TIBETAN SPANIEL Breed Standards
The Tibetan Spaniel hails from high in the Himalayas, where it has been bred by Lamaist monks for centuries. Buddhists believe that Buddha tamed lions and taught them to follow him, and the Tibetan Spaniel, with its habit of following monks here and there, became known as the Little Lion Dog. Ancient Tibetans treasured these animals, which were often given as gifts to the palaces of China and elsewhere. Though primarily kept as a companion, the Tibetan Spaniel was also a great watch dog; perched atop the monastery walls, this eagle eyed dog would peer far into the night and alert the monks of approaching strangers and wild animals. The monks also put the little dogs to work in treadmills which would spin their prayer wheels.
An Indian by the name of Dr. Grieg, who also played an integral part in spreading the Tibetan Terrier beyond Tibet, is credited with beginning the first effort to breed the Tibetan Spaniel in England during the 1920s. Most of these dogs were lost during World War II, however, and renewed importation from Tibet was necessary to repopulate the breed. The Tibetan Spaniel first arrived in the United States in 1965, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1984.
SKILLS: Should be small, active and alert. The outline should give a well balanced appearance, slightly longer in body than the height at withers. Fault Coarseness of type.
SIZE: Size Height about 10 inches. Body slightly longer from the point of shoulder to root of tail than the height at withers. Weight 9-15 pounds being ideal.
COAT: Double coat, silky in texture, smooth on face and front of legs, of moderate length on body, but lying rather flat. Ears and back of forelegs nicely feathered, tail and buttocks well furnished with longer hair. Neck covered with a mane or "shawl" of longer hair which is more pronounced in dogs than bitches. Feathering between toes often extending beyond the feet. Should not be over-coated and bitches tend to carry less coat and mane than dogs.
Presentation--In the show ring it is essential the Tibetan Spaniel be presented in an unaltered condition with the coat lying naturally with no teasing, parting or stylizing of the hair. Specimens where the coat has been altered by trimming, clipping, or by artificial means shall be so severely penalized as to be effectively eliminated from competition. Dogs with such a long coat that there is no rectangle of daylight showing beneath, or so profuse that it obstructs the natural outline, are to be severely penalized. Whiskers are not to be removed. Hair growing between the pads on the underside of the feet may be trimmed for safety and cleanliness.
All colors, and mixtures of colors allowed. Feet--White markings allowed.
CARE REQUIRED: Once a year their coat comes out in clumps. Regular brushing is needed. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Gay and assertive, highly intelligent, aloof with strangers. Fault--Nervousness.
EXERCISE: The Tibetan Spaniel requires moderate exercise. They will enjoy a nice long walk or a rump in the yard.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Tibetan Spaniel is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: This breed is a fine family companion, very independent and a good watchdog. It can move fairly quickly on its small, neat hare- feet, usually getting along with other animals. These dogs can be slightly difficult to train.
