Country of origin: Tibet Bred for: Companionship and watchdog, guard for Buddhist temples Group: Non-sporting Color: Any color, with or without darker tips on ears and beard Life span: 13 to 15 years Grooming Needs: Comb through daily, bathe monthly, or visit a groomer every four to six weeks Coat: Heavy, straight, hard, dense Size: Males 10 - 11 inches, 13 - 15 pounds; females slightly smaller Temperment: Affectionate and self-cofident, but cautious around strangers Training: Moderate; positive method work best Energy: Moderate Children: Good with older children with adult supervision Compatibility with other dogs: Good if raised with them. Females tend to squable with each other Health Concerns: renal dysplasia, luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), allergies, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative eye disease), cataracts, degenerative dis disease, cherry eye (a swollen tear gland that must be surgically repaired)