Tibetan Spaniel: Origin, Temperament, Training, Exercise

Group: AKC Non-sporting Group, KCGB Utility Group, Herding

AKC Ranking: 101

About Tibetan Spaniel

Origin and History of the Breed The Tibetan Spaniel originated in Tibet. The Tibetan Terrier may be in its background. Other breeds in its background are Pekingese, Pug, Japanese Spaniel (Chin). Depictions of dogs that look like Tibetan Spaniels have been found in Chinese bronzes from 1100 BC. They were given as gifts, a practice which spread the breed throughout Asia and later Europe.

The Tibetan Spaniel was a companion and watchdog at Tibetan monasteries, sitting on the high walls and barking at any sign of intruders. Today’s Tibetan Spaniels also like to sit in high places and watch the action.

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A General Appearance of the Dog

The little Tibetan Spaniel looks somewhat like a Pekingese with a longer face. Its coat is not as heavy. A proud dog, he is somewhat longer than he is tall. The Tibetan Spaniel has very expressive oval eyes that are dark brown. His bite is slightly undershot. His plumed tail curls over his back. He has feathered pendant ears and feathering on his legs. He has hare-feet.

Coat Color

The Tibetan Spaniel coat comes in various shades of gold, cream, fawn, red, white, black and black with tan. They can be solid-colored, multi-colored, or shaded.

Coat Type

The Tibetan Spaniel coat is soft, silky, and medium-length. It lies flat against his body.

Height: Males and females: 10 inches

Weight: Males and females: 9 -15 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Tibetan Spaniel is alert and highly intelligent. He is loyal, but can be assertive and independent. He trusts his owner to care for him, but he plays protector by watching his ‘territory’ from a high perch and barking to warn of anything amiss.

The Tibetan Spaniel is sweet with children but aloof with strangers.

It moves quickly on its hare-feet. It gets along with other animals.

Tibetan Spaniels can be difficult to train due to their assertive independence and willfulness.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

This is definitely an indoor dog. He will appreciate playing outdoors or going for a walk.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

The Tibetan Spaniel is sweet with children, but cannot take rough-housing. They are loyal and affectionate to their families. If raised around children, they will accommodate children, but many are not good with children.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Being small, the Tibetan Spaniel has good energy when it is young. However, it can live in an apartment if it gets a walk each day. They do like a romp in a fenced, safe yard.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Being small, the Tibetan Spaniel has good energy when it is young. However, it can live in an apartment if it gets a walk each day. They do like a romp in a fenced, safe yard.

Grooming

Once a year, Tibetan Spaniels shed their whole coat. Regular brushing – once a week – will keep them looking great. They are an average shedding breed.

Health and Care

Tibetan Spaniels may have some breathing problems due to their short faces.

Genetic Problems

This old breed does not have too many genetic problems. It is quite healthy.
There are instances of allergies, cherry eye, liver shunt, and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Litter Size: 2 – 6 puppies

Life Span: A slow maturer for a small dog, he has a long life span of 12 – 15 years.

National Breed Clubs: US – Tibetan Spaniel Club of America – www.tsca.ws

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link:  www.tsca.ws