Tibetan Spaniel Dog Breed Introduction
Tibetan Spaniel ( nicknamed Tibbies) is a small-sized companion dog and watchdog originating from Tibet. However, it is not a typical Spaniel. Therefore, its name is a misnomer that came from a French Word, epagnuel, during the middle ages meaning Comforter and companion dog. There is also a belief the name Spaniel may have been given to the breed due to its resemblance to the bred-down versions of hunting spaniel such as Cavaliers.
This breed has a domed head that is small when compared to its body. The Tibetan Spaniels are alert, independent, and assertive dogs that have a tendency of wandering off and explore than respond to the come command. Although, they are social pooches that need regular contact with their humans.
Tibetan Spaniel History | Origin
The Tibetan Spaniels originated in Tibet. They were were kept as companion dogs and watchdogs by the monks. The Tibetan Spaniels could sit atop the monasteries walls and bark whenever someone was approaching.
This breed was first spotted in Ancient Eastern Art in 1100B.C. Although, nobody knows how old the breed is. There is a likelihood that the Tibetan Spaniel is the progenitor of Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. Other believe the Chinese royalty created the Pekingese by crossing the Tibetan Spaniels gifted to them with Pugs.
Although, others believe the Lamas created the Tibetan Spaniels by crossing Lhasa Apsos with the Pekingese they received as gifts from China. This breed made its way to the Western countries in the late 19th century. AKC recognized Tibetan Spaniels in 1983.
Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan
The Tibetan Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years although other may live to the age of 16 years.
Tibetan Spaniel Grooming
The Tibetan Spaniels have a double-layered coat that has a silky texture that tends not to mat. A weekly brushing using a bristle brush will suffice. Although, the area behind the ears and rear fringes need regular combing to prevent matting. The Tibbies need an infrequent bath unless they roll in something stinky.
Although during the shedding season, bathing and conditioning of the coat comes in handy. After bathing your pet, thoroughly rinse off the cleaning products to prevent skin irritation. Trim the nails of Tibetan Spaniels fortnightly to prevent overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Nail trimming should be introduced in puppyhood for this breed since they can be very bad about their nails unless they were introduced early.
Brush the teeth of Tibetan Spaniels at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar buildup using a tasty canine toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the pendant ears once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to get rid of dirt and excess wax.
Tibetan Spaniel Haircut
The Tibetan Spaniels need no haircut whether they are show or pet dogs. However, the hair on the bottom of their feet is trimmed for cleanliness. The hair between the legs should not be trimmed. The Tibetan Spaniels also require no sanitary cut. This breed will itch badly and lick if a sanitary cut is done.
Tibetan Spaniel Shedding
The Tibetan Spaniels shed all-year round at moderate levels. They also shed heavily when blowing off the coat once a year.
Tibetan Spaniel Coat | Coat Type
It has a double coat with a silky texture and smooth on the leg fronts and face.
Tibetan Spaniel Hypoallergenic
The Tibetan Spaniels are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have a moulting coat that sheds all-year-round at moderate levels and heavily once a year. Shedding spreads fur and dander around the house triggering allergies. Apart from dander and fur, saliva, mucus, and urine contain a protein allergen that triggers inflammation.
Tibetan Spaniel Training
The Tibetan Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please dogs that will excel in training including obedience. However, it is an assertive and independent breed that has a tendency to wander rather than go to the owner when called. Parents should start early training to instill the desired behaviors before the dog gets inclined towards bad habits. Parents should use positive reinforcements methods such as toys, treats, playtime, petting as well as verbal praise to encourage positive behaviors.
Avoid negative reinforcements methods that are counterproductive such as yelling, kicking, punching, shoving, or beating. As social dogs, Tibetan Spaniels need regular contact with their humans. They don’t respond well if left alone for long periods of time. Although, parents may introduce crate training from an early age immediately the dog joins them home so that they have confidence in spending sometime alone or else have someone who is physically present for most of the day.
Keep the training sessions upbeat, brief, and challenging to prevent boredom and distraction. Start teaching basic command words like sit, come, stay, wait, lie down, drop it, etc. from the age of 8 months one at a time. The Tibetan Spaniels also need socialization from an early age by exposing them to a wide variety of situations, experiences, surfaces, animals, people, smell, sights, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, sirens, door bells, vacuum cleaners, whistles, lawn mowers, and washing machines.
Socialization is a must with this breed, since the dogs are protective of their families. Even after proper socialization, Tibetan Spaniels are reserved with strangers. Effectively housebreak Tibetan Spaniels by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Tibetan Spaniel Temperament | Personality | Traits | Characteristics
- Alert.
- Protective.
- Assertive.
- Independent.
- Watchful.
- Wary of strangers.
- Eager to please.
- Active.
- Vocal.
