreed is typically an easy-going, good-natured breed, it is also likely to be lively and intelligent, with expert problem-solving skills. They are extremely people- and pack-oriented, and can be prone to separation anxiety, untimely barking and destructive chewing if left alone for too long. While Tibecot hybrids are extroverted and affectionate with their family, they are more conservative and discriminating when it comes to humans outside their circle. Early and thorough socialization will enable your dog to maintain a polite attitude towards new people, and may also prevent the onset of fearful or anxious behavior. These small dogs tend to get on well with other dogs, although they can sometimes be a little bossy, but due to their hunting instinct, Tibecots may not be so secure with other animals. It's important to keep an eye on your Tibecot, as he's extremely intelligent and quite capable of climbing onto high counters, into closed cupboards and drawers, and sometimes even opening doors with his paws. If trained with gentle methods, this dog tends to learn tricks fairly quickly and retain them fairly well, but any tension or hostility on the part of the trainer can quickly derail a training session due to this dog's sensitivity.

Needs and activities of the Tibecot

Although this dog is lively and playful, it generally doesn't need much exercise to stay healthy and fit, and is usually content with around 30 minutes of vigorous activity a day. Exercise sessions are most effective if they are split into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day, and can include agility training, advanced obedience and sleight-of-hand training, puzzles and mental games designed for dogs, and perhaps even herding exercises in addition to more traditional walks and search games. If their tendency to bark is kept under control, these small, family-oriented dogs make excellent companions, whether in large or small spaces.

Maintenance of the Tibecot

This dog is likely to require more grooming time and effort than other dogs, and some Tibecot owners may choose to use the services of a professional groomer on a regular basis. These small dogs generally do better if bathed every month or two, and although the long coat has a fine or silky texture that sheds very little, it does tend to mat. This coat needs to be sprayed and brushed daily to remove knots before they become uncomfortable and difficult to remove, especially behind the ears, in the armpit area, on the belly and around the chest. Tibecots can also form tangles and mats between their toes, so it's especially important to pay special attention to their feet when grooming these little canines.

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