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Pronunciation

Description

The Tibetan Spaniel is often mistaken for the Pekingese, the differences being that the Tibetan Spaniel has a less profuse coat, slightly longer face and does not have the extra skin around the eyes. The body is somewhat longer than tall. The slightly domed head is mall in proportion to the body. The blunt muzzle is medium length without any wrinkles with a slight but defined stop. The nose is black. The dark brown eyes are set well apart, oval in shape and medium in size. Teeth should meet in an undershot or level bite. The front legs are slightly bowed and the feet are hare-like. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The well-feathered tail is set high and carried over the back. The Silky double-coat lays flat, is short and smooth on the face and front of the legs and medium length on the body. The neck is covered in a mane of hair which is more prominent in males. There is feathering between the toes that often hangs out over the feet. The coat comes in all colors, solid, multi-colored or shaded, including fawn, red, gold, cream, white, black and black and tan, often with white markings on the feet.

Temperament

The Tibetan Spaniel is cheerful, happy, charming, very clever, and trusting. This breed is a fine family companion, very independent and a good watchdog. They are not yappy, yet will bark at intruders and odd noises. They can move fairly quickly. This breed gets along with dogs and other animals. Tibetan Spaniels can be slightly difficult to train. If you allow this dog to be pack leader over humans, he can become over protective, may not be trustworthy with children, and reserved with strangers. They may become stubborn, and sometimes dog aggressive. These are not Tibetan Spaniel traits, but what is known as Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog believes they are the boss of the home. As soon as the humans take the control away from the dog, the behaviors will subside.

Height, Weight

Health Problems

Living Conditions

Exercise

Life Expectancy

Grooming

Comb and brush the coat regularly. An average shedder all year round, but comes out in clumps once a year.

Origin

This breed originated in Tibet. It is believed to be descended from the Pekingese, the Pug, and the Japanese Spaniel (Chin). Highly esteemed in ancient Tibet, they were often given as gifts to royal houses and the dogs were spread throughout Asia. Depictions of the dogs were found on early Eastern art dating back as far as 1100 BC. The dogs worked turning the prayer wheel for their masters and also as watch dogs in the Tibetan monasteries. They would sit up on the high walls and bark at anything they believed didn't belong. The breed was first introduced to England in the late 1800s. They were recognized by the AKC in 1983.

Group

Recognition

CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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