Tibetan Spaniel

The Lamaist form of Buddhism holds the lion in the highest regard and in turn the little lion-like dogs they kept in their monasteries. The dogs sat on the monastery walls, looking out for strangers or wolves. They were also prayer dogs, turning prayer wheels. 

The first Tibetan Spaniel dog came to England in the late 1800s but was largely unknown worldwide until the early 20th century. They came to America in the 1960s. 

Vigilant watchdogs, the Tibetan Spaniel understands the assignment, always alerting and watching. Even with good socialization and training, they can still retain these instincts. Ideal owners will understand that this is ingrained in them and will be able to teach them basic manners. Owners will need to be engaging, understanding of high grooming needs, and be home most of the time as they can suffer from separation anxiety.

Physical activity, puzzle solving, clicker training, and more enrichment will tire the Tibetan Spaniel breed. They are expert diggers, so you’ll want a completely dog-proofed, fenced-in yard.

These small dogs do fine in small spaces, but owners will need to consider how close their neighbors are as they do bark to alert. Tibetan Spaniels might be stressed by constant noise, so city life might not be enjoyable for owners, dogs, or neighbors.

Tibetan Spaniel dogs have a double coat with a dense undercoat and a longer, silky topcoat. Brushing and combing through the coat frequently will help with tangles and mats. Pay attention to the feathering in particular.

These pint-sized pups love training and spending time with their owners for a one-two punch. Positive reinforcement is best for Tibetan Spaniels. They’ll excel at tracking, agility, and more.

Sweet and loving, the gentle Tibetan Spaniel can make an excellent family pet for families who are willing to tolerate potentially excessive barking and who are home most of the time. Small children should be taught boundaries with these tiny dogs.

The cost of a Tibetan Spaniel from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.