by Alexa Steele

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

In his home country the Tibetan Spaniel was long prized not only as a pet and companion, but a watch dog. Additionally, according to Animal Planet's dog breed director, the Tibetan spaniel was revered as symbolic of the sacred lion said to follow Buddha around like a dog earning him the nickname lion dog.

-History

Pictured in Eastern artwork dating back as far as 1100 BC, the little lion dogs served as companions and watch dogs in the monasteries of Tibet. A highly prized animal, they made popular gifts to send to the palaces of China. In return the Chinese gave dogs of their own to the monks of Tibet; it is likely that the Tibetan Spaniel shares its lineage with other Oriental dogs such as the Havanese Chin and Pekingese.

While the lion dogs were bred by all classes of Tibetan citizen, the finest quality dogs (and often the smallest) could be found at the Buddhist monasteries. There they served as prayer and watch dogs. It is said that they sat upon the monastery walls and alerted whenever strangers approached.

While Tibetan Spaniels were imported to England in the 1800s, no Tibbies (as they are affectionately known) would be recorded in the United States until the 1960s. In 1971 the Tibetan Spaniel Club of American (TSCA) was formed, and in 1984 the little lions gained recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

-Temperament

True to their heritage as a watch dog, Tibbies will alert to strangers and danger by barking vigorously. However, according to the TSCA, these dogs do not bark unnecessarily. This might be because the Tibetan Spaniel is not a nervous nor hyperactive breed. Rather, they are described in the AKC breed standard as having a gay and assertive temperament. While they are aloof around strangers they are not aggressive and can be very loving and affectionate with their families, making them fine lap dogs.

-Size

Somewhat longer than tall the Tibetan Spaniel stands about ten inches at the withers. Both males and females weigh in at about nine to fifteen pounds.

-Maintenance

The Tibetan Spaniel has a soft, silky double coat that is longer on the ears, legs, feet, tail and neck. Brushing is required twice per week, and regular trips to the groomer will keep the Tibby looking his best.

Tibbies do not require vigorous exercise, but should be taken for a short walk or be engaged in long play session daily. And while these little dogs are not known to have any major health concerns generally aging quite well annual trips to the veterinarian are an essential part of keeping them healthy.

In conclusion, the Tibetan Spaniel is an ancient and revered breed. These little lions make excellent city dogs because they are compact, require little exercise, and only bark to alert. These canines lovable little are happy playful companions who show affectionate to their families, but aloof with strangers.

Learn more about this author, Alexa Steele.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.