Tibetan Spaniel

Alert and independent-minded

Despite its name, the Tibetan Spaniel does not belong to the working spaniel breeds. It is classified as a companion dog. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, or FCI, the international federation of kennel clubs, describes alertness, independence and attachment to familiar people in its standard, with some reserve towards strangers. An individual may respond differently to visitors depending on its experiences and learning.

A good first meeting allows the dog to approach voluntarily. Picking it up immediately tells you little about how comfortable it feels with someone new. When visiting a breeder or foster home, it helps to watch the dog moving around and resting as well as greeting people.

Tibetan Spaniels have been described as attentive companions and watchdogs. In a modern home, that attention may focus on hallway noises or people beyond a window. If a dog often barks there, a quieter resting place and rewards for relaxed behaviour can help. A lookout spot needs protection against falls. A small dog should not sit on an unsecured windowsill.

Everyday life

Walks give a Tibetan Spaniel opportunities to sniff, discover its surroundings and spend time with familiar people. The Royal Kennel Club, the British kennel club, gives up to an hour of daily exercise as broad guidance. The length and intensity of an outing should reflect the dog’s age, health and fitness.

For training, find a reward your Tibbie values. This might be food, a toy or a shared game. A new cue can first be learned quietly at home, then practised in other places before stronger distractions are added. Clear tasks and worthwhile rewards help the dog enjoy taking part.

Recall should be developed reliably. A long training lead allows more exploration on walks without leaving the dog unsecured. Children should not disturb it when eating or sleeping, or pick it up against its wishes. Adults should supervise their encounters. Time alone also needs gradual practice rather than assumptions based on the breed description.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Day-to-day care

The silky outer coat lies over a fine, dense undercoat, the shorter layer beneath the visible outer hair. The longer hair around the ears, legs and tail is called feathering. This simply means fringes of hair rather than a separate type of coat.

When brushing, pay particular attention to small knots behind the ears and in the longer hair. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing helps remove loose undercoat. The Royal Kennel Club lists grooming at more than once a week. A tightly matted patch should be removed by someone experienced. Cutting with scissors close to the skin risks injury because skin can be drawn up into the mat.

Grooming is also an opportunity to check nails, ears and teeth. A toothbrush and dog toothpaste can be introduced gradually. Pain when chewing or a red patch of skin needs an examination even if the dog stands quietly during grooming.