General Description

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The Tibetan Spaniel is a fluffy dog with a small square head and short square muzzle. The faces, which resemble the faces of Pekingese, are dominated by their large brown eyes and their medium-sized, “V” shaped ears which are folded over against their heads. Although they are small, their chests are surprisingly broad.  However, they do have short legs with round feet at the end. Their tail feathers out like a puff ball and sits on their back. The Tibetan Spaniel’s fur is made up of long straight hairs all over their body, but the hairs are thin on their back legs. The breed has extra fur around its head and neck. Their coat can come in any variety of colors, and they can be solid or multi-colored.

Character

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The Tibetan Spaniel is a happy, lively dog. They love being around their family, especially children, and will be very protective over them. They will usually not bark unless they feel threatened or feel their family is threatened. The breed does not like strangers and will usually be reserved with them. However, they are very fun and friendly around people with whom they are familiar. They get along with small animals and dogs they are accustomed to.

General Health

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Tibetan Spaniels are a fairly healthy breed, although one minor heath issue is patellar lucation.  Also seen on occasion in the breed is PRA (progressive retinal atrophy).  The Tibetan Spaniel has a life span of 12 to 15 years.

History

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As the name suggests, the Tibetan Spaniel originated in Tibet, although the exact date of its origins is not known.  Some Chinese artwork from the 12th century BC depicts what appear to be Tibetan Spaniels on them so they may be very old.  Tibetan Spaniels most likely have the same ancestors as other popular Asian dogs, including the Pekingese and the Pug.  Given frequently as gifts to nobility, the Tibetan Spaniel was able to spread throughout Asia quickly and became a favorite addition to Tibetan monasteries where they stood guard on the walls to alert people inside to intruders.  In the 19th century, Tibetan Spaniels arrived in England for the first time, but they were not officially recognized in the United States as a breed until 1984.

Maintenance

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Tibetan Spaniels need to be brushed two times a week to keep their shedding down. At one point in the year, they will lose lots of hair during that time need lots of brushing. Baths are not required unless they get very dirty. The breed needs little exercise but should have some exercise once a day at least. However, their exercise needs can be met by playing a game or a running in the yard. Tibetan Spaniels also enjoy walks on leashes with their families.

Ideal Environment

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The Tibetan Spaniel wants to spend time with his family. They do very well with children and like to play with them. They are good companions for older people, because they require only small amounts of exercise which can be released by playing games in the house. They are wary of strangers but are not aggressive. The breed gets along fine with dogs they are familiar with and with small animals. The dog does well in an apartment because a yard is not needed. They do not need training but are intelligent and take well to it. They are also good for people who want a fluffy dog without lots of grooming.

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