Tibetan Spaniel Breed Guide

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.

Who are Tibetan Spaniel dogs 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.

As 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!

How much grooming does a Tibetan Spaniel need?

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 Spaniel bark much?

As with many smaller dogs, Tibetan Spaniels definitely suffer from 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!

Do Tibetan Spaniel bite?

Getting bit by a Spaniel is incredibly rare as they don't tend to rely on bites to ward off any unwanted attention. However, if they are not trained when young, they can start to play rough when exercising.

The best way to avoid your dog from biting you or other animals is to discipline them whilst they are still young. This will teach them that biting isn't acceptable and can help your dog grow up into an extremely friendly pet!

What is the temperament & personality of a Tibetan Spaniel?

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 as 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.

What is the weight & size of a Tibetan Spaniel?

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!

How much training does a Tibetan Spaniel need?

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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Tibetan Spaniel?

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 and patellar luxation

• They are prone to congenital deafness as they age

• A range of viral and bacterial infections so ensure your furry friend is always vaccinated

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 should you feed a Tibetan Spaniel?

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!

What is the price of 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.