Tibetan Spaniel

[Troy]

The Tibetan Spaniel

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=42 )

Group: Group 1 (Toys)

General Appearance: Should be small, active and alert. The outline should give a well balanced appearance, slightly longer in body than height at withers.

Characteristics: Gay and assertive, highly intelligent, aloof with strangers.

Temperament: See Characteristics and also under Faults.

Head And Skull: Small in proportion to body and proudly carried giving an impression of quality. Masculine in dogs but free from coarseness. Skull slightly domed, moderate width and length. Stop slight but defined. Medium length of muzzle, blunt with cushioning, free from wrinkle. The chin should show some depth and width. Nose: black preferred.

Eyes: Dark brown in colour, oval in shape, bright and expressive, of medium size, set fairly well apart but forward looking, giving an ape-like expression. Eye rims black.

Ears: Medium size, pendant, well feathered in the adult and set fairly high. They may have a slight lift from the skull but should not fly. Large, heavy, low set ears are not typical.

Mouth: Ideally slightly undershot, the upper incisors fitting neatly inside and touching the lower incisors. Teeth should be evenly placed and the lower jaw wide between the canine tusks. Full dentition desired. A level mouth is permissible providing there is sufficient width and depth of chin to preserve the blunt appearance of muzzle. Teeth must not show when mouth is closed.

Neck: Moderately short, strong and well set on. Covered with a mane or 'shawl' of longer hair which is more pronounced in dogs than bitches.

Forequarters: The bones of the forelegs slightly bowed but firm at shoulder. Moderate bone. Shoulder well placed.

Body: Slightly longer from withers to root of tail than the height at withers, well ribbed with good depth, level back.

Hindquarters: Well made and strong, hocks well let down and straight when viewed from behind. Stifle well developed, showing moderate angulation.

Feet: Harefooted, small and neat with feathering between toes often extending beyond the feet. White markings allowed.

Tail: Set high, richly plumed and carried in a gay curl over back when moving. Should not be penalised for dropping tail when standing.

Gait/Movement: Quick moving, straight, free, positive.

Coat: Double coat, silky in texture, smooth on face and front of legs, of moderate length on body, but lying rather flat. Ears and back of forelegs nicely feathered, tail and buttocks well furnished with longer hair. Should not be over coated and bitches tend to carry less coat and mane than dogs.

Colour: All colours and mixture of colours allowed.

Sizes: Ideal weight: 4.1 - 6.8 kg (9-15 lbs)

Height: about 25 cms (10 ins)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Coarseness of type, mean expression Nervousness Very domed or flat, wide skull. Accentuated stop Long, plain down face without stop. Broad, flat muzzle, pointed, weak or wrinkled muzzle. Large, full eyes. Light eye Overshot mouth. Protruding tongue. Very bowed or loose front.

Straight stifle, cow hocks. Cat feet. Liver or putty coloured pigmentation.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Tibetan Spaniel

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaniel Breeders

Tibetan Spaniel Puppies For Sale

[mita]

Before I work away at answering some of those questions, a good place for general information is the Tibbies Net which is international. Good thing about Tibbies is that registered breeders & pet owners communicate internationally on a Tibetan Spaniel Global Village Mailing List.

As the breeders put a huge emphasis on health as well as conformation & temperament, there's an International Working Party that has health as the focus.

It's not surprising that purebred Tibbies tend to be healthy & hardy as well as seriously beautiful (I'm biased!).

http://www.tibbies.net/

Australian Tibetan Spaniel Clubs (Victoria & NSW) and listings of breeders with beautiful pics of their dogs are set out on the Dogzonline Tibetan Spaniel Community pages.

Edited September 16, 2009 by mita

[mita]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I'm a pet owner. We used to own working dog breeds, then shelties. I ran into Tibbies at the Brisbane Royal & was taken with the way these small dogs were not twittery....but sat & coolly looked me in the eye as if saying, 'Are you worth knowing?' Later found out, that's typically 'Tibbie Attitude'. They don't give their hearts away until they've intelligently sussed you out. If you pass, you have the most extraordinary dog for all seasons. Then they become the easiest of dogs to own, so it's not surprising that people happily find themselves owning 2...or 3...or 4 etcl

Tibbies are now our breed of choice.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

In Tibet, possibly a couple thousand years ago. To be companions of monks in the Tibetan monasteries, as well as brilliant little alert watch dogs (they have excellent hearing & eyesight). The Tibbies would sit out on the ledges of the high monasteries & bark an alert at any danger approaching. Then the Tibetan Mastiffs would lumber out to do the tough work.

