Tibetan kyi apso

The Tibetan Kyi Apso, also known as the Apso Do-Kyi, is a rare Tibetan breed of dog.^[1][2] Used primarily for guarding livestock and property, the Tibetan Kyi Apso is also a very fast and effective hunter.

Names and etymology

In Tibetan, "kyi" means dog and "apso" is short for "Ara" meaning "moustache" and "sog-sog" meaning "hairy".

Description

These large, playful dogs are recognized by their long, full coats, fully curled tails and "bearded" faces. This breed stands between 24-27 inches and weighs just under 100 lbs.

Tibetan Kyi Apso Club Breed Standard^[3]

Temperament

Kyi Apsos have traditionally been used as guardians of homes, monasteries and flocks.They perform their duties by barking and threatening. The deep-throated, sonorous bark, along with the double coat, make these otherwise medium-sized dogs seem formidable. Because KyiApsos are so territorial, they should not be approached suddenly by either human or canine strangers without the consent of the handler. The Kyi Apso is an energetic dog that enjoys running and activity. It has exceptional agility and fast start capability. The tight-hocked hindquarters seem to assist in its ability to make extraordinary turns. Because of his energy, the dog may become destructive if confined alone for extended periods. In his "off-duty" mode, the Kyi Apso is generally very laid back and mellow.

The Head

Because of the unusual facial hair, the Kyi Apso's head appears to be larger than it really is. In proportion, the base of the head is at least two and a quarter times as wide between the ears as the muzzle. The stop comes midway between the base of the skull and the front of the nose. The stop is marked, but not abrupt. Ears are pendant, v-shaped, and as long as the skull's width, with placement at eye level. The skull crown is flat with a marked occipital crest, especially prior to full physical maturity (which comes after five years). Eyes are set at the outside of the skull. The muzzle is tightly formed around the bone structure, with the "beard" suggesting a fuller muzzle. Neither upper nor lower jaw is pendant. Lips and nose are both completely black. Eyes are a deep amber (or brown) color with an almond shape.

• Disqualifications: Pendant lips; light pigment in the eyes, lips or nose; head width exceeding two and a half times the muzzle width.

Bite

Strong, well-set, developed teeth, level bite. The four canines are more curved toward the back of the mouth. The front teeth between the canines are slightly serrated. Kyi Apsos have been known to grow replacement teeth after their adult teeth have been lost due to injury; however, they grow in dark or black and should not be considered a fault. An undershot or overshot jaw is a fault. Loss of canines in this breed is not a disqualification, due to the nature of the dog.

Neck and Body

The body is well-balanced in appearance. In overall proportions, Kyi Apsos appear to be longer than they usually measure out to be. The length from chest front to back of the hindquarters is generally 10 percent greater than the height at the shoulders. The top line is level. The brisket does not reach the elbows. The chest is compact but not deep. Loins are tight and pulled in to be noticeably narrower than the chest with a tuck. The tail is set high. When relaxed, it reaches below the hocks. It is carried in a forward plume of more than a full curl over one hip. A curl and a halfis preferred. Neck is muscular,broad and strong. Its length is 20 percent longer than the head width.It flows without interruption into the chest and head. When the dog is at attention,the neck shows a crest.

• Disqualifications: Uncurled tail.

Forequarters

Forequarters are broad and powerful. Shoulders should lie close to the body. Bone structure is not heavy. Legs are straight down to the pasterns. Length of leg from foot to elbow must exceed half of the distance to withers, but must not exceed 60 percent. Dew claws are desired but not required. Pads are thick and tough, round and compact.

Hindquarters

Hindquarters are well-muscled,to provide strength for quick bursts of speed, but are not massive or coarse-boned. When seen from the rear, hindquarters are uncommonly close, appear slightly bowed from crotch to hock, butshould not be cow-hocked.Below the hocks, legs may be straight to gently slanted out. Paws are round and compact, with strongly arched toes.

Coat

The mature Kyi Apso has a long coat (from 3-6 inches), although never approaching the length of the Lhasa Apso or Tibetan Terrier coats. Kyi Apsos must have a weather-resistant double coat. During winter or in cold climates, the outer coat is long, full and firm in texture; the undercoat is soft and dense.Coat length and amount vary with the season and geographic region. Dogs with reduced coats due to climate should not be penalized. Coat on the front of the forelegs and rear of the metatarsus may be noticeably thicker and longer than the surrounding coat. Trimming of the dog's hair is not allowed except for health purposes, e.g., removal of excess hair from the inside of the ears and between the pads of the paws. Coat on the face and muzzle must be profuse, giving the distinctive "bearded" appearance. Any coat color is permitted; Black and tan, black and gold,black with a white chest spot, and black and silver are the most common colors. Multi-colored coats (more than two colors) are also acceptable.In Tibet, golden, white, mahogany and chocolate are also found and are equally acceptable. A puppy's coat tends to be shorter and has a softer texture than that of the mature dog.

• Disqualifications: Sprays, special clips, shaving, or any artificial altering of the natural grooming.

Gait

The KyiApso in motion shows a trot with a marked bounce, with the topline showing up and down movement. There is good extension of both fore and hind legs. The Kyi Apso must be sure-footed and balanced. The dog has exceptional speed and agility in an open run, characteristics necessary in Tibet, where the dog hunts much of its own food.

• Disqualifications: Awkwardness of movement or lack of surefootedness.

Size

Of all its characteristics, size is the most variable between Tibetan and Western-born dogs. Improved nutrition is now resulting in dogs far larger than those seen in Tibet. Therefore, until the genetically-driven (as opposed to nutritionally-driven) size parameters stabilize over the next several generations, size standards are intentionally nebulous. Dogs are generally larger than bitches, but Western-bred bitches may be larger than imported dogs. Dogs larger than 28 inches and heavier than 100 pounds are not desired. The Kyi Apso is traditionally an athletic dog and excess weight is definitely not part of that tradition.

• Disqualifications: Emaciation or obesity (obesity defined as unable to easily feel the backbone).

History

The Kyi Apso is an ancient bearded Molosser, believed by some to be the oldest of its kind and a variant of the Tibetan Mastiff breed. There is only a small number to be found in the West. The breed used to be well-represented and cared for by the Tibetan Kyi Apso Club, established in the 1990s, but collapsed in 1999 and registered no litters after 2000.^[4]

Its origin dates back to the 17th century.

See also

• Dog of Osu
• Lhasa Apso
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Tibetan terrier

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References