Tibetan Spaniel
General
This breed originated in the Hiyalayan mountains of Tiber over 200 years. They were bred by Buddist monks and there is a lovely ledgend that they were trained to turn the prayer wheels in the monasteries. Nobody knows if this is true, but they were known to be companions to the monks and highly valued as watchdogs, warning of people approaching and their favourite place to keep guard, was high on the monestory wall. . . It is said that they were never sold, rather they were gives as treasured gifts to esteemed friends.
Although the breed arrived in the UK around 1899, very little breeding occurred until after World War ii. The breed arrived in the Uk as late as 1966 and the AKC recognized the breed in 1984 as non-sporting. They are not actually Spaniels, however at the time they became known in Europe they were referred to as Spaniels, simply because people at that time, tended to call any small long-haired lap dog a Spaniel. They were given the nickname Tibbie.
This breed originated in the Hiyalayan mountains of Tiber over 200 years. They were bred by Buddist monks and there is a lovely ledgend that they were trained to turn the prayer wheels in the monasteries. Nobody knows if this is true, but they were known to be companions to the monks and highly valued as watchdogs, warning of people approaching and their favourite place to keep guard, was high on the monestory wall. . . It is said that they were never sold, rather they were gives as treasured gifts to esteemed friends.
Although the breed arrived in the UK around 1899, very little breeding occurred until after World War ii. The breed arrived in the Uk as late as 1966 and the AKC recognized the breed in 1984 as non-sporting. They are not actually Spaniels, however at the time they became known in Europe they were referred to as Spaniels, simply because people at that time, tended to call any small long-haired lap dog a Spaniel. They were given the nickname Tibbie.
Is this the right dog for you?
This little dog can make a wonderful addition to the family, but what is very important is early socialization at puppy school and continued socialization, or he may be wary and snappy towards strangers, due to what he was bred for. He does make a wonderful watchdog, and will try to find the highest place to sit and look out the window or at the gate - a veritable little monkey when it comes to climbing skills.
They are known to bark, so a good idea is to teach Bark & Shush while still a pup and keep the exercise in place which will help to prevent excessive barking. This is a busy little dog and will not take well to be left alone for long periods, or left outside. In a case such as this excessive barking and destructive behaviour could well develop.
He does need a daily walk and is not hard to train, however, he is very independent, so use positive reinforcement methods and rather have several short training sessions during the day. If you get into a situation of conflict, you may come off second best!
Another thing to be careful about, is that this little one can become very dependent on his family, so teach Alone Time Training, right from being a pup, and keep the practice in place - if you dont Separation Anxiety may develop.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
On average the Tibbie does well with thee same breed, but important you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
On average the Tibbie does well with thee same breed, but important you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
On average they do get on well with other dogs, however never leave this up to chance. Do all you can to go to Puppy Socializing and continue the socializing. This is what makes a major difference and will put in place a solid social foundation.
On average they do get on well with other dogs, however never leave this up to chance. Do all you can to go to Puppy Socializing and continue the socializing. This is what makes a major difference and will put in place a solid social foundation.
Do they get on with other animals?
They tend to be good with other animals, however it is always a good idea to introduce them as pups.
They tend to be good with other animals, however it is always a good idea to introduce them as pups.
Are they good with children?
They tend to be very affectionate and also protective of children. However this is a small breed dog and small children are not always the best companion as this dog can be hurt easily. All dogs should be socialized to children when they are pups - children of different ages and sizes. It is also important that parents teach their children the correct way of approaching dogs and interacting with them, and to treat the dog with respect. .
They tend to be very affectionate and also protective of children. However this is a small breed dog and small children are not always the best companion as this dog can be hurt easily. All dogs should be socialized to children when they are pups - children of different ages and sizes. It is also important that parents teach their children the correct way of approaching dogs and interacting with them, and to treat the dog with respect. .
Health
This breed tends to be healthy but there are some genetic problems they may be prone to such as patellar luxation, deafness and epilepsy. There are a few eye conditions which may present such as PRA (progressive retianl atrophy), entropion and retinal dysplasia.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
This breed tends to be healthy but there are some genetic problems they may be prone to such as patellar luxation, deafness and epilepsy. There are a few eye conditions which may present such as PRA (progressive retianl atrophy), entropion and retinal dysplasia.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interaction especially as this breed can be wary and is a protective breed.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop