Meet the Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel has several characteristics which are unique in the
dog world. This is still a primitive breed, as marked by the fact that
the Tibetan Spaniel bitch has a single estrus per year. Tibbies tend
to mature slowly for a small dog.
The Tibetan Spaniels keep its double coat all year, with little shedding until spring/summer (depending on your climate). Whelping bitches may "blow" their coats twice a year. During shedding, a Tibetan Spaniel requires regular brushing.
Tibbies do not require a lot of exercise and prefer to lie around most of the day peering out a window making sure nothing passes by the house without notice.
The Tibetan Spaniel by nature is a "watch" dog, and was used to warn the larger Tibetan Mastiffs of intruders. Their natural instinctive ability makes them an excellent home protector by warning their owners of someone or something on their property. They are patient with children, when children and puppy are taught to be considerate of each other.
Many people have never even heard of a Tibetan Spaniel, much less seen one. Here we answer some of the most common questions that people have when researching the breed. We have also included why the Tibetan Spaniel may NOT be the right dog for you.
Tibetan Spaniels are very cat-like in their mannerisms.
Tibbies are a "natural" breed and do not require a lot of trimming.
Related Links
Training & Behavior
Problems
Naming Your Puppy
Search Tibbies.net
Selecting a Dog - Books
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is their temperament?
A. Tibetan Spaniels are a family dog that thrive on love and devotion.
They do not accept strangers readily, but once they see that the stranger
is accepted by the family, they will slowly accept them.
Q. What is the mature size and weight?
A. Tibbies can weigh anywhere from 9 to 15 pounds (4.1 to 6.8
kg) and are generally 10 inches (25.4 cms) tall at the shoulder. The
females
do tend to run a little smaller than the males.
Q.
Are they good with children?
A. Yes, they are good with children.
But, as with all animals, supervision is always recommended. Tibbies
need a home that is free
from rough handling and teasing.
Q. What genetically transmitted
health problems are a major concern of this breed?
A. PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy,
is a hereditary problem found in Tibetan Spaniels.
Q. How long do they live?
A. Tibetan Spaniels live a long and healthy life of up to 15 years or more.
Q.
How much do they shed?
A. Tibbies shed a little bit year 'round. In warmer climates, Tibbies may "blow" their
coats the first of summer. (Blow - loose most of the undercoat.) Females may
shed more after finishing their season, which in Tibetan Spaniels, is only
once a year.
Q. How much do they eat?
A. Tibbies eat well for a little dog. Although it varies from dog to dog, they
eat around one cup of dog food a day. Some owners prefer to feed them twice
a day, others feed them only once a day. It is perfectly OK to leave dry
food out all day for those that prefer to nibble.
Q. How much exercise do they require?
A. Tibetan Spaniels need a nice, brisk walk a couple of times a day.
Q. Do they adapt to apartment living?
A. Yes. Tibbies adapt fine to apartment
life.
Q. Are
their any special diet requirements?
A. A good quality dog food is recommended. Normally, a well balanced dry dog
food, like Eukanuba or Science Diet will be just fine. It is always a good
idea to
check with the breeder to see what they recommend.
Q.
Is it true that Tibetan Breeds are more sensitive to anesthesia?
A. With todays anesthesias, this problem is very rare. The TSGV Health Archives
contains a section on anesthesia.
Q. How trainable are they?
A. Tibbies are highly intelligent and very eager to please their owners. They
will do just about anything for attention. Many Tibbies have done quite well
in the obedience ring.
Q. How house breakable are they?
A. Tibetan Spaniels are quite easy to housebreak as are most dogs with love,
praise and patience. (See Crate Training for some great
suggestions.)
Q.
Do they require a lot of grooming?
A. Tibbies require occasional grooming. Combing their ear fringes once a week
and brushing them occasionally, will keep them looking great. Since their coats
do not absorb dirt, a bath once every six to eight weeks is fine. Tibbies are
a natural breed and no trimming of the coat is necessary.
Q. How noisy are they?
A. Tibbies are relatively quiet unless someone comes to your door, or they
hear an unusual noise.
Q. How protective are they?
A. Though not aggressive, they make wonderful little watch dogs. Tibbies love,
rule and guard their human family with great devotion. Ever alert, they will
notify you if anything unusual is going on.
Q. Do they require any special
care or management?
A. No special care or management is required other than an annual check-up.
Q.
Are they good with other dogs and animals?
A. Tibbies have sometimes been described as cat-like in their mannerisms. From
all reports, Tibbies seem to adapt quite well to all types of animals, unless
of course the other animal is not very social.
Why the Tibetan Spaniel May Not be the Right Breed for You
Tibetan Spaniels are a wonderful breed, but they are not the dog for
everyone. In order to be a good companion
and member of the family, they need more work than many breeds. It is
always important that you socialize and train any dog, but with a Tibetan
Spaniel, it is particularly important to begin the socialization at an
early age.
- Tibbies are dogs of high intelligence and are extremely independent. They generally do not do well in obedience or in agility or other organized activities. However, there are exceptions. Some Tibetan Spaniels have done quite well in the obedience and agility ring.
- You may never walk your Tibbie off leash as they tend to run off.
- Your Tibbie will not come when called. It wants to explore. As one Tibbie owner once said, "Oh, Tibbies want to be with you, it is just that if they don't see any good reason to come when called, they won't."
- Tibbies do not adapt well to being outside dogs. They must be integrated into the family.
- Tibbies are highly protective of their family and their property. They will bark at any and all strangers, including other dogs that may pass by.
- Your Tibbie may not listen to you when you tell him or her that it is "OK". They know better than you do.
- Although Tibbies are extremely independent, they are also extremely sensitive to your moods and to the moods and emotions of any of the family members. Tibbies may not wish to be present when you are disciplining your children. Do not fight in front of your Tibbie - they will become very upset.
- Tibetan Spaniels have been raised for thousands of year to serve as lookouts, lying on the high monastery walls and barking, warning the monks and larger Tibetan Mastiffs whenever anything approached. You should socialize your Tibbie by taking it to town or playgrounds where they can meet others people and animals.
- Tibbies like to climb on top of the sofa or a table. They like to be able to look out the window (like a cat) and see what is going on outside). If you don't want a dog to climb on your furniture, then the Tibetan Spaniel is not for you.
- Tibbies are highly intelligent and therefore are easily bored. If left to their own devices, they may chew up your favorite shoe.
- While Tibbies do not shed profusely, at least once a year (and in some cases twice), they do blow their coats — when they shed their entire undercoat in the space of four to six weeks, this can present a problem unless you have a very good vacuum cleaner.
- One of the Tibbie's glories is its coat. Be prepared to groom them. While they are blowing their coat, be prepared to work on their coat almost every day.
- Tibetan Spaniels adore their owners. Many Tibbies show their affection by licking your face or jumping in their owners laps. So if you don't want a dog who licks or wants to be loved, then the Tibetan Spaniel is not the right breed for you.
- Some Tibbies can be picky eaters. Tibbies should be fed a good quality dog food.
- Tibetan Spaniels have been known to be sensitive to some types of anesthesia. Please check the health section of this site for more information.
In short, if you want an obedient dog, a dog that you can walk off leash, a dog that will come when called, the Tibbie is not the dog for you. Please think carefully before you fall in love with a beautiful, adorable Tibetan Spaniel puppy. It is a highly intelligent animal that will bond very closely with you, but it will not be your obedient servant, and it will be convinced (perhaps correctly) that in most circumstances it knows better than you.
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