Why are they called Terriers if they are not

"If a Tibetan terrier is not really a terrier (as all the descriptions seem to start with) then why was this term used at all?"

Response

When they were first registed with the Indian Kennel Club through the efforts of Dr. Greig who introduced them to the west, there were a limited number of classifications used and most smaller dogs were registered as 'Terriers'. The original English registration shortly after, contained what we know today as Lhasas and Tibetan Terriers both together as 'Lhasa Terriers'. They were split later in the 30's into two distinct breeds the Lhasa Apso and Tibetan Terrier although the 'terrier' name stayed.

They are in the non-sporting group in North America even though there is a separate Terrier group. They are simply misnamed. True terriers go to ground for their quarry.