DESCRIPTION

This is a small dog that looks rather like a Pekingese, but with a slightly longer face, less profuse coat and no extra skin around the eyes. He is somewhat longer than tall. The dog should carry himself proudly. The top of the head is slightly rounded, and the medium-length muzzle is blunt and strong. The expressive oval eyes are dark brown and the nose should be black. A slight undershot bite is preferred by breeders. The Tibetan Spaniel has a plumed tail curled over his back, feathered pendent ears and soft, silky, medium-length, flat coat. The neck sports a mane of longer hair. The coat comes in many shades, gold, cream, fawn, red, white, black and black & tan. They may be solid, multi-colored or shaded. This breed should have hare-feet.

TEMPERAMENT

The Tibetan Spaniel is perky, happy, very smart, and trusting. They are sweet and protective with their family, especially children, but aloof with strangers. It is not a yappy dog, yet it will bark at intruders and strange happenings. It can be rather insistent and willful at times. This breed is a fine family companion, very independent and a good watchdog. It can move fairly quickly on its small, neat hare- feet, usually getting along with other animals. These dogs can be slightly difficult to train. The female Tibetan Spaniel tends to come into heat only once a year.

HISTORY

As with several other breeds of Tibetan origin, the Tibetan Spaniel enjoys a comfortable place in Lamaist history. These small dogs served as both companions and guard dogs in the ancient monasteries and were even used to turn the prayer wheels in the temples by means of small treadmills -- a unique way of assuring they received their daily exercise!


This breed did not come to North America until the 1960s, where it maintains a modest, yet loyal following.

Breeds

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