Tibetan Spaniel

A quick history lesson!

The Tibetan spaniel is part of the Tibetan breed family which have been around since 639 AD, before this date is unclear as to when the breed originated.

The Tibetan spaniel is from Tibet, hence Tibetan spaniel. Other breeds that are also form the Tibetan breed is the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan terrier and the Tibetan Mastiff. The Tibetan breeds were often pets of Buddhist monks and the Dalai Lama himself owned a Tibetan spaniel.

Although the breed has been around for centuries, it wasn’t until the early 1950’s that the breed became known to the USA and became a show breed there after in Britain and other countries. Although the Tibetan spaniel is a small breed and would normally be a breed that should be kept indoors at night or in cold weather, they have lots of energy. They are part of the utility group in the show grounds.

Many Tibetan spaniel are various colours of gold and cream but red can be incorporated into the coat colour too. There are also black, white, silver/grey colours that can be seen on Tibetan spaniels.

Quite often their noses will be black and the fur around them can be black or white or different shades of cream. Their tail is high on the buttocks and curled round onto their back. Their heads should be small but a solid structure to it and their snouts should be short but with their jaw line in a way that neither bottom or top jaw line protrudes over the other. Their eyes should be big and round and slightly more out from the sockets than some other breeds.

A Tibetan spaniel is a small breed but they are not a toy breed, they have been put as a utility breed. This is turn means that they have a lot of energy, even just as much as a larger dog would have. The Tibetan spaniel, especially the bitch, is a very independent dog who is quite happy doing things by themselves at their own pace. Although they will be obedient, their independence may shine through and won’t necessarily enjoy being picked up and carried all the time. In relation to grooming, Tibetan spaniels usually have long coats which would need grooming on the regular basis to avoid matting and skin irritations. Also because they usually have a light coloured coat this can mean that they look dirty much quicker than a dark coloured dog. If you have time for play, walks and regular grooming then the Tibetan spaniel may be the breed for you.


Tibetan spaniels have long coats that need quite a lot of attention regularly. If their coats become matted and knotted, it can be very painful for the dog to try and detangle them and if left untreated then the dog can be in a lot of pain and their skin can become very irritated. Although trimming the coat is usually not needed, hairs that are under the pads of the paw can become long and matted easily and it is best to trim these hairs. In a breed such as this, it is helpful and almost essential that you train your dog to stand firm on a non slip grooming table so they can be groomed easily whenever it is necessary. When grooming your dog, bathing them is not always essential but if bathing is required always use appropriate shampoo’s to avoid skin irritations.


The Tibetan spaniel is a very alert, active and happy dog. The Tibetan spaniel is naturally aware of strangers and will often give a bark of awareness, this does not mean they are extremely anxious barking dogs, but they will be aware of strangers.

The Tibetan spaniel is an affectionate dog but it will often be on their terms and will be the one who comes forward for the affection rather than waiting for you to come to them, that’s why they are often seen as very independent, as things will often be on their terms. They will however always look up their owners and although they can be trained to be obedient, obedience would not be their strong point.



Good solid bodies, not too fat and not thin as this could indicate worms or incorrect feeding or both. There coats will often appear shorter as it will not grow until later. They should look overall clean and be in good condition. Where they have been kept should also be clean. A bright clean and happy puppy with a wagging tail is best but don’t necessarily dismiss the pup that shy away as he may just be an observer.

On the side of caution – acquire your puppy from someone who is close by with a good reputation. It is always a good idea to view both parents and their registered papers. Inquire about their vaccinations and worming tablets but also get your own vet to look at the puppy once you have brought it home.



A Tibetan Spaniel's head is small considering the size of their bodies, it is held high with a short snout and their eyes should be oval and dark in colour with black rims. Tibetan spaniels usually grow to about 5-7 kgs. Their body should be long and have a level back. They are strong dogs that will often have a spring in there step and lots of energy right through their adult years. In general, it would be considered that 12 to 15 years is a good life expectancy for Tibetan spaniel. Dogs, in general, are considered adults when the reach about three years of age.

• Progressive Renal Atrophy (eyes)
• Tearing (eyes)
• Enlarged harderian glands (eyes)
• Blue flash (eyes)
• Patellar Luxation (knee)
• Hip Dysplsia (hips)
• Elbow Dysplsia (Elbow)

All of these conditions are usually tested and diagnosed before the Tibetan Spaniel is a year old.