Tibetan Spaniels are a breed of small, highly intelligent dogs originating in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. This breed is not a true Spaniel; its breeding and role differs quite a bit (Spaniels are gun dogs.) Tibbies, as they are often called, make excellent housepets for all people, including families with small children.

Small monastery dogs, thought to be the earliest representatives of the Tibetan Spaniel, loyally trailed behind their Lama masters and fondly came to be regarded as "little Lions", thus giving them great value and prestige. The practice of sending the dogs as gifts to the palaces of China and other Buddhist countries grew significantly, and in reciprocity more "lion dogs" were presented back to Tibet, continuing until as late as 1908. Through exchange of Tibetan Spaniels between palaces and monasteries, the breed is likely to have common ancestors with a number of the prestigious Oriental breeds, including the Havanese Chin and the Pekingese. Village-bred Tibetan Spaniels varied greatly in size, color and type, and the smaller puppies were usually given away as gifts to the great monasteries. In turn, these smaller dogs used in the monastery breeding programs were probably combined with the more elegant Tibetan Spaniel-type dogs brought from China. Those bred closer to the Chinese borders were characterized by shorter muzzles, Not only was the Tibetan Spaniel prized as a pet and loyal companion, it was considered a very useful animal by all classes of Tibetans. During the day, the dogs would sit on top of the monastery walls keeping a steady watch over the countryside below. Their keen eye and ability to see great distances, as well as their persistent barking, made them exceptionally good watchdogs. The first authenticated reference we find to Tibetan Spaniels in this country is a litter born out of two imported dogs from a Tibetan monastery in 1965. In January 1971, the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America was formed with 14 charter members. After a brief period in the Miscellaneous classes, the Tibetan Spaniel was accepted for AKC registration and became eligible to compete as a Non-Sporting breed effective January 1, 1984.

Tibbie Information

Tibbies hould be small, active and alert. The outline should give a well balanced appearance, slightly longer in body than the height at withers. Size Height about 10 inches. Body slightly longer from the point of shoulder to root of tail than the height at withers. Weight 9-15 pounds being ideal.

Lifespan 12-15 years

Grooming

To keep their coat free of mats and tangles, Tibetan Spaniels require regular brushing and combing.

Temperment

There are energetic Tibetan Spaniels, and placid Tibetan Spaniels. Hard-headed Tibetan Spaniels, and sweet-natured Tibetan Spaniels. Serious Tibetan Spaniels, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Tibetan Spaniels, and Tibetan Spaniels who love everyone.

Classification and breed Standards

FCI: Group 9 Section 5 #231 AKC: Non-sporting ANKC: Group 1 (Toys) CKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs KC (UK): Utility NZKC: Non-sporting UKC: Companion Breeds