I was bred as an indoor monastery guard by Tibetan Buddhist monks. I am alert and have a keen sense of hearing. I am wary of strangers yet loyal to my family. I can be very aggressive to strangers if I’m not trained. They say I’m not the brightest bulb in the box as I rank 68th in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs. I can be independent as well as a companion who wants to please the person I own. BTW I am completely fearless. You know I’m happy when I am rubbing my head on you, running and rolling around, or sitting on your feet.
I need socialization with dogs and other people early as puppies and throughout their lives.
I am a long-lived breed, and may live in good health into my early 20s. My average age is 14. I am lucky in that there are few health problems specific to my breed. My vision may deteriorate with age but since I am not sight-oriented I endure blindness with few noticeable changes in behavior.
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