Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniel

Breed: Tibetan Spaniel
Temperament: independent, alert, reserved with strangers
Cost: from $400
Lifespan: 15 years
Dumpage rate: medium
Maintenance: medium
Recommended for: families

Appearance

Tibetan Spaniels are similar in size to the Maltese or the Shih Tzu. They stand at around 10 inches (25 cm) tall and weigh 9 to 15 lb (4 to 7 kg). The coat is silky in texture and comes in many shades, including gold, cream, fawn, red, white, black and black and tan (any colour or blend of colours are allowed). The oval eyes are expressive and dark brown in colour, the nose is black. The tail of the Tibetan Spaniel is plumed and curls over his back. An unusual feature of this breed is the small hare feet with feathering between the toes.

Temperament

Tibetan Spaniels remain puppy-like throughout their lives and enjoy playing, but are not as keen to be with their owner as say, a fox terrier or a schnauzer. They make a good family dog and are trustworthy with children. Although not a yappy dog they will bark at intruders and strange happenings.

Health and lifespan

Tibetan Spaniels are claimed to have a hardy constitution, in the past having survived the Himalayan conditions. They sometimes have problems with allergies and inhaling grass seeds in spring and summer. Their short faces can make them prone to respiratory problems and overheating in hot weather.

Feeding

Breeders describe Tibetan Spaniels as cheap to feed and not fussy. On average, they cost around $8 per week to feed.

Breeding and cost

The average litter size for this breed is four puppies, with few problems reported with whelping. Puppies cost from around $400 for pets and from $600 for show quality dogs. There may be a waiting list for puppies.

Housepet Potential

Tibetan Spaniels are suitable as house dogs and do not require a large amount of space for exercise. They are happy in the company of both older people and families with children.

Space and exercise

Tibetans do not require large amounts of exercise but enjoy daily games and walks. When taken for a walk, they are best kept on leash unless in a fenced off area, safe from passing traffic.

Grooming

The coat requires relatively little grooming and sheds dirt effectively. A weekly brush is adequate. Tibetans do not have a 'doggy' smell when wet and bathing is recommended every two to three weeks. Gently remove any built up mucus from the eye area.

History

Breeders claim that Tibetan Spaniels are the descendants of dogs which were kept by the Tibetan Llamas for hundreds of years and that they may be the ancestors of the Pekingese. There are stories that local dogs acted as watchdogs to alert the monks to approaching travellers and that they were supposedly used as 'hot water bottles' through the cold Himalayan winters. From these variable local dogs a breed was created in England sometime after the 1920's.

Trainability

Tibetans are difficult to train and may not be suitable for someone who expects instant and complete obedience from their pet. One breeder says 'If a Tibetan Spaniel does what you want it to do then it is a happy coincidence!' This may merely indicate that the breeders need to use better training techniques.

Further Information:

NSW
Our story was filmed in NSW with Joy Parker
Phone: (02) 4421 4237
Asian Breeds Dog Club of NSW
President - John Jones
Phone: (02) 9605 6311

QLD
The Canine Control Council
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

VIC
Tibetan Spaniel Association of Victoria Inc.
Secretary - Narelle Simpson
Phone: (03) 9311 9953
Fax: (03) 9311 9954

SA
Breeder - Pam Talbot
Phone: (08) 8527 2141

WA
Aristic Kennels
16 Battersea Rd
Canning Vale WA 6155
Phone: (08) 9455 1390
People in other states should contact their Canine Association.

Copyright 2000 CTC Productions