Explains why even today, Tibbies are brilliant alert dogs (ours have thwarted a burglar & a car thief as well as alerting people to a lost toddler on the road). And they happily & securely sit up on high places. One Tibbie owner, working on his roof, was surprised when his Tibbie joined him.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Still fairly uncommon in Australia, but they haven't been discovered much by backyard breeders & puppy farmers. We have excellent registered breeders, tho', producing all-round excellent Tibbies.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Around 15 or 16 years. Some get to 17+ yrs.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Everyone living with a Tibbie for the first time, remarks on how unusual the temperament is. Said to be 1/3 cat (self-possessed), 1/3 dog (loyal & loving) and 1/3 monkey (highly intelligent & nimble). Each Tibbie seems to be varying combinations of those.

They do not give their hearts away without first sussing out a person. But when a Tibbie decides you're the person for him or her, you get the most devoted dog who settles in to be the closest companion you've ever had. Which makes it easy to own more than one.

They tend to be dogs for all seasons. Very clean & companionable house dogs that thrive on routine, but loving to have a play & a run in the yard.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

About 20 minutes. Care must be taken not to get Tibbies overheated by walking them in the full heat of summer. Even tho' they don't have an exaggeratedly short muzzle, Tibs still are a shorter muzzled breed. Dogs pant to get rid of body heat & the shorter-nosed breeds have to work harder at it.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Depends on the personality of the owner. Control freaks should not own Tibbies.

If the owner knows & understands Tibbies' 'ways' and gets some training/management support from experienced Tibbie owners, then should be fine.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Depends on the individual dogs.

Some of the Tibbies with a high trait of self-possession (cat-like) can be happy with their own company for long periods (my neighbour's Tibbie & my present Tibbie are like that).

Others are more monkey-like & thrive on companionship...either another dog or of a person. My former Tibbie did not like being alone. Tibbies tend to be tribal & get on well with other Tibbies. So my former Tibbie was fine when I got another Tibbie for company.

9. How much grooming is required?

The Tibbie coat is wash 'n wear, doesn't require clipping. Weekly bath & a good brushing is fine. Hair under pads needs to be trimmed.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Depends on the individual dog. Tibbies have a great record as pet therapy dogs in places like hospitals & nursing homes. Those with cat-like calm do exceptionally well at that. One of our Tibbies was selected to be a therapy dog in a children's hospital....& her sister was one in a nursing home.

On the whole, Tibbies don't tend to be over-boisterous breed....but some Tibbie boys might like zooming fun play (the monkey-like ones!).

Like all dogs, it helps if they're socialised with children from puppyhood. One of my Tibbies was raised with the breeders' infant & young grandchildren....& she was brilliant with babies & toddlers. My other Tibbie came from a breeder with no contact with children, so she tended to pefer being around adults.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Information about any hereditary problems can be read on the Tibbies Net website, where the activities/findings of the International Working Party on health are openly reported.

The breeders test for PRA & Liver Shunt. Here's info on the eye-problem PRA.

http://www.tibbies.net/eye.html

Australia rates as having no PRA affected dogs reported. Use that Table to compare with other countries.

http://www.tibbies.net/itswp/pra-cases

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

How does the breeder socialise their puppies....are they handled by people (& children, if the buyer has children) and have they been exposed to the sights & sounds of everyday life in a house & yard? Puppies socialised like this, will be less anxious & will more likely to bond well with people & with other animals (same for all breeds).

Once again, a puppy buyer can get all the necessary information to help them ask health-related questions, from the Tibbies Net site.

Here's the guide to what to ask a breeder about, especially what they test for prior to breeding.

http://www.tibbies.net/health.html

Edited September 16, 2009 by mita

[Tibbiemax71]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I am a new owner. We got our first pet Tibbie about two years ago, we were looking for a small breed of dog that would be great with kids and get along with larger dogs as I also have a GSD. I did research and came up with the Tibbie, I had never heard of them before, I spoke to Mita on here about them, then got in contact with a breeder, Judy Gard who has been in the breed for over 30 years. Soon after purchasing Tashi I decided to get another, a girl, Nima to show, soon after that another girl, Leah joined our family who my 7 year old son shows. I have now become a registered breeder and am planning on my first litter early next year.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Mita has already covered this, mine show their history when they trot along the back of our lounge, like they did on the monastery walls, surveying the going on's out our front window.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not very common.

