Tibetan Spaniel

                                                          Tibetan Spaniel

AKA:NA
Origin:Tibet
Size:Small
Ease of Training:Low/Medium
Grooming:Low
Shedding:Medium
Exercise needed:Occasional walking
Energy level:Medium/High
Protection:Makes an effective watchdog
Good with Children:Yes, with gentle, older kids
Health Clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:101/155

Tibetan Spaniel Temperament

A charming, sociable dog, the Tibetan Spaniel is a lover of creature comforts and makes a great family pet or companion. These dogs are well suited to both experienced and inexperienced dog owners, and have bags of energy, charm, and personality. This is an adaptable little dog, with a good natured disposition and a playful attitude. They can be stubborn and independent, which can make training something of a challenge, and a confident, assertive, yet positive owner is essential. Although some Tibetan Spaniels can be on the manipulative side, most are easy going, clam, and sensitive. Although the Tibetan Spaniel is not overly demanding in terms of exercise, regular walks are important, as is a safe and secure area in which to play when not on a leash.

The Tibetan Spaniel is very in tune with the emotions of his owner, and enjoys interaction. He is a real people dog, and does not like to be left alone or neglected. Very good at solving problems, smart, and quick to learn, the Tibetan Spaniel makes for a delightful companion. He enjoys climbing, and is very agile for his size. Early socialization is recommended with the Tibetan Spaniel to bring out confidence and stability in his temperament. He can be wary around strangers, and will bark to raise the alarm, making him an effective watchdog. He gets along well with children but does not like to be roughly handled, so is best around gentle, older children. He will usually get along well with other pets too, although some females can be aggressive with dogs of the same sex.

Tibetan Spaniel Appearance

The Tibetan Spaniel is a small dog with a very dainty appearance. He carried himself with a certain regal dignity, and has a pretty face. He has a beautiful, silky coat, which is medium in length, and feathering of the backs of the legs and the ears. His small, silky ears frame his face beautifully, and he is finished off with a luxuriously plumed and feathered tail. The coloring of the Tibetan Spaniel can vary and he comes in a myriad of colors, including red, black, cream, and gold. The weight of the Tibetan Spaniel is around 9-15 pounds, and the height is around 10 inches.

Tibetan Spaniel Grooming

The Tibetan Spaniel is a relatively low maintenance dog in terms of grooming, and you can brush his coat twice a week using a mist of water prior to brushing. He will need brushing more regularly during periods of heavy shedding. You should trim the hair around his bottom for hygiene reasons, and make sure that the ears and clean and dry to reduce the chances of infection. These dogs are medium shedder, and shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, so they are not ideal for allergy sufferers.

Tibetan Spaniel Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Tibetan Spaniel is around 12-18 years, so this is a fairly long lived breed. There are a number of health problems to look out for with these dogs, and this includes liver problems, Legg-Perthes, luxating patella, PRA, and allergies. Parents of the Tibetan Spaniel puppy should have OFA certificates.

Tibetan Spaniel History

The Tibetan Spaniel was bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet, and became known as prayer dogs. With a long, rich history dating back centuries, the Tibetan Spaniel served as a watchdog as well as a companion. Despite his name the Tibetan Spaniel is not actually related to the spaniel breed. These dogs were registered with the AKC in 1983.