Tibetan Spaniel
Known in French as Épagneul Tibétain
- Height at the withers
- 24 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 4 to 7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Tibet
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- few red flags: it adapts to many households
Overview
A small, compact companion breed with a silky double coat and a lion-like mane framing the face, known as a “little lion.” Originally bred by Buddhist monks as a watchdog and monastery companion.
History and origins
An ancient breed prized in Tibetan monasteries for more than 2,000 years, developed by Buddhist monks as a companion and as a watchdog on the monastery walls. Often given as a precious gift to royalty and dignitaries.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Portosystemic shunt
- Skin allergies
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Tibetan Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Tibetan Spaniel get?
The Tibetan Spaniel stands 24 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 4 to 7 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Tibetan Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Tibetan Spaniel live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Tibetan Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Tibetan Spaniel good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Tibetan Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are progressive retinal atrophy and patellar luxation.
