Affectionately called "Tibbie" by its fans, the Tibetan Spaniel is a charming little dog that is increasingly winning over dog lovers. Friendly and playful, this breed from Tibet is great for families as well as older dog enthusiasts.
Compressed into a maximum of 7kg of lion (or rather, dog) power, the Tibetan Spaniel belongs to the “lion dogs” and radiates the strength and dignity befitting its long history. It is widely believed that the breed has maintained a similar appearance for centuries.
The Tibetan Spaniel boasts silky, medium-length top coat over a dense, fine undercoat. Male dogs often have a lush mane, reminiscent of real lions. The breed comes in almost every colour variation. Its ears are floppy and do not lie flat against the skull. The tail is set high and usually curls or is carried over the back.
How Large Does a Tibetan Spaniel Get?
A Tibetan Spaniel’s height at the shoulder is approx. 25cm, with body length slightly greater than the height.
Character: The Tibetan Spaniel is Friendly and Clever
The Tibetan Spaniel is a cheerful and straightforward companion dog, making an excellent household member. It is intelligent, gets along well with other dogs, and is usually friendly towards other pets.
Speaking of other pets, some say the Tibetan Spaniel resembles a cat as it loves to jump onto sofas or tables to survey everything and often enjoys making itself comfortable on its owner’s lap.
This behaviour stems from Tibetan Spaniels in monasteries, where they would sit on monks’ laps while they meditated, providing warmth for both parties.
The breed is always loyal to its family and forms a very close bond with its primary caregiver but remains rather aloof towards strangers. A Tibetan Spaniel is well-suited as a watchdog as it reliably alerts to unfamiliar noises.
Despite its affectionate and friendly nature, the Tibetan Spaniel retains a charming streak of independence and is never submissive. It shares this trait with lions and cats.
The Tibbie is very intelligent and takes great pleasure in learning
Tibbies Training: Delight in Learning
With consistency and the necessary know-how, training this smart little dog is easily manageable for any serious dog enthusiast. Although the Tibetan Spaniel can be a bit stubborn at times, it is mostly very loyal, intelligent, and enjoys learning. These are ideal conditions for teaching it good manners.
Puppy play sessions and subsequent training at a dog school are great for further socialising your puppy and forming a strong team bond.
A Tibetan Spaniel should be kept species-appropriate to prevent boredom: activities that challenge its mind, such as agility for small dogs or dog dancing, are particularly suitable. The Tibetan Spaniel isn’t an endurance runner. Besides play and fun, also consider regular rest periods.
Care: Uncomplicated and Simple
Despite its luxuriant appearance, the Tibetan Spaniel’s smooth hair requires minimal care. The coat is less lush than that of other Tibetan breeds, but there is a slight downside: this breed sheds more than its Tibetan relatives.
To avoid tangles, brush it at least once a week. Use a comb and preferably a slicker brush. During the shedding season, it’s advisable to brush more frequently to reduce hair around the home.
Check Eyes and Ears
Since floppy ears are prone to dirt and infections due to the moist-warm climate, regularly check the ears and eyes. Clean them if necessary with a special cleaner.
For older dogs, it’s also wise to routinely inspect the nails and trim them with dog nail scissors if they get too long.
Don’t Forget Dental Hygiene
Some owners start brushing their puppy’s teeth early with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Though seemingly tedious, this is excellent for preventing plaque and ensuring healthy teeth into old age.
Nutrition: Pay Attention to Energy Needs
Tibetan Spaniels weigh up to 7kg, so their energy needs are much lower than larger dogs. Stick to the recommendations of your food manufacturer or vet.
Choose high-quality food to ensure adequate nutrient supply. Whether you opt for wet food or dry food is up to your dog’s preference.
Monitor Weight
Regularly weigh your adult Tibetan Spaniel to prevent underweight or overweight. With such a small dog, include treats in the daily amount and ideally stick to healthy snacks.
Ensure gradual food transitions to avoid diarrhoea or vomiting. Always provide your pet with sufficient drinking water.
Health of the Tibetan Spaniel
Predisposition to Eye Disease
Tibetan Spaniels can be prone to certain diseases, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a condition where the retina slowly degenerates and can lead to blindness. A genetic test is available, and responsible breeders breed against this risk.
