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. Like all double coated breeds, Tibetan Spaniels shed a little bit throughout the year. 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 generally 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. For more information on diet, refer to What to Feed Your Tibetan Spaniel.
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. However, a Tibetan Spaniel is a little stubborn by nature and may not be as quick to learn at say a Poodle.
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. Learn more about how to Groom your Tibbie.
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, an adequate diet and preventative medications like heart worm preventation and in some areas, flea and tick prevention.
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. |