Small, charming and agile, a Tibetan Spaniel is an ideal apartment pet for families with young children or seniors. They are intelligent, sensitive and thrive on human companionship.
You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s your agile, light-footed cat bouncing around the couch and perching on top of the windowsill if you own a Tibetan Spaniel. Like cats, they are small, lively, calm and sure-footed climbers. But unlike cats, they crave attention and need to be close to their family at all times.
A Tibetan Spaniel is a clever dog with great dexterity and have been known to use their paws open cupboards containing food. While intelligent, they are also very sensitive; be gentle and consistent when training. They are family-orientated dogs and enjoy getting involved in all family activities so don’t exclude your Tibetan Spaniel or they will suffer from separation anxiety. Aloof and reserved with strangers, they don’t like meeting new people and would rather be cuddled up with their family instead. Socialise your pet from a young age to reduce timid and shy behaviour. Tibetan Spaniels live for 12-15 years.
Fun fact: Tibetan Spaniels are not true Spaniels. They were given that name due
to their resemblance to the European versions of hunting Spaniels.
They were bred to be companion dogs.
Happy and charming pets, they can be quite vocal especially when announcing guests and odd noises. They are very responsive to their family and often stay puppy-like for many years. They get along well with other dogs and pets. With moderate energy levels, your Tibetan Spaniel won’t be bouncing off the walls, however they benefit from daily exercise. A walk and run in the park off-leash is ideal. Tibetan Spaniels shed moderately and require bruising and combing twice a week. They are not big dogs, with an average height of 21-26cms.
Scheduled six monthly health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life-stages. It’s important that together with your vet a preventative health care program is determined and maintained based on the individual needs of your canine companion. Tibetan Spaniels are prone to respiratory problems and heat stroke.
Size
A small-sized breed weighing 4-7kgs with an average height of 21-26cms.
Space
A Tibetan Spaniel is a great apartment pet. Just be sure to take your dog out on daily walks.
Energy Levels
They have moderate energy levels. A daily run and lots of games will keep this dog happy.
Difficulty Of Training
Intelligent dogs but sensitive which can make training difficult.
Family suitability
Great family pets and loyal companions.
Suitability to other pets
If socialised from a young age, your dog will befriend other pets.
Need for company
They have a high need for company and enjoy being by their humans side at all times.
Hypoallergenic dog breed?
No
Coat and grooming needs
This breed is low maintenance. Brush their coat twice a week. They have a long coat that comes in all colours such as fawn, red, gold, cream, white, black and black and tan often with white markings on the feet.
Shedding
They shed moderately.
Tendency to bark
They have a high tendency to bark.