Tibetan Spaniel

also known as Simkhyi, Tibbie

Pros History


The Tibetan Spaniel, also known as the Tibbie, is a small breed of dog that has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. It is believed that the breed originated in Tibet, where it was used as a companion animal by Buddhist monks and other Tibetan nobility. The Tibetan Spaniel is known for its intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature, and it has played a variety of roles throughout its history, including as a watchdog, a therapy dog, and a show dog.

The origins of the Tibetan Spaniel can be traced back to ancient Tibet, where the breed was used as a companion animal by Buddhist monks and other Tibetan nobility. The breed was valued for its intelligence, agility, and affectionate nature, and it was often kept in monasteries and other religious institutions as a pet and a guard dog. The Tibetan Spaniel was also used as a watchdog, alerting its owners to any potential threats or dangers.

As Buddhism spread throughout Asia, the Tibetan Spaniel spread with it, and the breed became popular in other countries such as China and Japan. In these countries, the Tibetan Spaniel was used as a companion animal and a watchdog, and it was also trained to perform tricks and other tasks for entertainment.

In the modern era, the Tibetan Spaniel has continued to be used as a companion animal, but it has also gained popularity as a therapy dog and a show dog. The breed's intelligence and affectionate nature make it well-suited for therapeutic work, and it has been used to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to provide comfort and companionship to patients and residents. The Tibetan Spaniel has also been successful in the show ring, with the breed being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.

Breed Information


Type

Is Tibetan Spaniel a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Tibetan Spaniel name? How do you say Tibetan Spaniels?

tih-BEH-tuhn SPAN-yuhl

Purpose

What were Tibetan Spaniels originally used for?

watchdog, companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Tibetan Spaniels Live? What is average life expectancy for a Tibetan Spaniel? How long can Tibetan Spaniels live?

12-15 years

The average Tibetan Spaniel lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Tibetan Spaniel Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Tibetan Spaniel?

What is the average height of a Tibetan Spaniel? How big is a Purebred Tibetan Spaniel height? Tibetan Spaniel dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-11 inches (20.3 - 27.9 cm) 5.5 inches (14 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
Female 8-11 inches (20.3 - 27.9 cm) 5.5 inches (14 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
What is the average weight of a Tibetan Spaniel? How much should Tibetan Spaniels weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 9-15 pounds (4 - 7 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg)
Female 9-15 pounds (4 - 7 kg) 8.0 pounds (4 kg) 10.5 pounds (5 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Tibetan Spaniels get fat easily?

The Tibetan Spaniel is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Tibetan Spaniels Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Tibetan Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Tibetan Spaniel personality? What are Tibetan Spaniel dogs best known for?

Intelligent
Aloof
Independent
Assertive
Happy
Willful

Shedding Level

Are Tibetan Spaniels heavy shedders? How Much Does a Tibetan Spaniel Shed?

Tibetan Spaniel will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Tibetan Spaniel dog?

Tibetan Spaniels are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Tibetan Spaniel is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Tibetan Spaniels come from?

Tibet

Ancestry

What are Tibetan Spaniels descended from?

pekingese, pug, japanese chin

Date of Birth

When were Tibetan Spaniels first bred? How old is the Tibetan Spaniel breed?

ancient times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Tibetan Spaniel?

Non Sporting (AKC:1983)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Tibetan Spaniel Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Tibetan Spaniel eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Tibetan Spaniel nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Tibetan Spaniel coat be naturally?

Black
White
Cream
Red
Sable

Coat Length

How long is a Tibetan Spaniels coat?

The coat of a Tibetan Spaniel falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Tibetan Spaniel Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Tibetan Spaniel?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Tibetan Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can a Tibetan Spaniel have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Tibetan Spaniel can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Tibetan Spaniels are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Tibetan Spaniel Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Tibetan Spaniels have a lot of health problems?

The Tibetan Spaniel is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Tibetan Spaniel?

Entropion

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Tibetan Spaniels?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Occasional Diagnoses

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Patellar Luxation

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Tibetan Spaniel breed?

