Dog Breeds - Tibetan Spaniel

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The nature of a dog breed's affection towards family members or familiar people can vary extensively. Some breeds have a reputation for being reserved and may exhibit a strong bond only with their immediate owner. They might interact with a degree of detachment or indifference to others even if they are not outright unfriendly.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's tolerance and patience toward children can be profoundly influenced by its ancestral background, temperament and size. Breeds that are naturally gentle, good-natured and have a steady demeanor are often considered more suitable for families with children. For instances, breeds like the Labrador retriever, Golden Retriever and Beagle are commonly noted for their friendly disposition and patience with kids.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general propensity of a breed to be friendly towards other dogs can often be linked to its historical purpose and breed characteristics. Breeds that were developed for work involving group collaboration, like hunting packs or sled teams tend to be more sociable with other dogs by nature. These breeds have a history of cooperating with each other and thus may inherently possess more communal instincts.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Anticipate the amount of shedding from the breed; those with a dense coat tend to shed more, necessitating regular brushing, potentially exacerbating allergies and demanding more frequent use of the vacuum cleaner and lint roller.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Consider the frequency with which a breed will require bathing, brushing, coat trimming, and other grooming tasks and match this with your willingness to invest time, effort and funds. And remember clipping nails regularly is essential for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Reflect on a breed’s tendency to slobber. If you pride yourself on keeping things pristine, you might find it difficult to adjust to a dog that regularly anoints your arm with drool or your clothing with damp splotches.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Reflect on how breeds tend to react to unknown people. There are dogs that consistently approach strangers with caution or indifference while others seem to celebrate the chance to make a new human acquaintance at every opportunity.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Consider the extent of a breed's playfulness beyond its puppy years. Some dogs never lose their love for energetic pastimes like a lively game of fetch or a spirited tug-of-war while others gradually favor a more sedate pace of life enjoying quiet time on the couch.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Reflect on a breed's instinct to signal the presence of outsiders, with a keen response to all perceived threats, from the daily mail delivery to wildlife sightings. Typically, those breeds become amicable towards strangers once they're admitted into the home and embraced by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Evaluate a breed's aptitude for managing life's inevitable changes, from different living situations and noise patterns to weather variability and day-to-day schedule discrepancies some breeds sail through these transitions effortlessly while others might struggle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Assess the straightforwardness of training your canine companion and their willingness to be taught. Some dogs have an inherent drive to earn their owner's pride, while others display a preference for self-guided activity with a desire to do things on their own schedule and turf.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Take into account the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed demands. High-energy breeds are perpetually on the move, seeking out their next escapade with vigor and thrive on dynamic play and exploration. On the flip side, low-energy breeds epitomize relaxation content to lounge and nap the day away.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
Evaluate the propensity for vocalization in a breed, from barking to howling. There are breeds that will sound the alarm at each sidewalk guest or perceived intruder in the trees, whereas some only speak up under particular conditions. Even breeds known for being less vocal may use alternative sounds to make their feelings known.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Evaluate the level of cognitive stimulation needed by a breed to ensure its contentment and overall health. Dogs with a heritage of task-oriented roles may crave activities that challenge their intellect and decision-making skills. Without adequate mental enrichment these dogs might channel their intelligence into less desirable endeavors.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The nature of a dog breed's affection towards family members or familiar people can vary extensively. Some breeds have a reputation for being reserved and may exhibit a strong bond only with their immediate owner. They might interact with a degree of detachment or indifference to others even if they are not outright unfriendly.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

A breed's tolerance and patience toward children can be profoundly influenced by its ancestral background, temperament and size. Breeds that are naturally gentle, good-natured and have a steady demeanor are often considered more suitable for families with children. For instances, breeds like the Labrador retriever, Golden Retriever and Beagle are commonly noted for their friendly disposition and patience with kids.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general propensity of a breed to be friendly towards other dogs can often be linked to its historical purpose and breed characteristics. Breeds that were developed for work involving group collaboration, like hunting packs or sled teams tend to be more sociable with other dogs by nature. These breeds have a history of cooperating with each other and thus may inherently possess more communal instincts.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Anticipate the amount of shedding from the breed; those with a dense coat tend to shed more, necessitating regular brushing, potentially exacerbating allergies and demanding more frequent use of the vacuum cleaner and lint roller.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Consider the frequency with which a breed will require bathing, brushing, coat trimming, and other grooming tasks and match this with your willingness to invest time, effort and funds. And remember clipping nails regularly is essential for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Reflect on a breed’s tendency to slobber. If you pride yourself on keeping things pristine, you might find it difficult to adjust to a dog that regularly anoints your arm with drool or your clothing with damp splotches.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Reflect on how breeds tend to react to unknown people. There are dogs that consistently approach strangers with caution or indifference while others seem to celebrate the chance to make a new human acquaintance at every opportunity.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Consider the extent of a breed's playfulness beyond its puppy years. Some dogs never lose their love for energetic pastimes like a lively game of fetch or a spirited tug-of-war while others gradually favor a more sedate pace of life enjoying quiet time on the couch.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Reflect on a breed's instinct to signal the presence of outsiders, with a keen response to all perceived threats, from the daily mail delivery to wildlife sightings. Typically, those breeds become amicable towards strangers once they're admitted into the home and embraced by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Evaluate a breed's aptitude for managing life's inevitable changes, from different living situations and noise patterns to weather variability and day-to-day schedule discrepancies some breeds sail through these transitions effortlessly while others might struggle.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Assess the straightforwardness of training your canine companion and their willingness to be taught. Some dogs have an inherent drive to earn their owner's pride, while others display a preference for self-guided activity with a desire to do things on their own schedule and turf.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Take into account the level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed demands. High-energy breeds are perpetually on the move, seeking out their next escapade with vigor and thrive on dynamic play and exploration. On the flip side, low-energy breeds epitomize relaxation content to lounge and nap the day away.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Evaluate the level of cognitive stimulation needed by a breed to ensure its contentment and overall health. Dogs with a heritage of task-oriented roles may crave activities that challenge their intellect and decision-making skills. Without adequate mental enrichment these dogs might channel their intelligence into less desirable endeavors.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Black & Tan	018
Cream	076
Gold	091
Red	140
Sable	164
Silver Sable	286
White	199