Weather Resilience
Healthy Tibetan Spaniels are very sturdy and not particularly sensitive to weather due to their harsh origins: snow and cold in winter do not bother them much nor does summer heat. It goes without saying that they should not be left in a hot, closed car and should always have a shady spot in summer.
Lifespan of Tibetan Spaniels
Generally, the Tibetan Spaniel is a robust dog with a life expectancy of 13 to 16 years.
History: Deep Roots
As with the Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, the Tibetan Spaniel belongs to the so-called Buddha’s “lion dogs” appreciated as temple guards in Tibet for centuries.
Unlike its relatives, it was more commonly found among the rural population. Only particularly beautiful examples were used in temples.
Early Evidence
Central Asian sources from the Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC) already mention ancestors of these dogs, which have likely changed little over thousands of years. In Tibet, the breed has been noted since the development of Tibetan script around 630 AD.
Many bronzes and ceramics depict dogs similar to the Tibetan Spaniel, and it’s possible that they arrived in Europe early and became ancestors of breeds like the Papillon.
Arrival of the Tibetan Spaniel in Europe
The first official Tibetan Spaniel litter in Europe was born in the UK in 1895, which also holds patronage over the breed. However, the breed remained almost unknown in Europe for a long time, bred by only a few enthusiasts.
Their breeding efforts were interrupted by World War II, but post-war the breeding efforts reignited. Spaniels imported from Tibet were crucial for the breed’s revival.
After revising the breed standard in 1959, the FCI recognised the breed in 1961. Interestingly, despite its name, the Tibetan Spaniel is not a spaniel as it was never used in hunting. Like the visually diverse Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Mastiff, and Tibetan Terrier, it belongs to the Tibetan breeds and is the smallest of them.
Suitability: Is a Tibetan Spaniel Right for Me?
This breed is an uncomplicated companion that suits many dog lovers of small breeds. It thrives in a city apartment with sufficient exercise, enjoys children, and can get along well with other pets, given careful introduction. It is a great addition to families as well as individuals or older people.
A Good Beginner Dog
You don’t need extensive dog experience to care for this breed, making it suitable for beginners. However, it’s not ideal for those who frequently need to leave their dog alone. On the other hand, this handy companion can often accompany you to work without much trouble.
This small dog might also be able to join you on holidays: nowadays, more and more hotels allow well-behaved pets as companions. Since the Tibetan Spaniel doesn’t like being left alone, it’s best for it to join you on holiday.
Important Considerations
Before bringing a Tibetan Spaniel into your home, consider the costs: besides the purchase price from a breeder, you’ll need basic supplies like a bed, lead, and nail clippers.
There will also be regular expenses for high-quality food, insurance, and regular vet visits.
Last but not least, remember that owning a dog will require time and attention, including walks in all weather conditions.
When buying a Tibetan Spaniel, make sure it comes from a reputable breeder.
Breeding and Purchase: Where to Find a Tibetan Spaniel?
If you want a Tibetan Spaniel, consult breeders affiliated with a club. The internet can help with your search but be cautious of breeders only interested in profit.
Rely on special clubs for Tibetan breeds for tips and breeder contacts. Reputable breeders should invite you to visit the puppies and their parents, and answer questions about the puppies’ healthcare.
Your new family member will join your home no earlier than 8 weeks of age, often already dewormed, chipped, and vaccinated. Be sure to keep up with booster vaccinations. Your puppy may come with some familiar food, a favourite toy, or cuddly blanket.
If you’re considering adopting an older Tibetan Spaniel, breed clubs are good contacts as they often rehome dogs looking for new homes. Thoroughly research each dog and its background to ensure you can form the perfect team.
zooplus Editorial Team
The zooplus editorial team consists of a dedicated team of experts with many years of experience in the field of animal husbandry: Luisa with her White Swiss Shepherd Elyos, Laura, Julio, and Florian. Together with a large network of animal experts, we work to make the zooplus magazine a trusted source of information for all animal owners and lovers. Our goal is to provide exciting animal knowledge and relevant information on the proper care of pets.
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