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Tibetan Spaniels: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Tibetan Spaniel personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Tibetan Spaniel, including these excerpts: "With his independent nature and quick agility, the Tibetan Spaniel has been compared to a cat. Lively and playful, yet also calm and laid-back, this good-natured dog is easy to live with. He fits into an apartment or an estate with equal contentment. All he asks for in the way of exercise are daily walks and occasional romps in a safe enclosed area. Tibetan Spaniels are family-oriented: they love to play games with their own people, are sensitive to moods and feelings, and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are agile, sure-footed climbers (can often be found perched on the windowsill or the high back of a chair, looking out the window) and clever problem-solvers who often rely on their dexterity to get what they want. For example, they will use their paws to pry open a cabinet door. Most Tibetan Spaniels are conservative with strangers and don't like being swooped down on by people they don't know. Early socialization is important to develop a confident, outgoing temperament. Most are friendly with other animals. Though stubborn and self-reliant, the Tibetan Spaniel is also sensitive; obedience training should utilize food and praise." History The Tibetan Spaniel is misnamed, for although he hails from Tibet, he has no spaniel or hunting dog heritage. Instead, he served as a watchdog and companion in the Himalayan Mountains, lying on high monastery walls and barking to alert the true guard dog, the Tibetan Mastiff, whenever someone was approaching. Size 10 inches and 9-15 lbs

Tibetan Spaniels What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em There are energetic Tibetan Spaniels, and placid Tibetan Spaniels. Hard-headed Tibetan Spaniels, and sweet-natured Tibetan Spaniels. Serious Tibetan Spaniels, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Tibetan Spaniels, and Tibetan Spaniels who love everyone. If you acquire a Tibetan Spaniel puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed... If you want a dog who... Is small and sturdy, with a short face and large expressive eyes Has a thick coat that comes in a variety of colors Is sensible and easy to live with -- sometimes lively and playful, sometimes calm and laidback Needs only moderate exercise Makes a good watchdog but is not aggressive with people Is usually fine with other pets A Tibetan Spaniel may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and barking) when left alone too much Suspiciousness or timidity when not socialized enough Stubbornness (mind of his own) Regular brushing and combing Shedding Waiting lists (hard to find) and a high price tag A Tibetan Spaniel may not be right for you. If I were considering a Tibetan Spaniel... My major concerns would be: Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, Tibetan Spaniels need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They become anxious, which they express through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day and cannot provide a canine playmate, this is not the breed for you. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Tibetan Spaniels need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds so that their natural caution doesn't become suspiciousness or shyness, which are very difficult to live with. Tibetan Spaniel puppies are NOT suited to small children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Tibetan Spaniel puppy who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even Tibetan Spaniel adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Finally, some Tibetan Spaniels will not tolerate any nonsense and are quick to react to teasing or rough handling. Stubbornness. Tibetan Spaniels are not Golden Retrievers. They have an independent mind of their own. Many Tibetan Spaniels are stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Tibetan Spaniel to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Tibetan Spaniel Training Page discusses the program you need. Grooming. To keep their coat free of mats and tangles, Tibetan Spaniels require regular brushing and combing. Shedding. Tibetan Spaniels shed a lot. During shedding seasons you'll find hair all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, and on your countertops. Finding one and paying the price. Fewer than 500 new Tibetan Spaniels puppies are registered each year. (Compare that to over 60,000 new Golden Retriever puppies.) And many breeders are charging $1000 and up. If you're considering an adult Tibetan Spaniel... There are plenty of adult Tibetan Spaniel who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.