Beginnings of the Tibetan Terrier
This document is a time-line form of the beginnings of the Tibetan Terrier in the west.
Included are links to Maps of Towns and Countries that played important roles.
(The United States and Canada sections are currently incomplete)
Sources of the information provided here are varied. Excellent references included in books about the Tibetan Terrier by both Angela Mulliner and Jane Reif are heavily used. Both of the first editions or volumes of these books provide very detailed information on the beginnings of the breed primarily in England and North America respectively. They are a result of exhaustive efforts by the authors.
Other sources include early Tibetan Terrier Club of America Journals, early Tibetan Terrier Club of Canada newsletters, and miscellaneous data provided by Tibetan Terrier breeders and fanciers from different countries around the world.
If you have information regarding the beginnings of the Tibetan Terrier breed in your country (much of the existing data provided is for England, the United States and Canada), please contact me so that we can expand the historical resources provided on this page.
John George - Email
Colour Maps: Clicking on the topics below to see important locations in the historical development of the Tibetan Terrier.
Map of important locations in India, Tibet and Nepal
Map of important locations in England
Beginnings of the Breed in the West - India and England
1922 Cawnpore (Kanpur) India - Dr. Greig Sees Her First Tibetan Terrier
Dr. A.R.H. Greig of England met her first Tibetan Terrier 'Lily' while serving in Cawnpore (now called Kanpur) India as a doctor for the Women's Medical Service of India. Lily (who was in whelp at the time) was owned by a Tibetan family who had come to Dr. Greig for a medical operation for the wife. (click here for a Map of important locations in India, Tibet and Nepal)
Note: Cawnpore is located near the Himilayan Mountains and border of India and Nepal
After the successful operation, Dr. Greig was given the choice of a puppy from Lily's litter of 2 males and 2 females (born October 3, 1922) as a token of the family's gratitude. She chose 'Bunti' also called 'Bunty' a gold and white female.
A short time later friends or Dr. Greig's acquired a second Tibetan born Tibetan Terrier; a male named 'Rajah'.
1924 Christmas Day - First Tibetan Terrier Litter is Born
On Christmas day 1924, the first litter of Tibetan Terriers was born in India. The litter was out of Bunti and Rajah.
1925 July - Second Tibetan Terrier Litter is Born
A second litter was born on July 25, 1925 also sired by Rajah.
1926 Roydon England - First Tibetan Terriers Arrive in England
Dr. Greig took a leave of absence from her work in India and arrived back in England with 3 Tibetan Terriers; Bunti, Chota Turka (a bitch from the first litter in 1924) and a dog (Ja-Haz) from the second litter born in 1925. (click here for a Map of important locations in England)
1926 December - 3 Imports Registered in England as Lhasa Terriers
The 3 Tibetan Terriers brought to England by Dr. Greig were accredited for registration as 'Lhasa Terriers' (their classification in India) under the kennel name suffix (Ladkok) of Dr. Greig's mother, Mrs. A. Renton Greig.
1927 - First Tibetan Terrier Breeding in England
Bunti was bred to her son Ja-Haz in England. A litter of 3 Tibetan Terriers were born; 'Burrah Sahib', 'Mr. Binks' and 'Bodmash' all 'of Ladkok'. Mr. Binks returned to India with Dr. Greig and became the first Tibetan Terrier Champion in the world, winning 4 Challenge Certificates in India.
1928 India - Dr. Greig Acquires Her Next 'Native Bred Tibetan Terriers
Upon her return to India in 1928, Dr. Greig acquired her next native bred Tibetan Terrier from the Buddiman Lama of Tibet. The dogs name was 'Thoombay'. He was a white dog. He was returned to England to join the other Tibetan Terriers at Roydon with Dr. Greig's mother.
A second native bred bitch 'Gyantse of Lamleh' was obtained by Dr. Greig. She was black and fawn, and completely unrelated to the other TT stock owned by the Greig's.
