Tibetan Spaniel
AssertiveHappyIntelligent
Tibet (China) · 15–16 years
About the Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is an ancient breed that served as a watchdog and companion in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries for over 2,000 years. Despite the name, they are not true spaniels — European visitors named them for their resemblance to toy spaniels. 'Tibbies' sat atop monastery walls scanning the landscape and alerting monks to approaching visitors or predators. They are small, assertive, and remarkably intelligent dogs with a lion-like mane and an expression of deep wisdom. Tibetan Spaniels are independent yet deeply bonded to their families, combining watchdog alertness with affectionate companionship.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–10 in
- Weight
- 9–15 lbs
- Lifespan
- 15–16 years
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Coat
- Silky double coat, moderate length, with mane
- Origin
- Tibet (China)
Coat colors
- Gold
- Red
- White
- Cream
- Black
- Sable
- Parti-color
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–0.75 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cherry eye
- Portosystemic shunt
- Allergies
Not every Tibetan Spaniel will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Tibetan Spaniels eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- No, Tibetan Spaniels are not true spaniels. They have no relation to sporting spaniel breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Springer Spaniels. The name was given by British travelers who thought they resembled European toy spaniels like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In Tibet, they were called 'Simkhyi,' meaning 'room dog' or 'bedroom dog.' They are an ancient Asian breed more closely related to other Tibetan dogs like the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Terrier, and Pekingese. The AKC classifies them in the Non-Sporting group, not the Sporting group where true spaniels belong.
- Tibetan Spaniels are excellent apartment dogs. Their small size (9-15 pounds), moderate exercise needs (20-30 minutes daily), and relatively calm indoor temperament make them ideal for apartment living. They enjoy sitting in elevated positions — windowsills, couch backs, high beds — to survey their surroundings, continuing their ancient monastery lookout tradition. They are not excessive barkers but will alert you to visitors. Their main requirement is companionship — they bond deeply with their owners and do not do well left alone for extended periods.
- Tibetan Spaniels and Pekingese share Tibetan/Chinese ancestry but differ in several ways. Tibbies are more athletic and active with a longer muzzle and fewer breathing issues than the brachycephalic Pekingese. Tibetan Spaniels are easier to train and generally more eager to please, while Pekingese are more independent and regal. Tibbies are lighter (9-15 lbs vs 7-14 lbs) and more agile. Pekingese require more grooming due to their heavier coat. Tibetan Spaniels tend to be friendlier with strangers and other dogs, while Pekingese are more reserved and territorial.
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