Breed profile

Tibetan Spaniel

Sentinel of Tibetan monasteries. Cheerful, independent character. Loves to keep watch from a height. Excellent for flats.

Origin: Tíbet Size: Pequeño Lifespan: 12-15 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Small flats
✓Older people
✓Quiet urban families

Reconsider if

×Very young children (fragile)

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Is the Tibetan Spaniel a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Ease of handling

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

45-75 €/month

Food 15-22 €, prorated vet costs (vaccinations, deworming, check-up, dental) 12-22 €, grooming/brushing and supplies 6-12 €, insurance and unexpected costs 6-12 €, accessories 4-8 €.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Tibet. Sentinel of Tibetan monasteries.

Temperament and character

Intelligent, loyal and balanced when well socialised and trained. Needs daily mental stimulation. Responds best to positive reinforcement. Physical punishment creates fear and reactivity.

Living together

Children: with older, careful ones (fragile). **Other dogs:** fine with those of its size. **Cats:** usually gets along.

Life stages of the Tibetan Spaniel

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-15 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Socialisation; eye protection and gentle training of this alert, independent dog.

Young adult

1-3 years

Moderate exercise and play; coat care and eye check-ups.

Adult

3-9 years

Ophthalmological check-ups (PRA), weight control and patellar health.

Senior

9+ years

Eye and dental monitoring; senior diet and adapted exercise.

Care

Exercise: 30-45 min/day.

Grooming: according to coat.

**Dental hygiene is critical.

Vet: annual check-up + watch for patellar luxation.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality small-breed food in 2 meals, with a kibble suited to its small mouth and portion control: it is a comfort-lover and gains weight easily. Watch treats and scraps to protect the patellae and breathing.

✂️ Grooming

Semi-long, silky coat of moderate upkeep: brush 2-3 times a week, a little more during moults, paying attention to the feathering on the ears, tail and trousers. Clean the eyes and facial folds and check the teeth frequently.

🎓 Training

Clever, watchful and independent, with a cat-like streak: it does things if it feels like it. Learns with positive reinforcement and short, fun sessions. It loves to keep watch from up high; it is worth working on controlling the alert bark from puppyhood.

🏃 Exercise

30-45 min daily between short walks and play at home. It has low physical demands: it is a companion dog perfect for a flat and for older people, happy to watch the window and keep company.

Breed-specific health

Conditions common to the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 12-15 years with proper care. Annual vet check + blood work from 5 years of age.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina 🦿Luxación de rótula 🍒Prolapso de la glándula del tercer párpado (cherry eye)

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Tibetan Spaniel

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Ophthalmological exam (progressive retinal atrophy; a PRA3 genetic test exists)
✓Radiograph of the patellae (luxation)
✓Respiratory assessment (it is mildly brachycephalic, with slightly short airways)
✓Cardiac auscultation and dental check

Prevention

Rigorous dental hygiene (small, crowded mouth). Weight control to avoid overloading the patellae and airways. Eye care (slightly prominent eyes) and cleaning of facial folds. Avoid heat and intense exertion in summer.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with ophthalmological and dental monitoring; blood work from 6-7 years of age. One-off PRA genetic test if appropriate.

Warning signs

!Bumping into objects or progressive night blindness (retinal atrophy)
!Intermittent lameness with skipping on a hind leg (patellar luxation)
!Snoring, choking or exercise and heat intolerance
!Bad breath and tartar (dental disease)

Tibetan Spaniel gallery

Foto de la raza tibetan spaniel — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Tibetan Spaniel

How long does a Tibetan Spaniel live?

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The life expectancy of the Tibetan Spaniel is 12-15 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Tibetan Spaniel weigh?

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An adult Tibetan Spaniel weighs between 4-7 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.

Where does the Tibetan Spaniel breed come from?

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The Tibetan Spaniel originates from Tíbet. Recognised by the FCI. Originating in Tibet. Sentinel of Tibetan monasteries.

How much exercise does a Tibetan Spaniel need?

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The Tibetan Spaniel has media energy. **Exercise:** 30-45 min/day.

Is the Tibetan Spaniel good with children?

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**Children:** with older, careful ones (fragile). **Other dogs:** fine with those of its size. **Cats:** usually gets along.

Who is the Tibetan Spaniel NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Very young children (fragile). It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Tibetan Spaniel have?

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Conditions common to the breed according to its FCI group. Life expectancy 12-15 years with proper care. Annual vet check + blood work from 5 years of age.

Is it really a spaniel?

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No, the name is misleading. It is not a spaniel-type gundog but a small companion and sentinel dog bred in Tibetan monasteries. The 'spaniel' part is about the appearance, not the function.

Is it good for a flat?

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It is ideal for a flat: small, quiet, with low exercise demands and very attached to its people. It loves to keep watch from the window or the back of the sofa. Also a good choice for older people.

Does it have breathing problems like a bulldog?

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Not so much. It is slightly brachycephalic, with a somewhat short muzzle, but far less than a bulldog or a pug. Even so, it is best to avoid excess weight, extreme heat and intense exercise in summer.

Does it bark a lot?

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It has a sentinel instinct and warns of what it sees from its lookout, but it is not a compulsive barker. With bark training from puppyhood and without reinforcing the alarms, it is a reasonably quiet dog in a flat.

Does it get along with children and other animals?

▾

It usually gets on well with other dogs and cats. With children it does better if they are respectful and a bit older, because it is small and delicate; it is worth supervising play so it does not get overwhelmed.