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Happy, assertive and highly intelligent, the Tibetan Spaniel has been a prized companion in his native Tibet since 1100 B.C. Small, alert and active, Tibetan Spaniels are outgoing and friendly but may be aloof with strangers. Moderate exercise is suggested, and weekly brushing is needed for the breed’s double coat.
DID YOU KNOW? Tibetan Spaniels were nicknamed “little lions” by Buddhist monks, which gave them great prestige as lions were sacred.
ALSO KNOWN AS: Simkhyi
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Weight: | 7 – 9kg |
| Height: | around 25cm |
| Colours: | The coat comes in all colours and combinations |
| Size: | Small |
| UK Kennel Club Groups: | Utility |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 4/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
Alert and active, the Tibetan Spaniel may be reserved with strangers, yet completely loyal to family. As a companion breed they do not like to be separated from their owner or family, and this is something they must be trained to cope with and even then something they may always struggle with. They have a natural tendency remains to alert owners to whatever is occurring, and this breed trait should not be ignored as they can be extremely vocal.
Country of Origin: Tibet
Bred in Tibet by the monks to act as watchdogs within the monasteries, the Tibetan Spaniel is a spaniel in name only, they have no genetic link to the gundog spaniels, but most likely took the name as they slightly resemble the toy spaniel types.
In their original role as watchdogs, the Tibetan Spaniel would climb walls to seek out high vantage points from which to watch, and bark an alarm should someone approach. This behaviour can still be seen in modern Tibetans, whose owners will frequently find them on worktops, table tops and window sills. No, they cannot levitate, they are just extremely gifted climbers!
It is also possible the Tibetan Spaniel performed another function for the monks, in turning the prayer-drums that contained the prayer on a scroll. Each rotation counted as a prayer ‘said’ and this extra duty would give one reason why the Tibetan Monks had several small breeds that worked for them.
The most common health problem affecting Tibetan Spaniels is an inherited eye disease and so eye testing prior to breeding is important.
The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website.
An hour’s exercise per day, as well as some training and games in the form of puzzle solving, clicker training and feeding from food dispensing toys should keep the Tibetan Spaniel busy and satisfied. A secure garden is a must as the Tibbie is an excellent digger!
The Tibetan Spaniel is not a demanding dog to house, a secure garden is vital and it is worth considering how loud or busy your local area is, as this breed is likely to be overstimulated and stressed by constant noise. As long as this is taken into account, the Tibetan Spaniel will happily live in country or town housing.
Small dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
The double coat consists of a fine, dense undercoat and a longer, silky topcoat. Brush and comb through the coat a couple of times a week, paying particular attention to the feathering, which is prone to tangling and the fur between the pads which can easily mat or collect debris.
Easily trained this breed is quick to learn and loves to spend time with their owner, positive reinforcement training will get the best out of this little dog. Although small the Tibetan Spaniel should be capable of a variety of dog activities including tracking, man-trailing and mini agility and it is well worth having a go at some of these activities to keep their minds occupied.
Gentle and kind, the Tibetan Spaniel can make an excellent family pet. Caution is advised with very small children as it is very easy for them to mistake small fluffy breeds for toys. Not ideal for the very busy family who have long periods of absence from the home.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