4. What is the average lifespan?

I have been told they are long lived, up to 17 - 18 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

They are a very easy going dog, so easy to live with, hence why I have have three! They are great with the kids, get along great with my GSD and also good with other animals if brought up with them, I have Chooks, rabbits and birds who the Tibbies get along fine with.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Mine get walked a couple of times a week, they run off their pent up energy around our backyard and house, they love to play and chase each other, but will sleep a lot of the time to.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes, my Dad was looking for a dog, he has had cats before but not had a lot to do with dogs, I suggested a Tibbie, he got his first about a year ago, she was an ex show/breeding dog who was looking for retirement, he has just added another Tibbie to the house hold, they are not a dog that is "needy".

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I have four dogs so they entertain themselves while we are at work, they really do love each others company. My Dad had his Tibbie girl by herself for one year, even though she was used to lots of other Tibbies, she settled down to a home by herself no worries, but she is a dog who doesn't seek out other dogs, Dad was doing a TAFE course 3 days a week so she would be by herself then, the dog Dad just added to his household is also an ex show/breeding dog, she does really like company of other dogs, so I think it would depend on the dog.

9. How much grooming is required?

I give mine a brush about once a week, no clipping is required. Bath every now and again.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

My kids were 3 and 5 years when we got Tashi, he definitely wasn't to boisterous for them, I think they would be great for the infirm to.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

Breeders should check for PRA and Liver Shunt.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

What Mita said, make sure they have been house reared, so are used to all the normal day to day sounds and sights. View the certificates for the PRA test and Liver Shunt, the parents should be clear of both of these.

[FionaC]

What sort of scale of cost are we looking at for a Tibbie puppy - just a ball park idea as I know things vary significantly between breeders/lines etc

How are they in terms of being able to be trained for Obedience or even Agility - are they a breed that would enjoy doing something like that?

Do they blow coat/moult frequently? or are they infrequent shedders?

How well do they fit into a house with other breeds? especially gundogs? (with the fact in mind that gundogs seem to grow up very very slowely and behave like silly-buggers for several years before calming down)

[mita]

Prices

Tibbiemax would know more about puppy prices.

All my Tibbies have been retired showdogs (all Aus Chs). After I was thoroughly sussed out by the breeders, I literally had to force them to take a payment (apart from the desexing cost). Their genuine priority was to get their tib a happy forever home. And those breeders stay in touch, with much interest & affection.

Obedience

My Tibbies have been home-trained in basic obedience. I found I had to train them differently from the working dog breeds. The BCs & Shelties obeyed to please. The Tibbie attitude can be...'And the point of this is...? They don't tend to take to obedience classes for the sake of obedience, out in a paddock. Though I notice a few of the US Tibbie people have some dogs involved with formal Obedience.

But when the Tibbies got the connection that doing what I wanted, got them something they liked very much.... a cuddle, a treat or meal, or lead on for a walk, they did it in a shot. And most noticeably....they remembered. After a while, they figured out the situations where an order would always get them something they liked, if they obeyed. Then they'd beat me to it. Like, I'd have a treat in my hand....& bang, down would go the tibbie bottoms. Then I never had to say the word 'Sit' again. Tibbies are famous for their memory.

Agility & other Activities

Also I've noticed a few of the US people have Tibbies involved with Agility. Here's the Agility Tibbies website with great pics, info:

http://agiletibs.tripod.com/

But I've noticed it's not greatly my Tibbies' 'thing' ('And the point of this is....?).

But they love to run....flat out. Tibbies have hare-feet, the same as the big sighthounds, like greyhounds. That gives them traction for speed.

A Qld breeder takes her dogs to lure coursing, where the Tibbie speed shines.

Our neighbour's Tibbie boy was named Brockie, after Peter Brock because he could run like the wind.

One US man used to take his little tribe of Tibbies to hunt hares. And the Tibbies could catch up to them easily.

And another couple found their Tibbie girl could easily beat a whippet over a reasonable distance.

Just to celebrate their speed, pet Tibbies will often go into great zoomies, around the garden.

Shedding

Yes, you will find some Tibbie shedding at times during the year. I've found the hair tends to clump & is easier to pick up than the finer, shorter hairs of our cats.

Even tho' Tibbies don't have to be clipped, I've had our Tibbies clipped for the Qld summer (like a Shih Tzu). Because Tibs have solid little bodies, they look very cute, not like plucked chickens. First time, I saw them clipped by a good groomer, I fell in love with the breed all over again. They looked so pretty & vital.

