Tibetan Spaniel breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Tibetan Spaniels
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Tibetan Spaniel breed
Tibetan Spaniels, also known as Tibbies, are an ancient and charming breed that originated in Tibet. Despite their name, they are not actually spaniels but are classified as a separate breed. They were highly regarded in Tibetan monasteries and served as companions and watchdogs, which can mean they enjoy a good bark.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Tibetan Spaniels are small-sized dogs with a sturdy build. On average, they are between 25-28cm in height and weigh between 4.5-7.3kg.
They have a life expectancy of around 12-15 years.
What is the temperament of a Tibetan Spaniel like?
Tibetan Spaniels have a delightful temperament that is often described as affectionate, intelligent, and independent. They form strong bonds with their families and enjoy spending time with their loved ones. While they are generally friendly, they can be reserved or aloof with strangers. Early socialisation is crucial to help them feel more comfortable and confident in various social situations.
These little dogs have a calm and observant nature, making them excellent watchdogs. They will alert their owners to any unusual sounds or visitors. Tibetan Spaniels are known for their intelligence, which can sometimes translate into stubbornness.
Our Tibetan Spaniel Community
“Kody loves a lie in of a morning, and to snuggle up next to you on the sofa or nearby. He enjoys going for walks and likes to start each walk with a good sniff before he gets going.”
Kody’s owner, Jordan from Tyne and Wear
“Luna is a very cute, friendly and a playful companion dog. She is really good with kids. She loves to walk. She loves food, especially cheese and chicken.”
Luna’s owner, Claudia from London
How much exercise does a Tibetan Spaniel need?
Tibetan Spaniels have moderate exercise needs and generally require around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. They enjoy daily walks, play sessions, and mentally stimulating activities. Despite their small size, they have a moderate energy level and appreciate opportunities to explore and sniff their surroundings.
When it comes to Tibetan Spaniel puppies, their exercise needs are slightly different. It's important to avoid excessive exercise that could strain their developing bodies. Short and controlled play sessions in a safe and secure environment are suitable for puppies. As they grow, the exercise duration can gradually increase and full adult exercise levels can generally be reached around 12 to 18 months of age.
Your vet can advise on the individual exercise needs for your Tibbie.
Need an extra hand exercising your Tibetan Spaniel? Find a local borrower today.
Do Tibetan Spaniels need a lot of grooming?
Tibetan Spaniels have a beautiful double coat that consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, silky outer coat. Their coat comes in various colours, including shades of gold, cream, red, and sable. While they are not heavy shedders, their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
Tibetan Spaniels should be brushed at least once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Pay special attention to areas such as behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail. Regular brushing helps maintain the coat's natural oils and keeps it looking neat and tidy. Additionally, they may require occasional baths to keep them clean and fresh. A professional groomer can also help you keep your Tibetan Spaniel looking their best.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Tibetan Spaniels easy to train?
Tibetan Spaniels are intelligent dogs and are generally eager to please their owners, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they can also exhibit independent and strong-willed behaviours at times. Consistent and positive training methods work best with this breed.
Keep the training sessions interesting and varied to prevent boredom. Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and rewards are effective in motivating them during training sessions. Early socialisation is important to expose them to different people, animals, and environments, helping them develop into well-rounded and confident dogs.
It's worth noting that individual Tibetan Spaniels may have their own unique personality traits and may require additional patience and tailored training approaches.
Want to experience spending time with a Tibetan Spaniel to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Tibbie near you.
What do Tibetan Spaniels eat?
To keep your Tibetan Spaniel healthy and well-nourished, it's important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet twice daily. High-quality small breed dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended. It's best to consult with your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations based on your Tibetan Spaniel's needs.
For Tibetan Spaniel puppies, it's important to feed them a specially formulated puppy food that supports a small dog’s growth and development, 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old, when you can reduce it to twice daily. It's crucial to provide them with appropriate puppy food until they reach around 10-12 months of age. Your veterinarian can guide you on the transition to adult dog food and the appropriate timing for your specific puppy.
Are Tibetan Spaniels healthy?
Tibetan Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some health concerns that can affect Tibetan Spaniels include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Eyes
Distichiasis - when extra hairs grow on the inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Body weight
Obesity - Abnormal or excessive fat accumulation leading to secondary health concerns
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Tibetan Spaniel is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Tibetan Spaniels are intelligent, independent, and affectionate dogs, but they can also be reserved with strangers. Start socialising your puppy early to expose them to a variety of people, environments, and other animals. Use positive reinforcement, like treats, praise, and play, to encourage good behaviour and build their confidence. This foundation will help them grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