Eye
Knee
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Tibetan Spaniel Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Tibetan Spaniels have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Tibetan Spaniels may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Tibetan Spaniels need socialization? How social are Tibetan Spaniels?

Tibetan Spaniel have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Tibetan Spaniels get?

The Tibetan Spaniels a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Tibetan Spaniel have? Do Tibetan Spaniels sleep a lot?

The Tibetan Spaniel breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Tibetan Spaniel drool a lot?

The Tibetan Spaniel is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Tibetan Spaniel dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Tibetan Spaniels exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Tibetan Spaniel dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Tibetan Spaniels mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Tibetan Spaniel running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Tibetan Spaniel dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Tibetan Spaniels enjoy doing? How do I keep my Tibetan Spaniel busy?

Walking

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Tibetan Spaniel? How much energy does a Tibetan Spaniel have?

Medium

Tibetan Spaniels are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Tibetan Spaniel walk each week? How many miles should a Tibetan Spaniel walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Tibetan Spaniel, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Tibetan Spaniel should exercise a day? How much activity does a Tibetan Spaniel need?

30 minutes

In general most Tibetan Spaniels usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Tibetan Spaniel?

The Tibetan Spaniel is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Tibetan Spaniel?

Daily

Ideally, Tibetan Spaniel should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Tibetan Spaniels?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Tibetan Spaniel eat?

0.7 cups

For an average 9-15 pound (4 - 7 kg) Tibetan Spaniel feed 0.7 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Tibetan Spaniel Cost Daily?

$1.20 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Tibetan Spaniel is somewhere $1.20 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Tibetan Spaniel Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Tibetan Spaniel is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Tibetan Spaniel Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Tibetan Spaniel?

Tibetan Spaniels has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Tibetan Spaniel is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Tibetan Spaniel dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Tibetan Spaniel dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Tibetan Spaniel do well in apartments? Are Tibetan Spaniels good indoor dogs?

Tibetan Spaniels are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Tibetan Spaniels good with kids? Are Tibetan Spaniels good around children?

Tibetan Spaniels are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Tibetan Spaniels good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Tibetan Spaniels good with cats? How friendly Tibetan Spaniels are toward cats?

Tibetan Spaniels are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Tibetan Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs? Are Tibetan Spaniels OK with other dogs?

Tibetan Spaniels are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Tibetan Spaniel dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Tibetan Spaniels friendly with strangers?

Tibetan Spaniels are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Tibetan Spaniels are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Tibetan Spaniels will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Tibetan Spaniels like to play? Are Tibetan Spaniels playful?

Tibetan Spaniels have an average level of playfulness. The Tibetan Spaniels, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Tibetan Spaniel easily trained?

Tibetan Spaniel dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet
    If you're in search of a quiet breed, the Tibetan Spaniel dog may be a suitable option as they are known for being quiet.
  • Intelligent and trainable
    Tibetan Spaniels are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly, which makes them easier to train for various tasks.
  • Affectionate and loyal
    Tibetan Spaniels are affectionate and loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families.
  • Good with children
    Tibetan Spaniels tend to be good with children and make excellent family pets.
  • Adaptable to different living situations
    Tibetan Spaniels can adapt well to different living situations and environments, including apartment living as long as they receive adequate exercise.
  • Cat Friendly
    Tibetan Spaniel have a friendly disposition towards cats.
  • Low maintenance
    Tibetan Spaniels are low maintenance dogs that don't require a lot of grooming or exercise.

Cons

  • Prone to barking
    Tibetan Spaniels are known to bark excessively, which can be a problem for people living in close quarters or with noise sensitivity.
  • Health concerns
    Like all breeds, Tibetan Spaniels are prone to certain health issues such as eye problems and hip dysplasia.
  • Sensitive
    Tibetan Spaniels are sensitive dogs that may be prone to anxiety or fear if they are not handled gently and with patience.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Tibetan Spaniels may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Tibetan Spaniels are not typically recommended for office environments.