A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small companion whose background includes watchful work around Tibetan monasteries. Allow the dog space to observe and choose interactions, with regular care of the natural feathered coat.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Tibetan Spaniel questions
Do Tibetan Spaniels shed?
Yes. The Tibetan Spaniel has a double coat, with a soft undercoat beneath a silky outer layer, and the breed sheds and can drop a good amount of coat at any time of year. Regular brushing keeps it under control, and a bath helps loosen hair during a heavier shed.
How big does a full-grown Tibetan Spaniel get?
Adults stand about 10 inches at the shoulder and ideally weigh 9 to 15 pounds. The body is slightly longer than the dog is tall, so a Tibbie looks a little rectangular rather than square.
Is a Tibetan Spaniel really a spaniel?
No, not in the gundog sense. Tibbies are not spaniels the way Cockers or Cavaliers are, and are better compared to Asian breeds such as the Pekingese, Pug and Lhasa Apso. The name is a misnomer that traces back to an old French word for a companion dog.
What were Tibetan Spaniels bred for?
Company and lookout duty. Tibbies lived with Buddhist monks in Tibet, where they lay on the high monastery walls and barked a warning when anything unfamiliar approached. Many still pick a high perch, such as a windowsill, to watch from.
How long do Tibetan Spaniels live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and many reach 15 or more. Those are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Tibetan Spaniels bark a lot?
They are watchdogs by background, so expect to hear about visitors and odd noises. They alert with real energy but do not bark without a reason. Barking is moderate for the breed.
Can a Tibetan Spaniel live in an apartment?
Usually, yes. Tibbies are equally at home in an apartment or a large house, enjoy a daily walk, and are as happy lounging indoors as running outside, though a fenced yard is a must for outdoor time. What they do not handle well is being shut away from their people, so they do not make good kennel dogs.
Does a Tibetan Spaniel need haircuts?
No. The coat is natural and untrimmed, with only the hair under the feet tidied for cleanliness. Regular brushing, frequent combing behind the ears where mats form, and telling a groomer not to clip the belly or between the legs keep it in good shape.
