Dog Breeds: T
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a small dog, similar in appearance to a Jack Russell, with a big heart. He has the terrier urge to chase, but also has a softer side, which means he’s good with children and pets. When well-socialised he can make a great family pet with a reputation for good health.
A remarkable breed of dog that has lived alongside tribespeople for many centuries, the Telomian is native to the jungles of Malaysia. As well as adapting to live with people, they have learned to climb up ladders to access their houses. Unable to bark as a normal dog would, the Telomian emits a characteristic singing noise instead.
A plucky little dog with lots of spirit, the Terri-Poo makes a fun friend for all the family. They can be suspicious of people they do not know and it is this that makes them such great watch dogs. With their owners, they are highly affectionate and are even thought to be able to pick up on their emotions.
The Tervoodle is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between the Belgian Tervuren dog and the Poodle. These hirsute dog are active, intelligent fellows, ideally suited to competitive level obedience training or agility. The Tervoodle needs an owner with some previous experience, as they may herd children or other pets. Health problems include joint disease, blood clotting disorders, and Cushing’s disease.
The Tervuren Dog is renowned for its long fawn and black coat and the thick mane of fur around its neck. An energetic and vivacious breed, they love to be outdoors, and thrive when given a task to perform. Used throughout the decades in a variety of roles, including as police dogs and bomb detectors, the Tervuren Dog is an outstanding member of society.
The Texas Heeler is a hybrid dog, the result of crossing an Australian Cattle Dog with an Australian Shepherd. These active, athletic dogs have a love of herding and need plenty of exercise. They do best with an experienced owner, preferably one committed to being active and who lives in the country. Generally a healthy dog, they can suffer premature blindness.
A faithful and devoted companion, the Thai Bangkaew Dog will bond closely with their family, often becoming very protective of them. Wary of strangers, they will guard their territory at all costs, and have a reputation for being aggressive. A dog that requires an experienced trainer and plenty of exercise, the Thai Bangkaew Dog is certainly not a breed for the faint-hearted.
A strong and protective dog, the Thai Ridgeback is well-respected for its guarding instincts and the loyalty it shows its family. This breed is known for its stamina and impressive jumping ability, and they love to roam – often being difficult to confine to one place. The Thai Ridgeback benefits from an experienced and firm owner as it has a tendency to be headstrong.
The Tibecot is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between the Tibetan Terrier and Coton de Tulear. These small dogs with a long coat make great companions but hate to be left alone. Their coat requires daily brushing and regular trims at the parlour. They have moderate exercise needs, but are playful and intelligent. Potential health concerns include eyesight issues, wobbly kneecaps, and dental disease.
An extremely vigilant and territorial giant breed, the Tibetan Mastiff may be too much of a handful for many owners. While it will do anything to protect its family, it is also stubborn and independent-minded, and requires a great deal of effort to train. Excessive barking, especially after dark, is a common complaint of Tibetan Mastiff owners (and their neighbours!).
The Tibetan Spaniel is an intelligent, sweet, and sensitive breed that is loyal to its owner and family. These dogs are great with children, other dogs, and cats, and thrive when part of a loving family. Bred for companionship, Tibetan Spaniels can become anxious if left alone for long periods of time.
An intelligent, adaptable little dog from the mountains of Tibet, the Tibetan Terrier is a charming character that is suited to a wide variety of living circumstances. Although it is reserved with strangers, and an excellent watch dog, it is also an affectionate, gentle, and biddable family pet. While it originated as a working dog, it does not require a huge amount of exercise, and its long coat is actually quite easy to groom.
A giant dog with a strong personality, the Tibetan Wolfhound is not for the faint of heart and should be homed with an experienced owner who has had experience working with similar breeds in the past. While they are not particularly energetic, they do need plenty of space so are not suited to smaller homes.
An ancient Molosser type dog that has guarded livestock for many centuries in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Tornjak has recently become more popular as a family pet. Easily recognised by its large size and thick, shaggy coat, this breed may appear intimidating at first, but is a loyal and loving dog, only showing defensiveness if the appropriate situation arises.
The Tosa-Inu is a breed of fighting dog still used in its native Japan for this purpose. It is a large, powerful breed, with the potential for aggressiveness in the wrong hands. It is not a suitable dog for a first-time owner or for families with children or other pets. Ownership of Tosas is very strictly controlled, and the breed is rare in the United Kingdom.
A pint-sized dog with a big attitude, the Toy Fox Terrier combines the feisty nature of the Terrier with the affectionate personality of Toy breeds. Outgoing and personable, they could never be defined as a ‘wallflower’ and like to be the centre of attention. With moderate exercise requirements and a good attitude towards their training, they’re a good choice for first-time owners.
A small yet nifty terrier, the black and tan Toy Manchester Terrier is a lighter version of the Manchester Terrier. While Manchester Terriers were originally used for rat control, the Toy Manchester Terrier is regarded as a colourful family pet. Though small in size, they more than make up for this with their larger than life personality and boundless energy.
An ancient Hungarian dog that was developed to hunt, the Transylvanian Hound shows courage and determination when pursuing its prey. Content to hunt at long distances from its master, this capable hound is prized for its independence. Good-natured and affectionate with its family, though suspicious of strangers and protective of its property, the Transylvanian Hound makes the perfect guard dog.
A multi-purpose dog, the Treeing Cur has been celebrated in southern America for many years as a reliable hunter, guard dog and companion animal. While they have a fierce reputation as a hunting dog, they have also established themselves as a loyal and sweet family pet. Ticking all the boxes, the Treeing Cur is a familiar fixture on many farms.
A medium-sized hunting and treeing dog that only really became a breed of its own as recently as 50 years ago, the Treeing Tennessee Brindle has quickly built a name for itself. This intelligent hound dog has a strong hunting instinct, courage and a good voice. A friend to children, they slot into the family home nicely.
The most popular American Coonhound, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is loved by all for its impressive working ability, as well as its good-natured and playful attitude when at home. A great choice of dog for a lively, young family, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is always up for a run and will keep the kids entertained all day long.
A handsome and noble-looking Austrian hound, the Tyrolean Hound is the oldest of the three 'Grand Brackes'. Still used today to hunt on the varied terrain of western Austria, this dog is well-regarded for its scenting ability and speed. Best-suited to living in the countryside, this rowdy canine needs a great deal of exercise and firm training.