Tibetan spaniels, which are not spaniels at all, were developed by the Tibetan monks to mimic the symbol of Buddha in their appearance as small lions. The dogs served as prized watchdogs in the monasteries, and the monks offered them as gifts to rulers and noblemen. The dogs first made their way to England during the late 1800s and early 1900s, but they did not appear in the United States until the 1960s. In 1983, the American Kennel Club recognized the Tibetan spaniel as a member of the non-working group.
The Tibetan Spaniel bears resemblance to the Pekingese, but has a much less furry coat and a longer face. Tibetan Spaniels are small with bodies that are slightly longer than tall and short legs. They have domed heads and a short muzzle. Their ears are feathered and pendant. Tibetan Spaniels tend to have furry tails that curl over their backs. They also have a slight mane around their necks. The coat needs to be brushed regularly.
Personality
The Tibetan Spaniel is a loving and affectionate dog breed that makes a great family companion. They are feisty and very confident which makes them difficult to train. They have moderate exercise needs and should be taken for a daily walk. They also enjoy short romps in the yard. Tibetan Spaniels are suited for apartment living. They usually get on well with other dogs and pets and are friendly or aloof with strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Tibbie |
Tibetan Spaniel Build Information
The small Tibetan spaniel stands at a height of 10 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 9 and 15 pounds. The Tibetan spaniel’s double coat is medium in length. Feathering appears on the ears, tail, paws and rear legs. The coat comes in all solid colors or multiple color combinations. The ears flip downward, and the plumed tail sweeps over the dog’s back and drapes to one side. The Tibetan Spaniel bears resemblance to the Pekingese, but has a much less furry coat and a longer face. Tibetan Spaniels are small with bodies that are slightly longer than tall and short legs. They have domed heads and a short muzzle. Their ears are feathered and pendant. Tibetan Spaniels tend to have furry tails that curl over their backs. They also have a slight mane around their necks. The coat needs to be brushed regularly.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
Tibetan spaniels are affectionate dogs that get along with children and other pets. They are sociable with their families and eager to participate in household activities, but they can be reserved with strangers. They are excellent watchdogs. Requiring only daily interactive play to fill their exercise needs, Tibetan spaniels are well suited for apartment living. Tibetan spaniels are charmers and love to entertain their family members. They also make comforting therapy dogs. The Tibetan Spaniel is a loving and affectionate dog breed that makes a great family companion. They are feisty and very confident which makes them difficult to train. They have moderate exercise needs and should be taken for a daily walk. They also enjoy short romps in the yard. Tibetan Spaniels are suited for apartment living. They usually get on well with other dogs and pets and are friendly or aloof with strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Tibetan spaniel’s coat should be brushed and combed through twice a week to remove dead hairs and to prevent tangling and matting. The ears should be inspected weekly and cleaned if they appear dirty to prevent ear infections. The teeth should be brushed daily to remove plaque and prevent periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
Tibetan Spaniel Common Health Conditions
Tibetan spaniels live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions that are known to afflict the breed include patellar luxation, epilepsy, congenital deafness, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy and retinal dysplasia.
Tibetan Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a loving companion and a skilled watchdog, the Tibetan spaniel is eager to be a cherished member of the family. The Tibetan spaniel originated in Tibet. The Tibetan spaniel is also known as the Tibbie. The Tibetan spaniel is an effective watchdog and an affectionate companion for the family. The Tibetan spaniel stands 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 9 to 15 pounds. The Tibetan spaniel has a minimal energy level. The Tibetan spaniel requires moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a Tibetan spaniel is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Hard |
