Ava Williams
Shoulder height: up to 25 cm
Weight: 4 – 7 kg
Age: 13 – 14 years
Color: all
Use: Companion dog, companion dog, the family dog
The Tibetan Spaniel is a lively, intelligent, and hardy dog. It is extremely lovable and friendly, but also alert. Due to its small size, the Tibetan Spaniel can also be kept well in a city apartment.
Origin and history
The Tibetan Spaniel is a very old breed originating from Tibet. Like other lion puppies, it was kept in Tibetan monasteries but was also widespread among the rural population of Tibet.
The first litter of Tibetan Spaniels mentioned in Europe dates back to 1895 in England. However, the breed had almost no meaning in breeder circles. After the Second World War, there were almost no more stocks. As a result, new dogs were imported from Tibet and practically started all over again. The breed standard was renewed in 1959 and recognized by the FCI in 1961.
The name spaniel is misleading – the small dog has nothing in common with a hunting dog – this name was chosen in England because of its size and long hair.
Appearance
The Tibetan Spaniel is one of the few dogs that hasn’t changed much over the centuries, maybe millennia. It is a companion dog that is about 25 cm tall and weighs up to 7 kg, all colors and their combinations with each other can occur. The top coat is silky and of medium length, and the undercoat is very fine. The ears are hanging, of medium size, and not attached to the skull.
Nature
The Tibetan Spaniel is a lively, extremely intelligent, and robust housemate. It is still very original in its behavior, rather suspicious of strangers, but tenderly devoted to its family and loyal to its caregiver. A certain degree of independence and self-determination will always remain with the Tibetan Spaniel.
Keeping the Tibetan Spaniel is fairly straightforward. It feels just as comfortable in a lively family as in a one-person household and is equally suitable for city and country people. The main thing is that it can accompany its caregiver wherever possible. Tibetan Spaniels get along well with other dogs and can easily be kept as a second dog.
It loves being busy and playing outdoors, likes to go for walks or hikes, but doesn’t need constant, sustained exercise or a lot of action. The robust coat is easy to care for.