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Tibetan Spaniel
Average Weight: 9-15 lbs. (4.08-6.8 kg)
Average Height: 10 inches (25.4 cm)
 Pronounced: tah-BEH-tuhn   SPAN-e'-el
Group:  Non-sporting
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: Tibet

Description

The Tibetan Spaniel dog is small, active and unique to say the least.  The body is slightly longer than it is high and the head is carried proudly, a bit small in proportion to the dog's body. The muzzle is medium length and the chin shows depth and width.  The mouth is ideally slightly undershot, but a level bite is acceptable, provided that the blunt appearance of the muzzle is preserved.

The eyes are dark and expressive, they are set fairly well apart however do look forward, giving what is dubbed an "ape like" impression to this small breed dog's features.  the medium ears are pendant and set fairly high.  The Tibetan Spaniel has a moderately short neck, level back and high set tail with is thick and usually carried over the back, feathering out.

The paws are very small, hare-like and there is fur feathering between the toes.  This small dog has a double coat of fur, it is a silky texture which is smooth on the face and front of the legs and moderate length, but lying rather flat.  The ears and back of the forelegs are feathered with longer fur on the tail and rear.  The neck was a mane which shows more clearly on males than females.

Colors

The colors of the Tibetan Spaniel may be solid or parti-colored and include:  Black, tan, cream, gold, red, sable, silver sable and white. A dog of any color other than white may have white markings. 

History & Origin

Despite the name, this dog is not a spaniel.  It is likely that the Tibetan Spaniel is an ancestor of other breeds including the Japanese Spaniel and Pekingese.  This breed used to be kept in the monasteries of Tibet, serving the monks as companions and bed warmers on cold nights.   It is said that they would keep watch over the monks and even today, it is not uncommon for this dog to like to sit high, perhaps in a window sill, to look out over things.

In the Himalayas, this dog comes in a variety of different sizes.  The Tibetan Spaniel made its way into Britain in the 1880's and the first records of this dog breed in American give the year  of 1965.    The AKC just gave this breed recognition in 1984. 

Personality

This is generally a very happy and perky small dog who is known to be rather intelligent. Around strangers, he can be a bit aloof but is very loyal to human family members.  Typically, the Tibetan Spaniel gets along nicely with other pets and does well in a household with children.  Usually a non-barker, only when strangers come too close will you usually hear vocalization.

Grooming

To stay looking as this dog should,  a full grooming  should be done every 4 to 6 weeks and a general grooming 1 time per week. An owner should brush out the coat 1 time per week with a slicker brush, pin brush or metal comb.  Brushing regularly removes clumps of loose hair which can become stuck in the undercoat. The undercoat hair has a woolly, thick texture which only becomes more matted and tangled when wet, so always thoroughly comb out your Tibetan Spaniel's coat before a bath.

Shedding

This dog breed has average shedding. Usually 1 time per year a deep shedding will occur.

Exercise

This small dog usually enjoys a daily walk and some playtime outside. If in a multiple dog household, generally this breed will play with another dog in the yard which will offer exercise as well.

Health

 There are a few health issues that this breed, in general, is prone to. This does not mean that a certain puppy or dog will develop any of these, but simply that the bloodline is susceptible to the following:
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy - A serious canine eye disease which usually slowly progresses to the point of vision loss - no cure is currently available
  • Cherry eye and weeping eye
  • The Tibetan Spaniel may also be susceptible to allergies and many dogs of Tibetan origin have an allergy to dairy products - for this reason it may be a good idea to limit any snacks with cheese and other dairy ingredients.

Care & Training
Typically, by following proper training methods, housebreaking and command training will go well. Although normally good with children, certain behaviors such as jumping or nipping (often done out of excitement) can be resolved with training.   Owners - Click Here to Learn Important Care Information.


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