Any one out there with knowledge of Tibetans, they are a new breed to me.  I have just been to a local show and I am now a bit confused that the Judge thought my TT looked  a lot older than her 17 months.  He said she was very big for an 17 month old bitch.  She stands just over thirteen and a half inches at the withers, and you can count every rib.

Have I been missinturpreting the breed standard or should she be puppy sized at this age?

Well the breed standard states<Size Height at shoulder: dogs: 36-41 cms (14-16 ins); bitches: slightly smaller> so she is within the breed standard & can hardly be described as very big

Perhaps the judge wasn't a TT specialist or perfers the smaller ones

Thanks for the help Moonmaiden.  I have been told she is nicely made by a number of people but you just don't know if they are being kind.

Two friends of mine have TT's & are both Ch Show judges & seeing their dogs along side of my Cavaliers i would say the bitches were of a size similar to your bitch & they are by no means big. They have been in TTs for over 25 years & their type has never changed

Thank you again Moonmaiden,

I have found out that the judges breeds are Bichon Frise and Poodle so perhaps he was looking for smaller individuals.

That does explain alot LOL I've have my older show dog referred to as on the large size & very overweigh, only he weighs in at 15lb & looks like a puppy in the breed classes The breed standard is 11-18 lbs ?? He is all muscle & even my vet says he is a very fit & in hard condition little dog LOL Judges don't you love 'em ;)