1930 - Indian Kennel Club Recognizes Tibetan Terriers as a Distinct Breed
A panel of Indian judges agrees that Dr. Greig's dogs are a distinct breed to become known as Tibetan Terriers. In the summer of 1930 the India Kennel Club amended their registrations and the Indian Kennel Gazette published a description and standard of points for the Tibetan Terrier.
1930 - Dr. Greig and Miss Nye Obtain 2 More Native Bred Tibetan Terriers
In 1930 Dr. Greig and her colleague Miss Nye obtained 2 more native bred Tibetan Terriers from the Tikbir Daja Lama. The bitch was named 'Yukshee of Lamleh' and was owned by Dr. Greig. The male was named 'Miggo of Gomba' and was owned by Miss Nye.
1931 - First Tibetan Terriers Entered in the British K.C. Gazette Breed Records
The British Kennel Club followed the lead of the India Kennel Club and in February 1931 the first register of Tibetan Terriers appeared in the Kennel Gazette Breed Records.
1930's (early) - Dr. Greig and Miss Nye Move To England
In the early 1930's Dr. Greig and Miss Nye move back to England with their Tibetan Terriers, to Woodlands, Grouville on the island of Jersey.1934 - Tibetan Breeds Association Formed in England
The Tibetan Breeds Association was formed in England and efforts were made to encourage breeding within a 'fixed' standard of points for all 'small' Tibetan breeds. These were published in 1934.
1937 - Champion Status Given To the Tibetan Terrier in England
A committee of the British Kennel Club gave Champion status to the Tibetan Terrier.
1937 - Dr. Greig Leaves Jersey to Join Her Mother at Roydon
In 1937 Dr. Greig and her Tibetan Terriers left the island of Jersey and joined her mother at the Ladkok Kennels in Roydon, Essex, England. Dogs were sent by the Greig's to Italy as international interest in the breed was beginning .
1938 - First Challenge Certificate (C.C) Awarded in England
Challenge Certificates, also known as C.C's were offered for the first time in England at the Crufts show in 1938. The first judge to award a C.C. was Mrs. D.F. Gardiner. Winner of the dog C.C. was 'Thoombay of Ladkok' (at 10 years old). Winner of the bitch C.C. was 'Kilonia of Lamleh'.
1939 - Tibetan Terriers Exported From England
In 1939 the Greig's sent Tibetan Terriers bred in England to India, Denmark, and Germany as international interest in the breed continued.
1939 to 1945 - World War II
In 1939 World War II begins. In the ensuing years of the war from 1937 to 1945 Tibetan Terrier breeding stock is reduced substantially in England and Europe because of the war and rationing of food and supplies.
1946 to 1951 - Four More Tibetan Terrier 'Imports' Arrive in England
Another imported Tibetan Terrier arrives in England from Nepal in 1947. 'Princess Sali' was owned by Colonel Duncan. She was presented to Mrs. Duncan by a Nepalese official while the Duncans were guests of the Prime Minister of Nepal in Kathmandu.
During 1946 to 1951 four more Tibetan Terriers (pedigree unknown) were registered by the British Kennel Club after registrations, suspended during the war, were continued. In 1946 'Audrey of Carolina' owned by Commander W. Lambert was registered. In 1948 'Ukie' owned by Group Captain V.T. Cull was registered. In 1949 'Chang of Ormesby' a male from the Royal Nepalese Kennels owned by Mrs. Q.L. Burke was registered. Finally in 1951 'Lady Towsa' owned by Mrs. F. Dunning-Turner was registered.
In an intresting side-note; Angela Mulliner notes in her book 'The Tibetan Terrier - Volume 1':
"These new lines intermingled with those of Dr. Greig's original imports, so that today it seems impossible to trace any pedigree of a living Tibetan Terrier containing only Dr. Greig's own original blood-lines."
1950's - Swift Expansion of Tibetan Terrier Breeding and Showing
After the second World War the Tibetan Terrier quickly expanded with respect to breeding and showing.
