Tibetan Spaniel

The history of this unique “temple” breed began in the deep Middle Ages with Tibetan Lama monks. It is believed they emerged as a result of crossbreeding involving the Lhasa Apso and, likely, ancient Pugs. The monks jealously guarded the purity of the newly bred breed, not allowing dogs to be taken outside the monasteries, with the exception of precious gifts for the imperial families of China.

Interestingly, Tibetan Spaniels are often called “Simkhyi”, which means “room dog” or “bedroom dog”. However, their role was not limited to merely warming the Lama’s bed. These small but agile dogs were specially trained for ritual service. There is a beleif that they helped turn prayer wheels, summoning spirits and sending prayers to the heavens. Although sceptics argue this is just a beautiful legend, it is an undeniable fact that the dogs sat on the high walls of monasteries, acting as a “living alarm”, warning monks of approaching strangers with loud barking.

Genetic studies show that “Tibbies” have close family ties with other Asian breeds. For example, they share common roots with the Pekingese, which is noticeable in the muzzle structure, although it is less flat in the Spaniel. It is also assumed that it was representatives of Tibetan Spaniels, upon reaching Japan, that became the ancestors of the refined Japanese Chin. These dogs reached Europe relatively late – only at the end of the 19th century, and they began to gain real popularity after the Second World War.

Representatives of this breed are characterised by a very harmonious physique: they are slightly stretched in format, meaning the body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. This gives them stability and confidence in movement. The head is small in relation to the body, carried proudly, giving the dog an aristocratic look.

Features of the head and muzzle

The skull is slightly domed, with width and length in balance. They have a very distinct transition from forehead to muzzle (stop), but not as sharp as in Pekingese. The muzzle is of medium length, blunt, with a soft “cushion”, but without folds. A characteristic feature is a slight undershot bite – the lower jaw protrudes slightly forward, which is the norm for the breed. The eyes are oval, dark, brown, set wide apart and looking straight ahead. They should be expressive, bright and rimmed with black eyelids, giving the gaze a “human-like” insight.

Coat and colour

The body is covered with silky hair of medium length. It has a thick and fine undercoat, which protects the dog well from the cold (a legacy of the mountain climate of Tibet). In males, the “collar” (mane) around the neck is much more pronounced than in females. There are beautiful featherings on the ears, the back of the front paws and the tail.

Colour is not regulated by a rigid standard, so Tibetan Spaniels of the most diverse colours are found. All colours and their combinations are allowed:

• Gold (most popular);
• Black;
• Black and tan;
• Cream;
• White;
• Sable;
• Tricolour.

With any colour, preference is given to representatives with a black nose and dark eye rims. The high-set fluffy tail is thrown over the back, curling into a cheerful ring when the dog moves.

Tibetan Spaniels are calm, balanced and non-aggressive dogs with an extremely affectionate attitude towards the family members they live with. However, do not be deceived by their toy-like appearance. A big lion lives in the soul of every “Tibbie”. They possess a sense of self-dignity that sometimes borders on arrogance.

They meet strangers coldly, with suspicion and mistrust, but never show open aggression without reason. This makes them ideal “bells”. The good-natured Tibetan becomes attached to his owner, becoming a wonderful friend, but he will never be intrusive. This dog respects your personal space and demands the same in return.

Unlike, for example, the Chinese Crested Dog (Powderpuff), which can be more dependent on tactile contact, the Tibetan Spaniel is more independent. He can perform the functions of a watchman, sitting on the windowsill or the back of the sofa (their favourite place, offering a view), without annoying you with excessive causeless barking. At the same time, the dog is energetic and mobile, so he will gladly accompany you on a long walk.

Before getting a puppy, it is important to weigh all the “pros” and “cons”, as this breed is not suitable for everyone.

Tibetan Spaniels are considered a healthy breed and often live up to 15-16 years. However, like any ancient breed, they have certain genetic predispositions that the owner should know about in advance.

The weak link of representatives of this breed should be called the musculoskeletal system. Tibetan Spaniels can suffer from back pain – with the help of a professional examination, intervertebral hernias are sometimes detected in them. Also, a common problem of small breeds is luxating patella (kneecap dislocation).

