Tibetan Spaniel: temperament, size, care and health

About the Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel is a small, light, quick dog with a slightly longer-than-tall body, a short muzzle with a bit of undershot jaw and a plumed tail curled over the back. It stands about 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder and has an expression that fanciers describe as mischievous and intelligent. The silky double coat lies flat on the body, with a mane on males that gives a lion-like frill.

The breed is not a spaniel in the working sense. It was a monastery companion and watchdog in Tibet, and its habit of climbing onto walls or furniture to survey its territory is a trait that remains. Owners choose it for its portable size, its alertness and its fairly dignified manner.

Temperament and family life

A Tibetan Spaniel is attached to its family but not clingy, with a streak of independence that prompts some owners to compare it to a cat. It may be aloof with strangers and watchful with visitors, and its sharp bark makes a good alarm. Most of these dogs are cheerful and playful at home, enjoy a lap and also like to sit above the household on the back of the sofa.

The breed is generally good with gentle children and with other animals in the house. Rough handling by small children should be avoided, as a spaniel of this size is easily hurt. Socialize puppies well to prevent excessive suspicion of strangers. A Tibbie that is neglected or lonely may bark more than it should.

Exercise and training

Needs are moderate. A daily walk, some games in the house or a fenced yard and occasional outings are enough for most dogs, and the breed adapts easily to apartment living. Even so, it is not a lazy dog, and many enjoy chasing a toy or following a scent trail. Keep it on a leash outside, as it can be quick and independent.

Tibetan Spaniels are intelligent and learn well when training is pleasant and brief. They may ignore a command that seems pointless, and harsh corrections cause withdrawal. Food rewards and games work best. House training sometimes takes longer than owners expect. Teaching a reliable "quiet" cue and encouraging calm greetings at the door prevent the barking habit from taking over.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is easier than that of many long-haired breeds because it is silky and does not mat readily. A good brushing and combing twice a week is generally enough, with extra attention to the feathering behind the ears, on the hind legs and on the tail where tangles can form. Shedding is moderate year-round, and the dog sheds more heavily once or twice a year, particularly females after a season.

Bathe as needed. Keep the nails short, clean the ears and brush the teeth, since small breeds with short muzzles are prone to dental crowding. The hair between the toes should be trimmed for hygiene.

Health

The breed is generally sound and long-lived, but known conditions include progressive retinal atrophy, portosystemic shunt (a liver blood-flow abnormality), patellar luxation, cherry eye and dental crowding. Responsible breeders test eyes, knees and, where tests exist, for the genetic eye disease, and may check for liver abnormalities in young dogs.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Tibetan Spaniel is generally traced to the monasteries and villages of Tibet, where it was kept as a companion and as a watchdog that could sit on the walls and give warning. Some were sent as gifts to palaces in China and other Buddhist countries. The breed was being bred in the United Kingdom by the 1890s. Dogs were imported to the United States in the 1960s, and the breed became eligible for the American Kennel Club's Non-Sporting Group in 1984.

Is the Tibetan Spaniel right for you?

A Tibetan Spaniel suits a quiet household, an apartment or a couple or family with older children who want a small, attentive dog with a modest need for exercise. It is less suited to people who want an effusive, eager-to-please dog or one that stays silent.

Look also at the similar Tibetan Terrier if you want a bigger, shaggier dog, or the flat-faced Japanese Chin and Pekingese for other ancient Asian companion breeds.