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The Tibetan KyiApso

by Judy Steffel (stefski@ptialaska.net)

Original Purpose:

These are large livestock guardian dogs bred to protect sheep, goats, and yaks kept by the nomadic peoples of the Changtang (High Plateau) of Tibet. Their first line of defense is a monotonous warning bark with which they announce their presence to the world at large. "Big dog on guard here; predators stay away!" If an intruder ignores the early warnings and encroaches on the KyiApso's territory - which generally extends as far as the dog can see, it will be greeting with a tremendous, sonorous bark and an already-large, hairy dog fluffed up to twice its actual size. The dogs will accept human assistance in driving off intruders and will resort to charging and force only if necessary. On duty on the High Plateau, they usually wear thick red collars made of yak wool. These collars protect their throats from injury if they do battle with wolves or snow leopards.

They were - and are - also sometimes used as stationary guardians of temples and camps. (The Grandsire of one of our lines is still on duty outside a temple near Mt. Kailash.) A KyiApso kept on a short chain outside a doorway is a fierce deterrent to unwelcome guests.

Breed History:

First, it is necessary to understand that the Western concept of a dog "breed" is unknown to the nomads of Tibet. Like most indigenous peoples who exist always on the edge of starvation, these people do not have the luxury of breeding for the appearance of dogs except as it affects their function. The high-curled tail and pendant ears of the Tibetan Mastiff and the KyiApso are useful in distinguishing them from wolves at great distances. Beyond that, the only criteria for being selected as breeding stock would probably be those traits necessary to make the dog a functional guardian. Thus, a particularly good smooth-faced guardian dog (Tibetan Mastiff) might well have been bred to a particularly good shaggy-faced guardian dog (Tibetan KyiApso) to try to produce more particularly good guardian dogs. While we would consider this "cross breeding", the nomads don't. So, the "breed" name, Tibetan KyiApso, was coined from two Tibetan words (Kyi = dog, Apso = bearded or hairy) to name the dog in the West and would mean nothing to a nomad.

Because of this "cross breeding" of dogs, breedings of shaggy-faced KyiApsos usually produce some smooth-faced pups who look like Tibetan Mastiffs. At this time, the smooth-faced dogs are neither shown nor bred.

While some authorities maintain that all of the Tibetan dog breeds are the result of random or "natural" breeding, i.e., completely unregulated by humans, I beg to differ. There are too many distinctly different types of dogs for this to be the case: The Tibetan Mastiff is different from the Tibetan KyiApso; both are different from the ShaKyi (hunting dog); and all of these are different from the Tibetan "Terrier" (not really a terrier), the Tibetan "Spaniel" (not a spaniel), the Lhasa Apso, and the stray Pye dogs. If these dogs had, indeed, been interbreeding for the last millennium, in my opinion, there would be by now only one type of dog in Tibet, the "lowest common denominator" of the canine population. That is, unless Tibetan dogs are somehow different from all other populations of canines...

At this time (1998), there are only 65 KyiApsos known outside of Tibet. Only nine have been imported into North America and only six of those have known surviving progeny. Each dog is genetically precious so most breeders are hesitant to place their pups in working situations where they might be short lived. We are still learning about the origins of the KyiApso. There is photographic evidence that the 13th Dalai Lama owned such a dog in the 1930s. There are anecdotal statements that the "breed" is extremely ancient. We have recently learned that there may be mention of large, shaggy-faced dogs in some Buddhist texts. Stand by for more!

Country of Origin:

Tibet, reportedly on the western High Plateau in the vicinity of Mt. Kailash

Registration:

KyiApsos are registered with the Tibetan KyiApso Club

Breed Description:

Size:

Of all its characteristics, size is the most variable between Tibetan- and Western-born dogs. Improved nutrition is resulting in dogs far larger than those seen in Tibet. Therefore, until the genetically driven (as opposed to nutritionally driven) size parameters stabilize over the next several generations, size standards are intentionally nebulous. Dogs are generally larger than bitches, but Western-bred bitches may be larger than imported dogs. Dogs larger than 28 inches and heavier than 100 pounds are not desired. The KyiApso is traditionally an athletic dog and excess weight is definitely not part of that tradition.

Eye color:

Eyes are a deep amber (or brown) color with an almond shape.

Ear type:

Ears are pendant, V-shaped, and as long as the skull's width, with placement at eye level.

Cosmetic surgeries are forbidden.

Color:

Any coat color is permitted. Black and tan, black and gold, black with a white chest spot and black and silver are the most common coloring. Multi-colored dogs (more than three coat colors) are also found. However, in Tibet, golden, white, mahogany and chocolate are also found and are equally acceptable.

Coat:

The mature KyiApso has a long (from 3 to 6 inches), double coat although never approaching the length of Lhasa Apso or Tibetan Terrier coats. KyiApsos must have a weather-resistant double coat. During winter or in cold climates, the outer coat is long, full and firm in texture; the undercoat is soft and dense. Coat length and amount vary with the season and geographic region. Coat on the front of the forelegs and rear of the metatarsus may be noticeably thicker and longer than the surrounding coat. Trimming of the dog's hair is not allowed except for health purposes, e.g., removal of excess hair from the inside the ears and between the pads of the paws. Coat on the face and muzzle must be profuse, giving the distinctive "bearded" appearance.

Temperament:

In their "off-duty" mode, KyiApsos are generally very laid back and mellow, seldom nervous or high strung. However, because KyiApsos tend to be protective of their territory and flock, they should not be approached suddenly by either human or canine strangers. (This could be especially important if the dog is leashed and the handler is also the owner and therefore part of the "flock" the KyiApso considers its duty to protect.)

