Overview: Playful, energetic, and affectionate can describe the Tibetan Spaniel. It is quite friendly with other dog breeds and other animals, however it is not generally friendly toward strangers. It isn't difficult to train and accepts learning things pretty well. It can make an excellent watchdog, but it will not do as a guard dog. Grooming is relatively minimal as it requires brushing and combing every few days . It is fairly resistant to cold temperatures and doesn't like being in heat very much.

Temperament: The Tibetan Spaniel is bold, stubborn, and tries to act independent. However, it is kind, biddable and enjoys doing things for its master. It likes being included in activities with its family including playing or going on trips. It gets along well with other pets and dogs, but it is reserved when around people it doesn't know.

History: The history of this breed is closely tied with the beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. The lion is a sacred creature in Buddhism as it is the lion that follows Buddha like a dog. Thus, breeds that looked like little lions were considered a symbol to their Lama masters. It was common practice to breed the Pekingese from China with the dogs from Tibet. The best results of these breeds were produced in monasteries which also seemed to breed the smallest of the dogs. These canines were used for more than just decoration as they were also used to announce visitors were approaching. They were even used to turn the prayer wheels during ceremonies by running on small treadmills. It was in the late 19th century when the Tibetan Spaniel first made its way into England. However, it wasn't until the 1920s that it received serious breeding efforts. Only one of these dogs survived World War II in England and its genes can be found in modern day pedigrees. Most of the Western Tibetan Spaniels started around the 1940's when a couple living in Sikkim came to England. It wasn't for almost two decades later that it arrived in the United States, and still another twenty years or so before the AKC accepted it. While slow to gain popularity those that own this breed enjoy it immensely.

Names: There are no other names the Tibetan Spaniel goes by.

Groups: The Tibetan Spaniel was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 and assigned to the Non-Sporting Group.

Physical Characteristics: The average adult Tibetan Spaniel can be about 10 inches in height and can weigh between 9 and 15 lb. with no difference between the males and the females. A small and alert dog, the outline is well balanced with the body slightly longer than its height. The coat is a double with the outer coat being silky and smooth. The colors of the coat can be sable, gold, black and tan, black, red, liver, or mixtures of these colors.

Care: Daily, yet small amounts of exercise are needed for this dog to keep it occupied and in shape. A short walk and some games should suffice. It should live inside with some socializing. The coat needs to be brushed and combed twice a week.

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