Meet my pup, Finnegan.

Almost 2 weeks ago, we brought home our little pup named Finnegan. He's a Tibetan Terrier, a ball of energy who always wants to play, and would sit for treats. Finnegan has been a joy to our family.

Finn was born on 12/23/2019 and I visited him at 6 weeks old. I went back to collect him at 8 weeks old. During our 2 hours and a half car ride home, he slept on my arm the whole trip.

Why Tibetan Terrier?

My husband and I always wanted a dog. But we also knew it requires a lot of times and works from our part if we want to raise a good behaving companion dog. Now, we are at the point of our life that we are ready for a pup.

Purebred in Tibet

This breed originated in Tibet over 2000 years ago and were bred to be companions for the monastery monks of Tibet. Dalai Lama also owned one himself. Tibet holds a special place in my husband's heart since his last visit. He brought home quite a few ancient items from Tibet monk. Therefore, knowing this dog breed is from Tibet, we have to dig further and boy, do we love everything about Tibetan Terrier.

Tibetan Terrier was gifted by monks to the locals and herdsmen of Tibet. Just like monks, Tibetans treated these dogs with the highest respect, almost like children. They were known as "The Little People" because of his unique personality similar to human. 

Personality

Finnegan proved us that he has a true Tibetan Terrier personality. Our Finn is very loving, very intelligent but he also has his own agenda and very treats motivated. Finn is also very observing. He likes to sit and observe when he encounters something new, like wind blow, bird chipping or squirrel playing.

Size, Agility & Coat

The Tibetan Terrier is a medium sized dog with a great disposition. Being a medium size dog, Finnegan will grow to 14"-16" tall and weigh about 25-30 lbs, which my husband and I find that is perfect size. Not too small, like toy dogs, and not too big that requires a lot of energy from our part.

He has a thick double hypoallergenic coat. Which meant he doesn't shed and doesn't have a strong dog smell. His coat is like human hair, soft and shiny. Even though, Tibetan Terrier has a beautiful Pantene lock and categorized in non-sporting group, Tibetan Terrier is very strong, athletic and agile. 

Their other uniqueness is their flat feet that have a snowshoe-like look. We plan to do more outdoor activities like walkings and trail hiking but we also want to just cuddle and lie around the house too, and Tibetan Terrier is perfect for that. He's very flexible and attuned to their owner, and overtime, they are proven to reflect their owner's personalities.

Finding Tibetan Terrier

Finding Tibetan Terrier is hard. Although it's a Kennel Club's best kept secret, people are drawn to different type of dogs breed. In my opinion, people look for dog in regard to trend. Tibetan Terrier has a personality similar to human, which mean at time, he has his own mind. Therefore this breed is not the center of attraction to most people in term of obedience. 

My husband and I want to adopt dog from shelter because there are many dogs that need a home. But we want only Tibetan Terrier. I looked around the shelters, there are none Tibetan Terrier for the rescue within radius of 200-100 miles from us. 

So we decided to look for a breeder instead. Most breeders are far in other states, and none of them have puppies available. One morning in November, I got email from a breeder in central Virginia that one of her girl might be pregnant. She's been breeder for more than 20 years and she's been to world' AKC show competitions. All of her dogs and litters are registered with AKC. It proves that she breed with integrity and it guarantees we will get healthy, purebred Tibetan Terrier. In order to bring puppy home, we have to fill out contract form to make sure she gives us a good puppy according to the AKC standard and as a owner, I know how to raise puppy and Finnegan will always bears Ivy Gables and AKC registration. 

Check here for IVYGABLES information.

Life with Finnegan after almost 2 weeks!

We struggled the first 3 nights. He barked and cried all night. I guess we all have to adjust to the new environment. After going to the vet on his 2nd day home, his doctor reassure that he will come out of his shell. He needs to get to know us and get used to his new home.

His vet was right. On his 4th day home, his tail wagging when he saw us and he let us sleep on the 4th night without weeping. It has been almost 2 week, Finn constantly wants our attention and wants us to play with him, give him teats and belly rub.

As far as potty training goes, we still struggle, but it is normal for puppy. We keep give him his favorite treats lavishly when he does his business outside. We keep training as positive as possible. I still consistently train him to listen to my command everyday before I'm out of the door and at night before we go to bed. Finn is very treats motivated which make training a lot easier! Finn's treats are variety just like our junk foods. lol. 

For his crating training, I got him to stay in the crate but I don't close the door. He's so behaving that I don't think he needs his crate. I keep his crate inside his playpen along with his bed, water bowl and chew toys. When he's up from his nap, I let him access in the kitchen only. Until his bladder is big enough to hold for 8 hours and his potty training is on point, I will give him access to other rooms. 

I can't wait to start puppy kindergarten and obedience class with Finn as soon as he has his 2nd vaccination, so that he will be well-trained and become a well-behaving pooch. I will be starting my externship program next month before my graduation too, so I won't be home as much, but I will definitely make the most of our time for his training.

Finn is almost 10 weeks old, which mean he's 2 years old in human years. But he's growing bigger in a fast rate everyday. As a puppy owner, it's fascinating to learn to look from dog's view. 

Morning observation.. cold wind blow and I really want to go out in the yard.

Finn first day outside up the front. He found the road fascinating that he has to sit and observe for a while.

Finn saw a couple walking their dog. His curiosity soared high.

The athletic and agility look of Finnegan! Finn has one blue eye and one green-brown-ish!

Finnegan has a very beautiful soft black and white shiny lock! 

 For more breed information, please check out AKC/Tibetan Terrier & Primitive Dogs

I wouldn't think that Finnegan stole my heart in just a week. He's a lot of works for sure. But all puppies are a of works. It's like raising a baby, but you raise him to be your companion, not your children. My house currently is in a less desired state. It's hard for someone like me who likes things in neat, clean and order. With Finn as a puppy as he is, he requires constant supervision, but I know he's worth all my time and attention and it's a rewarding experience.

"I will be anywhere my mum is."

"Dear Finnegan, you may most of time drive me nuts - when you run wild in the yard and like to dirt yourself in the bushes, wet your paw in your pee, becomes hyper when you're full of energy and then you're bored with your toys too quickly, but you have brighten up my days so far with your quirkinesses, your tail wagging when I come home, run after me when I leave the door, laying around at my feet when I work on my computer, and that you would sit when you try to tell us you want treats! Buddy, you're mischievous but I'm amazed with your intelligence!"

Follow Finnegan's Instagram: tibetanterrierfinn