Tibetan Spaniel

Behavior

The regal look of the Tibetan Spaniel goes back to the days when the dog was kept by royalty and given as gifts. To this day, this breed carries on this air of regality and expects to be treated as such. For this reason, this breed tends to make a great companion dog to an elderly person or retiree who has a lot of time to lavish attention on this small dog. They were also often used as watchdogs by the monks in Tibet, and this also carries on with the current breed as they are very devoted to their family and equally wary of strangers, making them prone to excessive barking. They are also known to be much better with small children and toddlers than many other small breeds and work almost like a babysitter, watching after the children to see they stay safe. Many people actual compare them to cats because they like to nap, take to high perches and move very gracefully.

Because they are small, the Tibetan Spaniel can easily adapt to both life in a large home or in a small apartment. They really only need a daily walk to keep them happy and healthy, but they want their playtime to be with people and they want interaction, so they best when they are not left alone too long or they can get into trouble. Early training and socialization can go a long way with this breed since they are known to be difficult to train. They can be easily motivated by lots of praise and by treats, so training them early can be a big help to you with behavior.

Since they are so small, owners tend to baby the Tibetan Spaniel, making them too dependent, which can lead to making the dog high strung and easily stressed when they are alone. This can lead to the problem of separation anxiety, which is common among small breeds. Excessive barking, chewed furniture or belongings and relieving themselves on the floor indoors can all be the result of this, which is why this breed is best suited for a home where someone is around often.

Appearance

Tibetan Spaniels are often confused with Pekingese because they look very similar. The Tibetan Spaniel does have a face that is a bit longer than a Pekingese, but other than that, they bear quite a resemblance to one another. They have oval eyes that are very dark and expressive of their mood. Their ears are covered in silky, feathered hair and their tail curls up nicely over their backs and has a nice plume. Tibetan Spaniels also feature a mane around their necks that is called a shawl. They are generally about ten inches tall and weigh between nine and fifteen pounds when they are adult. They feature a double coat that appears very silky and is long at the tail, the back of the legs and the ears. It is very smooth on the face and the fronts of the legs. Tibetan Spaniels can have their coats in nearly any color.

Grooming

A Tibetan Spaniel will shed at all times of the year, so regular brushing a few times a week can really help to rid the coat of loose hairs and avoid mats and tangles. This breed will need to be bathed about every two months or so to keep the hair feeling silky and healthy.

History

Tibetan Spaniels are thought to have been around for well over a thousand years. Naturally, the breed was started in Tibet and used often by the monks of that area as a watchdog and guard for the monastery. The breed was always cherished greatly and eventually became one that was kept by royal family members and then given as gifts to other royalty. This is what has helped to spread the breed outside of the area of Asia.