1953 - 'Trojan Kynos' Appears
In April of 1953 a male Tibetan Terrier named 'Trojan Kynos' of unknown origin was registered by Mrs. Constance Downey of the famous 'Lunneville' Kennels in England. 'Dusky' as he was known became a great source of controversy within the breed. He was found by Mr. Downey on a dockside in the north of England (Liverpool).
1955 - Registration of Another TT of 'Unknown Origin'
In 1955 another Tibetan Terrier of 'unknown origin' was registered in England. 'Princess Chan' was owned by Miss A. Slaughter. She was mated with Dr. Greig's 'Ch. Pa Sang of Lamleh'. The Downey's (Lunneville) purchased a gold bitch 'Princess Aurea' from the litter. Princess Aurea and Trojan Kynos became the foundation pair of the Lunneville Kennels.
1956 - The Tibetan Terrier Club is Formed in England
An application was put forth to the British Kennel Club to disolve the Tibetan Breeds Association in England. The 'Tibetan Terrier Club' was formed with Dr. Greig as it's head. It became the sole official representative club of the Tibetan Terrier breed in England.
1957 - Dr. Greig Establishes Relationship With Alice Murphy in the U.S.A.
Dr. Greig establishes an overseas relationship with Alice Murphy of Great Falls, Virginia and begins to send her Tibetan Terriers. 'Gremlin Cortina' a Lamleh Tibetan Terrier had already been sent from England (not by Dr. Greig) to Mrs. Murphy, as a gift for her daughter. This begins the official start of the Tibetan Terrier breed in North America. Dr. Greig sent dogs to Alice Murphy from 1957 to May 1972 (shortly before her death).
1957 - First Lunneville Litter is Born
Princess Aurea and Trojan Kynos were bred and the first litter at the Lunneville Kennels was born in 1957.
Beginnings of the Breed in the United States
1956 - First Official Tibetan Terrier Arrives in the United States
After seeing a picture of the Tibetan Terrier in an English dog book (The photograph was of Jana of Lamleh in the "Book of The Dog" by Brian Vesey-Fitzgerald); Dr. Harry Murphy and Mrs. Alice Murphy purchased a Lamleh puppy (through an agent) for their daughter Patsy.Dr. Murphy's father was a veterinarian in Canada, and Alice Muphy (who was also Canadian) was the daughter of a bulldog breeder.
Nine month old 'Gremlin Cortina' called 'Girlie' (link to Gremlin Cortina 5 generation pedigree) arrived in Great Falls, Virgina in 1956. (future link to map of Great Falls, Virginia). This 'officially' began the Tibetan Terrier breed in North America.
Dr. Greig Sends Her First Tibetan Terrier to Alice Murphy
The second Tibetan Terrier to arrive in the United States was sent by Dr. Greig several months after Gremlin Cortina had arrived. Dr. Greig sent a total of 11 dogs to Alice Murphy over the years. This (second) Tibetan Terrier to be imported was a black and tan male named 'Kalai of Lamleh' and known as 'Gregory'. His registered name in England 'Kalai' became the name of Alice Murphy's famous Kalai Kennels. Gremlin Cortina and Kalai of Lamleh formed the foundation of the Murphy's 'Lamleh of Kalai' kennel.
1957 - First Tibetan Terrier Litter Born in the United States
The first official litter in the United States (out of Gremlin Cortina x Kalai of Lamleh) was born March 31, 1957 at Great Falls (alternate references say Vienna), Virginia. Patsy Murphy was listed as the breeder. There were 5 puppies - St. Polo Lamleh of Kalai - George Lamleh Son of Kalai - Faith Lamleh of Kalai - April Beauty Lamleh of Kalai, and another male. (see 1958 Article by Alice Murphy which appeared in 'Dogs in Canada' for a photo of 'George' and 'Beauty').