Some individuals are extremely aloof, even with their own people. KyiApsos are really more cat-like than dog-like in their responses to people and many confirmed "cat people" find themselves drawn to KyiApsos as a result of this.

Because of their need for mental stimulation, they may become destructive if confined alone for extended periods. Puppies, especially, love to chew: wood, plastic and paper are favorite substances. However, even adults seem to enjoy chewing on pieces of firewood. (Large nylon bones are acceptable substitutes...)

Generally a first-time KyiApso owner should consider a male as the intact females seem to be more "intense". Properly reared, the KyiApso can function as well as a companion animal and home guardian as it has as a livestock guardian. Poorly reared - without socialization (dogs and humans), without leadership from a strong Alpha, without training, without mental stimulation - these dogs can become very unpleasant, even dangerous.

KyiApsos have evolved to think for themselves in most situations. If there is no one else in the pack (household) who takes charge, the dog will do it. If they are left alone in a yard with little human contact, they can become neurotic and very quirky. The company of another KyiApso or other similar dog can go a long way to prevent this, as will sufficient exercise and play with human pack members.

Special Requirements:

Fenced yard. WELL fenced yard! Like many other livestock guardian dogs, KyiApsos tend to be excellent escape artists. Although most of them don't seem to want to do more than check out the general area surrounding their home territory, they are able to cover great distances in a short time.

Special Competitive Activities for this Breed:

Because of their "self-thinking" ability, KyiApsos generally do not take well to rigid obedience training. Clicker training seems to work well on them because it challenges their intelligence (and they think they're training their trainers...).

Some of us have done some agility work with our dogs and they seem to thoroughly enjoy it, probably because it is a break in the routine and, again, it challenges them.

KyiApsos are recognized by ARBA and can be shown in conformation shows.

Breed Pluses:

They are intelligent, charming, have a wonderful sense of humor, and are a constant challenge. Adults and even older puppies are calm in the house (except during Evening Crazies). They will lie in the room with you for hours while you read or engage in some other task. They tend to sleep most of the day unless there's some activity that needs their attention (e.g., predator, intruder, loose dog, garbage truck, neighbor skulking in his own yard). However, they may be destructive in that same room if left alone, especially a dog that is strongly bonded to the owner. They are gorgeous (if you like shaggy faces) and they tend to get along well in large groups (as long as there are not more than two intact males over the age of two years and no personal grudges between females).

Their coats do not readily hold dirt or odors. A quick brushing will remove most odors from the hair. They do not have "big-dog odor"; their coats either smell good or not at all.

There are few genetic diseases showing up so far. We are lucky that the harsh climate of Tibet and the needs of the nomads have culled inviable dogs for many, many years.

Breed Minuses:

They are intelligent, charming, have a wonderful sense of humor, and are a constant challenge... If you cannot out think them, you're in trouble from the very beginning. They will use their charm to lull you into a false sense of complacency, convincing you that they are just large Benjies and should be treated as such. Their humor is not so funny when you are the butt of it. And being constantly challenged can get tiresome. Even an established Alpha is apt to be seriously challenged during the fall when estrous occurs. A female Alpha may be even more seriously challenged by a pregnant bitch whose instincts tell her that only the Alpha bitch breeds...

Barking can become a serious problem if not controlled early and often. Some KyiApsos have learned to disable "bark collars" either by moving the sensors away from the larynx - or by actually turning them off with a paw!

They can be incredibly destructive, although this tendency seems to diminish with time.

They shed a little bit all the time - and shed horrendously in February/March when they blow their entire undercoat and most of their guard hairs. (On the bright side, they blow less coat as they age; and their hair can be collected, spun into yarn, and woven, knitted, or crocheted into garments. It is very soft and highly prized by the nomads for this purpose!)

There are few genetic diseases showing up so far - but we don't know what may show up in the next few generations. What we don't know can be hurtful...

They are not trustworthy off lead without a great deal of work. They quickly realize that they can easily outrun any human and so tend to be disobedient off lead. (However, I have found that a remote shock collar can just as quickly teach them that proximity is not necessarily required for enforcement of the Alpha's commands...)

The growing puppies and even the adults do not do well if left alone. These are social pack animals and they don't appreciate solitude unless it is of their choosing.

They are terrible food thieves and excellent kitchen counter surfers! They seem to have a special affection for homemade bread but will also eat entire sticks of butter, apples, bowls of salad, bottles of vitamins - and almost anything else they can get to. Remember that they are coming from many generations of starvation...

Trainability:

In general their approach to formal competitive obedience generally is summed up by the following scenario:

Owner: "Sit. " KyiApso: Hmmm. Does she have treats? Do I want to sit? Should I do it just to make her happy? Well, maybe this time.

Who should own this breed?

Naturally dominant people - i.e., natural leaders - who know that intimidation is not the same as dominance and that browbeating is not an effective tool for dealing with intelligent people or intelligent dogs. Patient people who can be consistent in their demands. People who like the challenge of living with very primitive, instinctive animals.

Who should not own this breed?

People who consider dogs a "lower" life form than themselves and therefore do not respect them. People who think they don't need a fence because they have acreage in the country. People who expect a high degree of instant obedience out of a dog. People who don't like brushing a dog. People who want a really cuddly, attentive dog. People who are not strong enough to put a 90-pound dog on the ground if need be.
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