Tibetan Spaniel
The monastery's little lion — a lap-sized lookout with a cat's soul.
Vital stats
| Size | Small · ~25 cm |
| Weight | 4–7 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — short walks + play |
| Shedding | Moderate, seasonal |
| Coat | Silky double coat · all colours, gold common |
| Group | Non-Sporting · FCI №231 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred as a watchful companion in Himalayan monasteries — sounding the alert from the walls while the mastiffs handled enforcement — the Tibbie is observant, self-possessed and devoted without being needy. Expect a dog that chooses the highest cushion in the room, keeps an eye on the street, and dispenses affection on its own generous schedule.
Habits & quirks
Seeks high ground
Sofa backs and windowsills are official observation posts; altitude is comfort.
Cat mode
Washes its paws, ignores commands it finds beneath it, and naps in sunbeams.
The announcement
Visitors are declared from the perch — then personally vetted at the door.
Velcro, but dignified
Follows you room to room, then settles nearby rather than on you — mostly.
Care
| Exercise | A couple of short walks plus indoor play covers it — this is a companion, not an athlete. |
| Grooming | Brush the silky coat weekly, a little more when the seasonal shed arrives. |
| Company | Bred to live among monks, it does poorly left alone for long days. |
| Training | Keep sessions short, warm and rewarding — Tibbies cooperate, they don't obey. |
Common questions
Is the Tibetan Spaniel actually a spaniel?
No — it has no hunting-spaniel ancestry; European visitors simply named it after the toy spaniels it resembled. It's an ancient companion and watchdog breed.
Are Tibetan Spaniels good apartment dogs?
Excellent, provided they get company and a daily outing. A window perch to supervise the street from is the main requirement.
Do Tibetan Spaniels bark a lot?
They're alert barkers — announcing arrivals is their ancestral job — but not mindlessly noisy. They quieten once the household has been informed.