1957 - Tibetan Terrier Club of America Formed
A number of Virginia area fanciers started the Tibetan Terrier Club of America in 1957. The president was Alice Murphy. It also included early enthusiasts Mrs. Barbara Ross, Julian Ross, William O. Walsh, Mrs. Nell Benton Hudson, Miss Ann Everett and John Samperton. The initial club membership was by invitation only.
1958 - Two More Influential Tibetan Terriers Arrive in the U.S.A.
In 1958 with their relationship established, Dr. Greig sends Alice Murphy 'Shanak of Lamleh' (pedigree) and 'Pai-Cah of Lamleh' (pedigree). Both of these dogs were very influential in North America. Shanak sired 13 litters for a total of 69 puppies and lived to be 17 years old.
Late 1950's - Early 1960's Ring of TT Breeders Expands
Pockets of Tibetan Terrier breeders appear mostly in the eastern U.S. with foundation stock supplied by Alice Murphy. These areas included Virginia, St. Louis, New York, Conneticut and California.
Later Developments and Milestones in the United States
1964 - Alice Murphy Publishes 'How to Raise and Train a Tibetan Terrier'
In 1964 Mrs. Murphy published the book 'How to Raise and Train a Tibetan Terrier', published by T.F.H. Publications Inc. Click here for a link to excerpts from this book
1964 - First Show in Which Tibetan Terriers Are Recognized
On February 22 and 23, 1964 in Seattle Washington; Tibetan Terriers were shown for the first time in the U.S. in the miscellaneous class at the 2 day benched show put on by the Seattle Kennel Club.
1965 - First Tibetan Terrier CD
On June 27, 1965 Kalyani's Kala Yami of Kyirong bred by Shirley Dickerson and Liz Cammarata, became the first Tibetan Terrier to earn a CD title in the United States.
1968 - First Tibetan Terrier Club of America Journal is Published
In 1968 the first Tibetan Terrier Club of America (TTCA) Journal was published. The editor was Julian Ross.
1973 - Tibetan Terrier Admitted to Registry in the AKC Stud Book
Effective May 1, 1973 the Tibetan Terrier was admitted for registry in the AKC Stud Book. To April 1, 1973 a total of 1,253 puppies and 253 litters had been registered by the Tibetan Terrier Club of America.
1973 First AKC Sanctioned 'B' Match Held in Maryland
The first sanctioned 'B' match for Tibetan Terriers was held in Gaithersburg Maryland, October 12, 1973. It was hosted by the Tibetan Terrier Club of Greater Washington Inc. Best in Match was Ch. Kontan Thor-Bu Tsa Lhor who was also best puppy. He was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Grimaldi and bred by Eileen and Ed Wilk. The total entry was 26.
1973 Tibetan Terriers Accepted for Showing In Regular Classes
October 3, 1973 Tibetan Terriers were accepted for showing in regular classes by the American Kennel Club.
1973 First Tibetan Terrier Group Placement
October 3, 1973 Ch. Zim Sha's Tasha Ti Song (Pi) owned by Anne Keleman and bred by Mrs. Neal Amend, became the first Tibetan Terrier to earn a group placement at an all breed show. He won a group 4th at the Idaho Capital City Kennel Club show in Boise Idaho.
1973 First Amercian Champion of Record
October 5, 1973 Ch. Zim Sha's Tasha Ti Song (Pi) (pedigree) owned by Miss Anne Keleman and bred by Mrs. Neal Amend, became the first Tibetan Terrier to earn an American Championship. He finished at the Eagle Rock Kennel Club show, Idaho Falls, Idaho with a 5 point major; his third in as many days.
1973 First Amercian Champion of Record Bitch
October 12, 1973, Ch. Ma-Tasha Miss Kim bred by Miss Anne Keleman and owned by G. Arloine and Sue Bradshaw became the first Tibetan Terrier bitch to earn an American Championship. This occurred at Chico, California.
1973 First Imported Tibetan Terrier American Champion
The first imported Tibetan Terrier to win an American Championship was also the 6th Champion of record. He was Ch. Dokham's Prin-Su's Caspar ROM (pedigree) owned by Alice and Bill Smith.
