Tibecot

13-22 lbs
11-14"
Unknown
Coton de Tulear
Tibetan Terrier

The Tibecot is a hybrid dog, the deliberate combination of two clever companion animals, both from different isolated areas; the Coton de Tulear, a little white dog that developed in the wilds of Madagascar, and the Tibetan Terrier, the sure-footed good luck charm of the Buddist monks in the remote mountains of Tibet. These small canines are particularly sensitive to the moods of their families and require a great deal of attention to be happy and balanced and their long coats require a great deal of grooming. Their exercise requirements are lower than average, however, and with just a little extra training they make pleasant roommates in either large or smaller environments. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Coton de Tulear and Tibetan Terrier

Tibecot Health

Average Size
Male Tibecot size stats
Height: 11-14 inches Weight: 13-22 lbs
Female Tibecot size stats
Height: 11-14 inches Weight: 13-22 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy (Ataxia)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Deafness
  • Retinal Dysplasia
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • General Physical Examination
  • Hearing Tests
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging
  • Thyroid Panel

Tibecot Breed History

The Tibecot is a designer dog, the intentional cross between two lesser known companion dogs, the Coton de Tulear, a small white dog that developed on the island of Madagascar, and the Tibetan Terrier, a charming and dependable canine that was developed in the mountains of Tibet. The histories of both of the parent breeds are shrouded in mystery, although it is believed that the Tibetan Terrier was developed first, some 2000 years ago. These little dogs have always been treated as good luck charms and family companions by the monks who developed them, and while they may have caught a mouse here and there, they are not actually Terriers in anything but name. They were, however, known to help with the sheep herding on occasion and were known for their ability to run over the backs of the sheep when they were being driven through narrow ravines. The Tibetan Terriers were never sold but they were frequently given as gifts to the villagers who surrounded the monasteries and to highly appreciated or valued guests. The Coton de Tulear is a much newer breed than the Tibetan Terrier, one largely dependent on this little white dog’s ability to survive on its own. It shares its lineage with several other Mediterranean dogs, such as the Poodle, the Bichon Frise, and Maltese breeds, that were descended from an ancient Italian water Spaniel. These dogs all have distinctive silky coats, most of them single layered and many of them in white. Nobody knows for sure how the little white dogs got to the island of Madagascar, or for that matter, which variety or varieties of Bichon contributed to the breed, although the most likely candidate is the Bichon Tenerife. We do know that Bichon dogs like the Bichon Tenerife were frequently employed as pest control on ships and Madagascar was a major trading port. The most widely believed legend surrounding the origins of this dog states that several of the dogs made their way to land as the only survivors to shipwrecks off of the coast of Tulear hundreds of years ago, although there is no documentation to prove this theory. We do know that they became feral for one reason or another, and survived as both scavengers and as pack hunters on the island of Madagascar for several generations before they gained the attention of locals, earning the title “Royal Dog of Madagascar”. 

Tibecot Breed Appearance

Tibecot hybrid dogs are typically small but sturdy little canines that are slightly longer than they are tall. They may inherit the large, flat feet with a unique round shape which give the Tibetan Terrier their sure-footedness on rocky surfaces, or they may inherit the small, round feet that are characteristic of the Coton de Tulear. Their head is moderate in both length and width with a slight narrowing towards the front, giving it a slightly triangular shape, and a straight, medium-length muzzle with a strong chin and a tight scissor bite. They have wide-set, round eyes that are typically either black or very dark brown in color and heavily furred V-shaped or triangular ears that hang down to the sides of the head, framing the face. This crossbreed may come in many colors and with many different types of markings due to the Tibetan Terrier heritage, but the addition of the Coton de Tulear is likely to make all white or predominantly white dogs more common. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Tibecot eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Tibecot nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Tibecot coat
White
black Tibecot coat
Black
pied Tibecot coat
Pied
fawn Tibecot coat
Fawn
brindle Tibecot coat
Brindle
sable Tibecot coat
Sable
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Tibecot straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Tibecot Breed Maintenance

This dog is likely to require more time and effort spent on grooming than other dogs, and some Tibecot owners may choose to engage the services of a professional groomer on a regular basis. These little dogs usually do best if they are bathed every month or two and while the long coat has either a fine or a silky texture that sheds very little, it is prone to tangling. This coat should be misted and brushed out on a daily basis to remove any tangles before they have a chance to develop into uncomfortable and hard to remove mats, particularly behind the ears, in the armpit area, on the belly, and around the chest area. Tibecots may also form tangles and mats between their toes, so it is particularly important to pay close attention to their feet when grooming these little canines. 

Brushes for Tibecot
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Scissors
Scissors
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Tibecot requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Tibecot Temperament

While this crossbreed is typically an easy-going, good-natured breed they are also likely to be lively and clever, with expert problem solving skills. They are extremely people and pack oriented and may be prone to separation anxiety, problem barking, and destructive chewing if left on their own for too long. While Tibecot hybrids are outgoing and affectionate with their families, they are more conservative and discriminating when it comes to humans outside of their circle. Early and extensive socialization will help to ensure that your dog retains a polite bearing towards new people and may also prevent fearful or anxious behaviors from developing. These little dogs tend to get along well with other dogs as well, although they can sometimes be a bit bossy, but due to the prey drive of the Coton de Tulear they may not be as safe around other animals. It is important to keep an eye on your Tibecot as they are extremely clever and quite adept at getting on high counters, into closed cabinets and drawers, and sometimes even opening doors with their paws. If trained using gentle methods, these dogs tend to pick up tricks fairly quickly and retain them quite well, but any tension or hostility on the part of the trainer can quickly derail a training session due to this dog's sensitivity. 

Tibecot Activity Requirements

While this dog is lively and playful, they usually do not require a great deal of exercise to keep them healthy and fit and they are typically content with just thirty minutes or so of vigorous activity each day. Exercise sessions are most effective if they are broken down into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day, and may include agility training, advanced obedience and trick training, mental puzzles and games designed for dogs, and possibly even herding exercises along with the more traditional walks and games of fetch. If their tendency to bark is kept under control, these small, family oriented canines make excellent companions in either large or small spaces. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Tibecot Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Tibecot Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Tibecot size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
Female Tibecot size stats at six months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 15.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Tibecot size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
Female Tibecot size stats at 12 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Tibecot size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs
Female Tibecot size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs

Tibecot Owner Experiences

Bowie
3 Years
1 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I adopted Bowie at 11 months. The owner of the adoption agency wanted to keep him, but he nipped her husband’s heels. I noted he is very protective of me and our home, but friendly with all our neighbors and their dogs. He loves to run unleashed and play with similar sized dogs. He is fearful of Huskies and larger dogs since I got pushed down by a Great Dane and pit bull while saving him from them at a dog park which resulted in a broken arm for me, but he was okay. He is very laid back, likes to sleep around me and when we go out in the morning or evening walks he loves to find bunny rabbits.
3 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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