Welcome to the world of Kensington Tibetan Terriers, where a lifelong passion for the breed, a commitment to genetic health, and a deep understanding of canine companionship converge. Since 1992, Kensington has been dedicated to preserving and improving the Tibetan Terrier breed, establishing a breeding program in 2006 with foundational lines from the esteemed Shalimar Tibetan Terriers. This dedication ensures a legacy of healthy, well-tempered, and structurally sound Tibetan Terriers for discerning owners.
A Legacy of Breeding and Community
The Kensington breeding program, initiated in 2006, was built upon the foundation of Tibetan Terriers acquired from Nina Wagner of Shalimar Tibetan Terriers. Nina’s legacy continues through the bloodlines and even through Oskar, a son of Brady and grandson of Campari and Leo, from whom frozen semen is available for use in 2026. Oskar has sired numerous AKC Conformation Champions over the last 15 years, a testament to his quality and the program’s success.
Beyond the breeding lines, Kensington fosters a strong community. A team of three “doggie au pairs” and a circle of close friends, some with children, contribute to socializing the puppies from a young age. This emphasis on early socialization with humans, including young children, is crucial for raising well-adjusted dogs. Visits from prospective owners are encouraged, providing an opportunity for them to interact with the dogs, ask questions, and for Kensington to understand their lifestyle and experience. This personalized approach ensures that each puppy is matched with the right family, creating a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Commitment to Health, Structure, and Temperament
Kensington Tibetan Terriers prioritizes genetic health, proper structure, and excellent temperament above all else. This commitment is demonstrated through a careful and thoughtful approach to breeding, including strategic outcrossing with esteemed breeders worldwide. Lines from RinChen (Colorado), Shadeacre (Sweden), Erbosedition (Slovakia), and Kundali (Switzerland/France) have been incorporated to enhance genetic diversity and maintain the breed’s health and vigor.
Each potential new bloodline is meticulously tested through multiple breedings to assess its potential contribution to the Kensington program. Genetic diversity is considered essential for long-term genetic health. Furthermore, Kensington strives to produce puppies that meet the American Kennel Club breed standard, focusing on health, a sound structure, and a joyful disposition. While acknowledging variations in size within litters, the program aims for dogs that are not excessively small, aligning with the British standard’s preferred height range of 13-14 inches at the withers.
The Kensington Application and Matching Process
The application process at Kensington is thorough, designed to ensure a perfect match between puppy and owner. A written application, submitted by mail, is followed by in-person or virtual (Zoom) interviews. This allows for in-depth discussions about feeding, behavior, and establishing boundaries, all without resorting to punitive methods. Prospective owners are encouraged to share their experiences, which helps Kensington assess suitability and guide the matching process.
Kensington prefers to place puppies with families already involved in the breed but welcomes those seeking to transition to Tibetan Terriers. The application process is designed to clarify the applicant’s desires and reasons for seeking a Tibetan Terrier. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the owner and the puppy are set up for a successful and happy life together. Flexibility is also key; if life circumstances change, Kensington understands and can accommodate postponements, allowing other eager families to welcome a Kensington puppy sooner.
Responsible Breeding Practices and Community Engagement
Kensington Tibetan Terriers limits litters to a maximum of three per calendar year. This conscious decision prioritizes the quality of individual care each puppy receives during its crucial first ten weeks of life, ensuring meticulous attention to cleanliness, organization, and social stimulation. This approach also safeguards the breeder’s personal well-being, enabling them to maintain high standards consistently.
The breed’s intelligence, intuition, and athleticism require a knowledgeable owner. Tibetan Terriers thrive on redirection and distraction, excelling in activities like clicker training and agility. Kensington requires previous dog-owning experience, as puppies, much like young children, can be challenging and demand significant time and attention. It is estimated that a minimum of six months of dedicated effort is needed for a puppy’s long-term social success, starting from eight weeks of age.
Building a Community: Beyond the Sale
Kensington encourages owners to become part of a wider community. A private Facebook group, “Wagging Tales at Kensington,” offers a platform for owners to connect, share experiences, ask questions, exchange veterinary references, and arrange playdates. This fosters a supportive network, particularly valuable during challenging times like the recent pandemic, where geographical proximity of littermates proved beneficial.
The breeder emphasizes that finding the right breeder is as important as finding the right puppy. Prospective owners are encouraged to explore other breeders to find the best fit for their family. Kensington employs a collaborative approach, believing that the best outcomes arise from a “sympatico” connection between the breeder and the potential forever family. This philosophy extends to a first right of refusal should a Kensington-bred dog ever need re-homing, underscoring a lifelong commitment to the well-being of every puppy bred at Kensington.
Consistency and Quality in Breeding
Traditional breeding practices at Kensington involve repeat pairings to ensure consistency and predictability in litters. When offspring from a pair are consistently similar, it indicates they “breed true,” minimizing surprises. This allows for a more informed evaluation when introducing new bloodlines through outcrossing. Detailed spreadsheets meticulously track data on sires, dams, and puppies, analyzing deviations and specific traits to refine future breeding decisions. This dedication to understanding genetics, pedigrees, and temperament, combined with hands-on care from the breeder and her team, ensures that Kensington Tibetan Terriers are bred for conformation, intelligence, beauty, and a sweet temperament.
