Tibetan Spaniel Dog Breed Information:
Small but active
and alert, the Tibetan Spaniel dog breed hails from mountainous Tibet, where
these dogs served as a companions and watchdogs. They’re known for their
intelligence, easy-care coat, and desire to keep watch over their family from
high perches in the house.
Tibetan Spaniel Dog Group: Companion Dogs.
Tibetan Spaniel Height: From 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Tibetan Spaniel Weight: 9 to 15 pounds.
Tibetan Spaniel Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Tibetan Spaniels
shed small amounts year-round and need weekly brushing to get rid of dead hair.
Although Tibetan Spaniels can learn quickly, they may be stubborn when it comes
to obeying commands. Tibetan Spaniels generally get along well with other dogs
and pets. They do well in homes with multiple dogs. Tibetan Spaniels only need
moderate exercise and are quite happy with a daily walk or free play in a
fenced yard.
Tibetan Spaniel History:
The Tibetan
Spaniel is an ancient breed from Asia. Depictions of small dogs with pushed-in
faces and lionlike coats date back centuries in China and Tibet. It's believed
that Buddhist monks, known as lamas, bred the little dogs to sound the alarm if
anyone approached the lamasery.
With the ruff of
thick fur around their neck and the richly plumed tail, they were said to
resemble little lions. In Buddhist symbology, lions represent Buddha's triumph
over violence and aggression, so dogs with a lionlike appearance were popular.
The dogs were frequently given as gifts to ambassadors and other notables, with
dogs from those countries being received in return.
Thus the Tibetan
dogs made their way to the courts of China and Japan, where they no doubt interbred
with other small Asian dogs. Today's Tibetan Spaniel probably shares a common
ancestry with the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese.
Tibetan Spaniel Size:
Tibetan Spaniels
stand about 10 inches high at the shoulder and weigh 9 to 15 pounds.
Tibetan Spaniel Personality:
Trusting and
affectionate toward family members, Tibetan Spaniels may be aloof toward
strangers, although never aggressive. True to their heritage, they make
excellent watchdogs and will bark to alert you of anything that seems unusual.
As with all dogs, Tibetan Spaniels need early socialization exposure to many
different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.
Socialization helps ensure that your Tibetan Spaniel puppy grows up to be a
well-rounded dog.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Tibetan Spaniel Health:
Tibetan Spaniels
are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can get certain conditions.
Not all Tibetan Spaniels will get any or all of these diseases, but it's
important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Progressive
Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Patellar
Luxation.
Tibetan Spaniel Care:
Tibetan Spaniels
are housedogs. They thrive on spending time with their people, and they're not
suited to living outdoors or in a kennel. Because they may run off to explore,
yards must be fenced and they should be walked on leash. Some Tibetan Spaniels
are yappy and some aren't, but they'll generally bark when someone comes to the
door or when they hear or see anyone or anything unusual. Like all dogs, the
Tibetan Spaniel needs regular exercise, but he doesn't need a ton of it.
Usually a good playtime in the backyard or one or two walks in a day will fit
the bill.
Tibetan Spaniel Feeding:
Recommended
daily amount: 3/4 to 1 cup of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two
meals.
Tibetan Spaniel Coat Color And Grooming:
The Tibetan
Spaniel has a silky double coat that's smooth on the face and the front of the
legs and moderately long on the rest of the body. The ears, tail, and backs of
the forelegs and buttocks have longer hair, and a mane of long hair (sometimes
referred to as a shawl) surrounds the neck. The Tibetan Spaniel coat can be any color
or mixture of colors. Weekly brushing will keep your Tibetan Spaniel's coat
free of loose hair. Bathe them as needed, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Other
grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Brush your Tibetan
Spaniel's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and
the accompanying bacteria. Daily is better. Trim his nails once or twice a
month, as needed.
Tibetan Spaniel with Children And Other Pets:
Tibetan Spaniels
are affectionate and protective of children, but because they're small, they
can be injured easily by rough handling, so they're best suited to homes with
children who are at least 6 years old and know to be gentle and not to tease.
Tibetan Spaniels usually get along well with other dogs and cats. Most enjoy
having another dog as a companion.