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Parti-Color	038
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The lively and inquisitive Tibetan Spaniel a breed with a long history, was originally developed to serve as a lookout atop the walls surrounding Tibetan monastic communities. These dogs are recognized by their smooth, glossy fur and the distinctive ruff of hair reminiscent of a lion's mane encircling their neck. The Tibbie, as they are affectionately known, forms a deep and adoring connection with their human companions. Characterized by a short, broad snout and large, soulful eyes, as well as the aforementioned mane and a luxuriously feathered tail that gracefully arches over their back, their appearance is a hallmark of their Tibetan origins. While their name suggests they might belong to the spaniel group, they do not align with Western breeds such as Cockers or Cavaliers. Instead, the Tibbie is a proud representative of an ancient lineage that includes other distinctively Asian breeds like the Pekingese the Pug, and the Lhasa Apso. Standing about 10 inches tall at the shoulder these spirited dogs navigate their surroundings swiftly and deliberately. The Tibetan Spaniel sports a variety of coat colors and patterns making each one uniquely beautiful.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A TIBETAN SPANIEL

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Tibetan Spaniel: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Tibetan Spaniels boast a commendable health record and ethical breeders take care to assess their breeding dogs for a variety of health issues. These can include progressive retinal atrophy a hereditary eye disorder; "cherry eye," which is a swelling of the eye's adjacent tissue that usually requires surgical intervention to correct and patellar luxation, a condition affecting the knee joint. Additionally, before Tibetan spaniel puppies set out to join their new families they should be examined for a portosystemic shunt, also known as a liver shunt, which involves an abnormal flow of blood to and around the liver. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	Whether destined for the show ring or a cozy spot on your couch the Tibetan spaniel maintains a naturally splendid coat that typically requires no trimming except for the hair under their paws to maintain cleanliness. The fur behind their ears is prone to tangles and should be combed out regularly to prevent matting. Aside from that particular area the rest of their coat usually remains mat-free with ease. Routine grooming involving regular brushing and the occasional bath will keep their coat in tip-top shape. Special attention should be paid to the longer hair at the back end which benefits from consistent grooming. Tibetan Spaniels do experience shedding; they can undergo heavy shedding periods at any point in the year. Baths and conditioner can be particularly helpful during these times.

Exercise

	A Tibetan spaniel is always up for a daily stroll taking as much delight in leisurely walks as they do lounging around the home or enjoying an energetic romp in the yard. A securely fenced yard is essential for their safety and to accommodate their need for occasional bursts of energy. They make excellent companions for those who seek a furry friend to join them on extended walks or jogs as they have the stamina to match their human's pace.

Training

	Tibetan Spaniels are intelligent and have a keen desire to make their owners happy, which makes them apt participants in various canine sports, including agility, scent work, rally and obedience. Despite their intellect, they are known for their assertive independence and will often make their own decisions about whether or not to follow commands. Therefore, commencing training early on is crucial and it should be conducted in a way that is both enjoyable and stimulating for them. It's also essential to ensure they are well-socialized from a young age.

Nutrition

	A Tibetan spaniel will thrive on a diet of high-quality dog food that's either commercially produced or homemade as long as it has the green light from your vet. The nutritional needs must align with the dog's life stage, whether they're a puppy, an adult or in their senior years. If opting for dry food, the breed often favors kibble that's designed for small breeds, as it's easier to chew. Be mindful of their calorie intake and keep an eye on their weight as Tibetan Spaniels can be susceptible to weight gain. While treats are invaluable during training they should be offered in moderation to prevent obesity. It's important to be informed about which human foods are safe for canine consumption and which should be avoided. If you have any doubts or concerns regarding your dog's dietary needs or weight management, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. And of course, always provide plenty of fresh clean water for your Tibetan spaniel.

Historiography

Within Eastern traditions and folklore honoring animals holds profound significance. Reflecting this reverence, Buddhist monks were pivotal in nurturing and safeguarding the indigenous canine breeds of Tibet. The monks cherished Tibetan Spaniels primarily as beloved companions but also valued them for their vigilance, as they served alongside their more formidable relatives the Tibetan Mastiffs. As keen-eyed watch keepers, Tibbies would perch on monastery enclosures surveying the vast landscapes for allies or adversaries. It's certain that they also provided much-appreciated warmth as cuddly bedfellows during the frigid Himalayan nights.