Tibetan Spaniel Exercise
The Tibetan Spaniel are active dogs that enjoy a daily walk. This breed is also happy when taking a long run in the yard that is fenced-in or lying around the house. The Tibetan Spaniels make great dogs for parents who like a dog to accompany them when jogging or going for long walks.
Tibetan Spaniel Barking
Bred as watchdogs, Tibetan Spaniels maintain this instinct and will notify their owners when something or someone approaches by barking.
Tibetan Spaniel Height
Mature Tibetan Spaniels has a height of 10 inches ( approx. 25 cm ).
Tibetan Spaniel Weight
Tibetan spaniels have a weight of 9 to 15 pounds ( approx. 4.1 to 6.8 kg ).
Tibetan Spaniel Size
The Tibetan spaniels are small-sized dogs with a height of 10 inches ( approx. 25 cm ). and a weight of 9 to 15 pounds ( approx. 4.1 to 6.8 kg ).
Tibetan Spaniel Health Issues | Health Problems
Although Tibetan Spaniels are relatively healthy with a lifespan of up to 16 years, they also suffer from certain health issues including allergies, luxating patellas, Portosystemic shunt, and eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy, weeping eye, and cherry eye.
Other dog breeds include:
Tibetan Spaniel Names
A Tibbie parent may search for a name before the pet joins them home or days after it settles in the new home to understand better its personality. Owners may get name inspirations from the Tibetan origin, coat color, celebrity Tibetan Spaniels, movies, songs, food, books, historical figures, and nature.
The name chosen should freely roll off your tongue and should never be a source of embarrassment when uttered out loud. Tibetan Spaniels and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels. Avoid giving your pet a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion.
If a family member or guest that frequent your home shares a name with this breed, it may cause confusion. Some of the names that Tibetan Spaniel parents give to their pets include:
- Hopkins.
- Agung.
- Karma.
- Jampa.
- Bentley.
- Brimsley.
- Charlotte.
- Leona.
- Edmund.
Tibetan Spaniel Food | Dog Food
The amount of food that Tibetan Spaniels feed on depend on their age, size, metabolism, body build, and activity level. This breed thrives on either commercially dog food, home-made, or raw food. Although, Tibetan Spaniels tend to prefer small-bite kibble if feeding on dry food. Some dogs may be susceptible to getting overweight. Therefore, parents should watch the weight level and calorie consumption as well treats that aid in training. Owners should be well-versed with human foods that are safe for the dogs.
Tibetan Spaniel Short Hair
The Tibetan Spaniels have a medium length coat that is silky in texture and smooth on the face and leg fronts. However, the coat is not trimmed short whether the dog is a pet or participates in conformation shows.
Tibetan Spaniel Black | White | Colors
The Tibetan Spaniels may have any acceptable dog colors or a mixture of colors. Some of the coat colors include including white, red, black, gold, cream, sable, cream, and black and tan.
Tibetan Spaniel Allergies
This breed is susceptible to various forms of allergies including:
Contact allergies – This causes inflammation if an allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens include lawn chemicals, grooming products, plastics, nylon carpets, carpet cleaning detergents, certain fabrics, medication, and latex.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergies that affect Tibetan Spaniels include pollen, trees, ragweed, mites, fleas, house molds, dust and dust mites, and grass.
Food allergies – Although rare, Tibetan Spaniels may suffer from a food allergy that is accompanied with a wide range of symptoms including gastrointestinal symptoms to skin issues.
Skin allergies – This allergy is caused by contact, environmental, and food allergies that manifest on the skin.
Tibetan Spaniel Price
The price of a Tibetan Spaniel is $1200 to $2500 depending on the age, location of the breeder, and pedigree.
Do Tibetan Spaniels Shed
Yes. Tibetan Spaniels shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily once a year.
Do Tibetan Spaniels Bark A Lot
Yes. They are alert and protective dogs that bark to notify the owner when something or someone is approaching.
Are Tibetan Spaniels Good Family Dogs
Yes. They are alert, assertive, independent, and active dogs that thrive on human contact.
Are Tibetan Spaniels Hypoallergenic
No. The Tibetan Spaniels have a shedding coat that spreads fur and dander around the house triggering allergies hence not hypoallergenic.
How Much Do Tibetan Spaniels Cost | How Much Are Tibetan Spaniel Puppies
The cost of a Tibetan Spaniel is $1200 to $2500 depending on its age, pedigree, and where the breeder is located.
How Long Do Tibetan Spaniels Live
The Tibetan Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years but some may live up to the age of 16 years.
Tibetan Spaniel Quick Facts
- The neck region of Tibetan Spaniels has a ruff of hair which is more noticeable in dogs as compared to the bitches.
- It is one of the three non-sporting dog breed from Tibet along with Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso.
- The Tibetan Spaniels do well in a multi-pet household.