TIBETAN SPANIELS: INTELLIGENT AND PEOPLE ORIENTED

According to Terry Winkelmann (Dog Fancy: September 2005), Tibetan Spaniels are extremely intelligent and independent, and are not the easiest dog breed to train. Winkelmann tells a story of a breeder who took her two year old "Tibby" to a dog show where he was to perform an obedience demonstration. Once the Spaniel realized he was off lease, and "in control," he left his owner/trainer heeling alone, ran to the center of the ring, did a few rollovers and flips, then sat there watching her. The owner/trainer said her Tibetan Spaniel began nodding his head in her direction, as if he thought she was doing a great job.

The Tibetan Spaniel is a Spaniel in name only, as the breed never participated in the hunt. According to legend, the dogs were used in Tibet as "prayer" dogs, trained to turn the monk's prayer wheel. Tibetan Spaniels have been companions in monasteries for centuries, and were most likely used as watchdogs there (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog). While the Tibetan Spaniel is anatomically similar to the Pekingese, it is leggier and longer faced, and thus has less breathing and back problems. This nonworking breed is classified as a companion dog. The breed craves human attention, and should not be shut away from the family. Winkelmann states that Tibetan Spaniels make excellent watchdogs, as they love to sit in windowsills, and sound the alert that someone is approaching

APPEARANCE

Tibetan Spaniel pendant ears are feathered with hair and set high. The mouth is tipped by a black nose. Its legs are short and strong, and it comes in all colors. The weight range is from 9-15 pounds (4-7kg), and the height range is about 10 inches (24.5-25.5 cm).

BREED HISTORY

According to Fogle, dogs resembling the Tibetan Spaniel existed in the area that is now Korea, in the 8th century. It is uncertain whether they arrived there from China or Tibet, and some believe they are the founding breed of the Japanese Chin.

THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW IF CONSIDERING A TIBETAN SPANIEL

The expected life span of the Tibetan Spaniel is from 12 to 14 years. This is a low maintenance breed that only needs to be brushed weekly, and bathed every six to eight weeks. Tibbies can be trained using treats and reinforcement, but their extreme level of intelligence and independence makes them a challenge for obedience training. Their activity level is moderate; however, they do require regular exercise. They are best as indoor dogs with a view out the window, and they are friendly with cats and other animals. Tibetan Spaniels are good with children; however, small dogs always require protection from rough play.

HEALTH RISKS

Some lines of Tibetan Spaniels are know to suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, slipped disks, disk inflammation, and liver shunt. It is suggested you learn as much as you can about the dog's medical history, if you are adopting. If purchasing, you should inquire about the medical histories of both parents, especially as it relates to the above health issues.