Tibetan Spaniel Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

4-6 kg

Height

25 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Tibetan Spaniel

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Small dogs make perfect little companions for anyone looking for a little furry friend. One of the most adorable breeds out there is the Tibetan Spaniel, a small but watchful breed originating from the mountains of Tibet.

This guide is dedicated to helping lovers of this delightful breed find out everything they need to know about caring for their adorable friend!

What is the history & origin of the Tibetan Spaniel?

Originating from the mountains of Tibet, the Tibetan Spaniel was once an affectionate companion to the Buddhist Monks who reside there. They tended to work as alarm dogs as they love to perch on high ledges and watch over the Tibetan monasteries they once lived in.

They were often nicknamed ‘Little Lions’ or ‘Lion Dogs’ due to their resemblance to the snow lions that populated the Tibetan mountains.

Although they are called Spaniels, they are not at all related to Western Spaniel family members such as the Cocker Spaniel or the English Spring Spaniel. They are most closely related to Pugs, Lhasa Apsos and Pekingese.

What is a Tibetan Spaniel breed?

Tibetan Spaniels are furry but small purebred dogs. They are excellent watchdogs and love to sit on windowsills and similar high ledges.

They come in a range of coat colours from cream to black and can display a fantastic array of coat markings. Their tails are short and fluffy and their face is similar to a cross between a pug and a Pekingese.

If you are looking to join the Tibetan Spaniel club then keep in mind that this small breed can be fairly delicate!

Who is a Tibetan Spaniel best for?

Due to their size, this breed is an excellent option if you live in a small home or an apartment. As they don’t require much running space, they can happily live in smaller environments as long as they get regular exercise and affection.

Because they suffer from separation anxiety, they are best suited to owners who are regularly home, such as those that work from home. They also tend to get along with other pets, such as other dogs which can keep them company when you’re away!

Tibetan Spaniel Grooming & Shedding

Although this breed has long fur, it does not require as much grooming as similar smaller breeds. They tend to only require the hair on the bottom of their feet to be trimmed as it is prone to picking up dirt and dust.

They can shed throughout the year, but a doggy bath can help prevent this and ensure that your little lion is groomed well.

If you bring your Spaniel to a professional groomer, then be sure to let them know that the hair around your dog’s legs and belly doesn’t need trimming!

Do Tibetan Spaniels bark a lot?

As with many smaller dogs, Tibetan Spaniels definitely suffer from the Napoleon Syndrome, small dogs with big attitudes. Although they rarely bark to be aggressive, they will often bark if they don’t get the attention and love they crave.

To avoid your Tibetan Spaniel dog barking too often, you should try to train it from an early age. Although their barks are closer to yaps, they can be fairly loud for such small and friendly-looking dogs!

What is the average weight & height of a Tibetan Spaniel dog?

Tibetan Spaniels are incredibly small dogs and are often referred to as a toy breed, although this isn’t entirely true. When fully grown, you can expect your Spaniel to reach around 25cm tall from its paws to its shoulders.

In terms of weight, they are incredibly light and will need to be looked after with care. An adult Tibetan Spaniel can weigh anywhere between 4 to 6 kilograms, which is the same as an average male cat!

Are Tibetan Spaniels easy to train?

As with a majority of dog breeds, obedience training is a vital step whilst your dog is still a puppy. Generally, the younger you begin to train your dog the more likely it is to retain everything it has learned.

Tibetans are thankfully incredibly intelligent dogs, which means training and socializing your dog can be fairly easy – especially when compared to other dogs!

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the Tibetan breed is fairly independent so it can be fairly stubborn to train when it is young.

How do Tibetan Spaniels behave? A look at their temperament and personality

A Tibetan Spaniel dog can generally adjust to suit the temperament and personality of its owner. If you are an active person, then your Spaniel will happily take part in dog sports, however, if you prefer to rest at home, then this breed will love sitting on your lap.

All dogs do require exercise, however, so it’s important that you take your Spaniel on walks at least once a day. Be sure to install a fence in your garden before you let your Spaniel roam free as they tend to wander off to explore their neighbourhood!

From an early age, Tibetans can be extremely sociable especially since they love to get as much attention as possible. This means they will regularly follow you around the house and love to get cuddles from their owners and other friendly faces.

Does the Tibetan Spaniel have any common health issues?

Due to their small size, a typical Tibetan Spaniel is prone to a range of health issues such as muscle problems and viral infections. One of the biggest health issues they may run into is progressive retinal atrophy.

The best way to ensure your new dog is as healthy as can be is to only adopt from responsible breeders. A responsible and reputable breeder will often let you know about any genetic problem that may impact your dog’s health.

Tibetan Spaniels are prone to a few other health issues, so be sure to keep the following in mind when caring for your dog:

Potential eye problems like cherry eye or cataracts
Patellar luxation
They are prone to deafness as they age
A range of viral and bacterial infections so ensure your furry friend is always vaccinated

Other health problems of this breed range from kidney conditions to liver problems, dental disease, and hip dysplasia. Some can get cancer in their senior years.

What is the lifespan of a Tibetan Spaniel?

Small dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds, and the same applies to the Tibetan Spaniel. You can expect your average healthy Tibetan Spaniel dog to live between 12 and 15 years, meaning you can expect many years of cuddling!

How much does a Tibetan Spaniel need to be fed?

Regardless of your dog’s size, every dog will require at least 2 meals a day of varying sizes. As Tibetans are a smaller dog breed, they don’t require as much food as larger breeds so a cup or 2 of high-quality food should be enough.

Each dog is different especially in terms of how much food they require, so be sure to adjust feeding times and amounts to suit your dog’s needs. Spaniels aren’t particularly fussy so they will happily munch on both wet and dry dog food!

How much can you expect to pay for a Tibetan Spaniel in Australia?

The price of your Spaniel can completely depend on whether or not you are looking to adopt a show animal. An average Tibetan Spaniel puppy in Australia should set you back around $400 to $500.

However, if you are looking for a show Spaniel then you should expect to spend anywhere between $600 to $750.

Tibetan Spaniel FAQs

How many puppies can a Tibetan Spaniel have?

The average Tibetan Spaniel litter will contain around 3 to 6 puppies. However, there have been some cases of a Tibetan Spaniel giving birth to 8 little dogs.

As with most dogs, the number of puppies per litter can vary massively depending on a range of factors!

Are Tibetan Spaniels affectionate dogs?

Yes, a typical Tibetan Spaniel dog will be incredibly affectionate and is happy to constantly receive love and attention. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long, so if you’re looking for a constant companion, this is the breed for you!

Are Tibetan Spaniels related to Pekingese?

Both Tibetan Spaniels and Pekingese dogs share an ancient common ancestor from Tibet and Western provinces in China. They also share an ancestor with both the Japanese Chin and the Lhasa Apso!

Although their name might suggest otherwise, they are not related to Western Spaniels as they originate from Far East Asia!

Is a Tibetan Spaniel ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Tibetan Spaniel is an incredibly friendly dog breed and loves to receive constant affection. They are also surprisingly independent which makes them one of the best dog breeds for a first-time dog owner.

However, as they are small they can be hurt easily so you must be extremely careful when caring for your Spaniel!