Eyes are another vulnerable spot. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disease that can lead to blindness. Responsible breeders always carry out genetic tests on parents before mating.

Important: There is a risk of respiratory system disorders (brachycephalic syndrome, although less pronounced than in Pugs), as well as cardiovascular diseases in old age.

These hairy dogs are prone to allergic dermatitis. This can manifest as itching, redness of the skin, especially on the paws and belly. Owners should pay close attention to the diet and cosmetic care products for their pet.

Representatives of this breed are mainly kept for home living. Thick hair with undercoat is the main object of care. It is not prone to severe matting if you give it a little attention.

• Brushing: The coat should be thoroughly brushed two or three times a week with a metal comb and a slicker brush. During the moulting period (spring and autumn), this will have to be done daily to speed up the renewal of the “fur coat”.
• Bathing: It is advisable to bathe a pet only when necessary or once every 1-2 months. Frequent bathing can dry out the skin and cause dandruff. Use moisturising shampoos for long-haired dogs.
• Ears: Hanging ears are poorly ventilated. Check them weekly for dirt or unpleasant odour.
• Eyes: When washing, use a separate swab for each eye, moistened with a special lotion.
• Claws: Regularly (weekly) shorten the dog’s claws. If you hear clicking on the floor – it’s time to take the nail clippers. Try not to damage the area with live tissue.

Training a Tibetan Spaniel is not an easy task, requiring literally “Buddhist calm”. This is not a dog that will blindly follow commands for the sake of a piece of food if he is not interested. They are very smart, but their intellect is aimed at solving their own tasks.

By nature, the independent disposition of these determined little ones requires an early start to the educational process (from 3-4 months). The main rule is no pressure or physical punishment. The Tibetan Spaniel will remember the offence and may withdraw into himself or start doing mischief out of spite. Use only positive reinforcement, praise and games.

Time and patience are your main investment. During training, you may encounter periodic difficulties when the dog seems to go “deaf” to a command. This is normal for the breed. The Tibetan Spaniel needs moderate physical exertion. They do not need marathons, but regular walks with the opportunity to run without a lead (in a fenced area) will satisfy his energetic nature.

Tibetan Spaniels are known food lovers. They often beg for food from the table, making unhappy eyes. Do not give in! Excess weight is critically dangerous for their back and joints.

In the diet, they require no more than 25% protein, the main source of which is lean meat (turkey, beef, rabbit). It should be supplemented with vegetables (courgette, pumpkin, carrots) and cereals. Such a fluffy little one will gladly consume rice or barley. But wheat, corn and soya are undesirable in his bowl due to the risk of fermentation in the stomach.

The tendency to skin manifestations of allergy requires careful selection of menu components – offer lamb and chicken (frequent allergens) to your pet with caution. A manifestation of intolerance to a product may be skin itching, especially behind the ears. If you notice that the dog scratches often, try transferring him to a hypoallergenic holistic class food.

• Sacred guardians: In Tibet, these dogs were never sold. They could only be recieved as a gift as a sign of the highest respect.
• Height lovers: At home, you will often find your “Tibbie” at the highest point of the furniture – the back of the sofa or armchair. This is a genetic memory of sitting on monastery walls.
• Sporting abilities: Despite their short legs, they perform excellently in agility (obstacle course) thanks to their manoeuvrability.
• “Cat-like” habits: Tibetan Spaniels often wash themselves with a paw, like cats, which looks very amusing.

Do Tibetan Spaniels bark a lot?

They are not “yappers”. Tibbies bark only on business – when they hear suspicious noise or see a stranger. This is a watchdog instinct. But they quickly fall silent when they are convinced that there is no threat.

Is this breed suitable for families with children?

Yes, they get on well with children who know how to handle dogs. However, due to the small size, a very small child can accidentally injure the dog, so interaction should be under adult supervision.

How do they tolerate loneliness?

Tibetan Spaniels are very human-oriented. They can stay at home alone for the working day, but they will be sad. If you are often away on business trips, it is better to get a second dog for company.