1973 to 1974 - Tibetan Terrier Breed Registry Established
May 1, 1973 to August 31, 1974 the Tibetan Terrier Breed Registry was established in the U.S.. This was started by Mrs. Nell Benton Hudson and completed by Mrs. Barbara Ross.
1974 - First Tibetan Terrier Group Winner
Ch. Tsa Lhor of Shahi-Taj ROM, bred by Michael Walsh, owned by Eileen Wilk and shown by Susan Fisher became the first Tibetan Terrier to win Group One in the U.S.
1974 - First Tibetan Terrier Best of Breed Winner at Westminister
At Westminister in 1974 Ch. Kontan's Adam Bu-Tsa Lhor became the first Tibetan Terrier to win Best of Breed at the prestigious Westminister show in New York. He was bred by Eileen and Ed Wilk. The judge was Melbourne T.L. Downing.
1974 - First Tibetan Terrier Best in Show
March 17, 1974, Ch. Kontan's Shazam Bu-Tsa Lhor ROM, became the first Tibetan Terrier to win a Best in Show (he was 20 months old). He was owned and bred by Eileen Wilk and handled by Robert Fisher.
1975 - First Tibetan Terrier Best of Breed Bitch to Win at Westminister
At Westminister in 1975 Ch. Karchen Lamleh of Kalai became the first Tibetan Terrier bitch to win Best of Breed at the prestigious Westminister show in New York. She was bred by Alice Murphy and owned by Ruth and Charles Tevis. The judge was British TT breeder Graham Newell.
1975 - 79 Champions Finished in first Year and a Half
By the middle of 1975, barely a year and a half since acceptance by the AKC in late 1973, there were 79 American Champions of Record.
1976 - First AKC Sanctioned 'A' Match Held in Delaware
The first sanctioned 'A' match for Tibetan Terriers was held in Delaware October 3, 1976.
1977 - First Tibetan Terrier U.D. (Utility Dog)
Shergol's Frosted Flake became the first Tibetan Terrier to earn a U.D. title. She was bred by Bob McCaw and owner handled by Eileen Conduzio.
1978 - First Tibetan Terrier Specialty Show
October 8, 1978 the first Tibetan Terrier Specialty show was held in Falls Church, Virginia. The Judge was Edmund R. Sledzik. Total entry was 52. Best of Breed went to Ch. Loki's Midnight Masquerade bred by Joan Rinker and owner handled by Donna Armstrong.
Beginnings of the Breed in Canada (to be expanded)
1972 Tibetan Terrier Registry Formed
A registry of Tibetan Terriers was set up in 1972. Mrs. J.F. Crowe of Thunder Bay was the registrar.
1974 Tibetan Terrier Gains Breed Status & Breed Standard Written
The Tibetan Terrier gained official breed status in March 1974. The first breed standard was written by Mrs. Crowe and all breed judge Mrs. C.C. Nevil Thomas of Toronto.
1974 Tibetan Terriers Accepted for Showing In Regular Classes
In April of 1974 Tibetan Terriers began to be exhibited at Canadian All Breed shows. The first Champion of record was Ch. Double JJ's Skya Pandita owned by Gilda Neamtan.
1976 Tibetan Terrier Club of Canada Formed
On April 3, 1976 the Tibetan Terrier Club of Canada was formed. The president was Betty Crowe, vice-president Gilda Neamtan from Manitoba, secretary-treasurer Mrs. Marg Waller from Stratford, Ontario.
1977 First Tibetan Terrier Specialty Booster Held in Canada
September 4, 1977 the first Booster was held in Canada at the Essex County Kennel Club in Leamington, Ontario. The show was organized by Jean Marks of Windsor, Ontario (Harrowdene). The judge was Mrs. J.H. Daniell-Jenkins. Best of Breed was Ch. Shaggar Zan Tan Man owned and bred by Jane and George Reif.