Originating in the Himalayan mountains of Tibet, the Tibetan Spaniel has been known for over 2000 years. Bred and owned by Buddhist monks and Lamas, "Tibbies" were never sold. They left the monasteries of Tibet only as treasured gifts to esteemed friends.
Legend has it that Tibetan Spaniels were trained to turn the prayer wheels in the monasteries. Although this legend is now doubted, they did serve the monks as companions and bed warmers.
With their keen sight and hearing, "Tibbies" acted as lookouts, lying on the high monastery walls and barking a warning to the monks and larger Tibetan Mastiffs whenever anything approached.
The misnomer, Spaniel, came to be part of their name from the French word EPAGNEUL which, in the Middle Ages, referred to a companion dog and comforter much loved by ladies of the European and Oriental courts.
DESCRIPTION
Tibetan Spaniels are small, well-balanced dogs, with no exaggerated features. They have an alert, intelligent appearance. Measuring about 10 inches at the shoulder, they weight between 9 and 15 pounds. The head and face are distinctive. The muzzle is of medium length with a noticeable chin and the eye is almond shaped, well set, forward looking that gives a typically ape-like expression. The ears are pendant with varying length of fringes. The body is slightly longer than high, and the richly plumed tail curls over the back.
Tibetan Spaniels have two coats - a soft undercoat for warmth and a moderately long, silky outer coat which lies flat. Feathering or fringes of longer hair, on the font legs, feet, and rear legs create the appearance of pantaloons. Males tend to have a more luxuriant coat with a lion-type mane around the neck and shoulders. Females have a shawl around the shoulders and less feathering on the legs. All colours and colour combinations are accepted.
PERSONALITY
Tibetan Spaniels are equally at home within the confines of an apartment or a stately home. This is a very intelligent breed which thrives on human companionship. For this reason, they do not make good kennel dogs. Although they may be aloof with strangers, they are affectionate and devoted to their family and friends. They love being with you, whether for long walks in the country, visits with friends, or restful evenings curled up by a fire. "Tibbies" are very sensitive little dogs; they understand and respond to your moods and feelings. They will adapt to any lifestyle and mix readily with other pets.
True to their ancient duties in the monasteries, "Tibbies" will vigorously alert you to any unusual event or arrival. Yet, they do not bark unnecessarily. Neither nervous nor hyper, a "Tibbie" is like a large dog in a small body. In one compact package, they are both excellent watch dogs and very good bed dogs. They enjoy any high lookout such as a window sill from which to survey their territory and, at the same time, they will be only too happy to cuddle up and keep you warm or nestle on soft pillows or clean laundry.
Although the body is slightly longer than the height (25.4 cm or 10 ins) it should not be overlong. The breed is hare-footed, small and neat feet with feathering between the toes. Round cat feet are considered most undesirable.
RAISING A TIBETAN SPANIEL
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Think of your Tibbie puppy like an infant. These babies need a routine too - regular meal times, sleeping and nap times, play times, and "potty" times. Children are attracted to their small stature and sweet face, but Tibbies need a kind home that is free of cruelties, even the unintentional ones, such as teasing, hitting, or rough handling. They also need a safe, secure home that is free of hazards such as poison or exposed wires.
A Tibbie’s affection for its owner can be akin to worship. Though independent in spirit, Tibetan Spaniels are naturally clean and easily trained. If correctly and gently disciplined, they will readily obey a loved and trusted owner.
To maintain a Tibbies natural appearance, only minimum grooming is needed. Brush them occasionally and comb the ear fringes once a week. Trimming the coat, except for the hair on the bottom of the paws, is not permitted.
Tibbies are renowned for living to a healthy, old age often 15 years or even older. If an elderly person is thinking about having a Tibbie, it is only fair that he should seriously consider making provisions for the dog's future.
Owning a Tibetan Spaniel is not a matter to be treated lightly. If you treat them sensibly, love them, and give them the consideration that is due a dog of their aristocratic origin, you will have a companion that is everything you need.
Tibetan Spaniels are the perfect small dog - gay, active, not nervous, very companionable, a good watch dog, healthy, and extremely intelligent what more could you wish?