Getting on with big dogs

How Tibbies get on with other bigger dogs, depends what they learn to get used to. My Tibbie, Angel, was brought up with her breeder's Tibetan Mastiff & she preferred big dogs (apart from Tibbies!). She became the Test Small Dog for the Greyhound Adoption Program here....& loved it. Even tho' she was only about the size of some of the big Greys' heads.

Many Tibbie people I've known, have had a big breed as their other dog. There have been Tibbie combinations with a Dobe, a Rottie, a Bernese Mountain Dog, a GSD etc.

The Tibbie girl next door was retired from showing 'because she was frightened of big dogs'. She's been with our neighbours nearly a year & is now great mates, thro' the fence, with the Greyhounds owned by the man at the back.

The dogs I've found my Tibbies do not like at all....ever....are small, twittery, unfocused, yappy dogs. We have 2 DD dogs like that across the road....& the Tibbies cut them dead. 'Dogs, what dogs?' Tibbie Attitude again.

Edited September 26, 2009 by mita

[Tibbiemax71]

What sort of scale of cost are we looking at for a Tibbie puppy - just a ball park idea as I know things vary significantly between breeders/lines etc

I paid $650 for Tashi from a registered breeder, he is pet quality, included in that was, Vaccination, microchip and desexing, so very reasonable I think.

How are they in terms of being able to be trained for Obedience or even Agility - are they a breed that would enjoy doing something like that?

Like Mita said, the training needs to be done in a way, so that they think what you are asking them to do is a great idea!! I have been a bit slack lately, but a couple of months ago I started formal obedience training with Tashi, with the intentions of trialing, I used food and he responded well, in fact he is a pretty good worker. The same with the agility, I think if you make is fun they would love it.

Do they blow coat/moult frequently? or are they infrequent shedders?

I have found my girls do blow their coat, once a year, but they are not desexed, Tashi who is desexed loses a bit when the weather gets warmer. I must admit, I dont really notice it that much as I have had GSD's for 22 years so am used to a bit of hair laying about

How well do they fit into a house with other breeds? especially gundogs? (with the fact in mind that gundogs seem to grow up very very slowely and behave like silly-buggers for several years before calming down)

I own a GSD also, when looking for a small breed of dog to own, one of the reasons I picked the Tibbie was because they get along with larger dogs. In saying that its like Mita said, its what they are used to, my three Tibbies have been brought up with Elka my Shepherd, so they get along fine with her, but my dads Tibbie who is 6 years old and has only every seen other Tibbies, hates Elka and is really quite frightened of her. Tashi who is bigger than the girls can play quite rough with Elka.

Edited September 25, 2009 by Tibbiemax71

[Tibbiemax71]

Mita, just love those agility pics, they look so gorgeous with the ears flying, they also look like they are having a great time!!

[mita]

Mita, just love those agility pics, they look so gorgeous with the ears flying, they also look like they are having a great time!!

The ears got me, too.....they look like wing flaps on a fighter jet! Maybe makes them go faster.

Re puppy prices, I've noticed that the puppy prices here in Qld are a bit lower....just like the house prices etc are lower than the southern states.

[linnieg]

What sort of scale of cost are we looking at for a Tibbie puppy - just a ball park idea as I know things vary significantly between breeders/lines etc

How are they in terms of being able to be trained for Obedience or even Agility - are they a breed that would enjoy doing something like that?

Do they blow coat/moult frequently? or are they infrequent shedders?

How well do they fit into a house with other breeds? especially gundogs? (with the fact in mind that gundogs seem to grow up very very slowely and behave like silly-buggers for several years before calming down)

When I got Isabella she cost 500.00 but she is 6 years old now.

the training question really made me laugh, I took her to training and she was fabulous, however she thinks she has done it once no need to do it again

If you vaccume daily you will get enough hair for another tibbie, I feel I should be registering 4 dogs not 2.

I have 4 dogs in the house and they interact well but I dont know how they would go with big dogs, Sophy screams unbelievably when she sees other dogs

She is only 3 though

Beautiful temprement, Happy disposition, great with kids.

[Trisven13]

How well do they fit into a house with other breeds? especially gundogs? (with the fact in mind that gundogs seem to grow up very very slowely and behave like silly-buggers for several years before calming down)

I own a GSD also, when looking for a small breed of dog to own, one of the reasons I picked the Tibbie was because they get along with larger dogs. In saying that its like Mita said, its what they are used to, my three Tibbies have been brought up with Elka my Shepherd, so they get along fine with her, but my dads Tibbie who is 6 years old and has only every seen other Tibbies, hates Elka and is really quite frightened of her. Tashi who is bigger than the girls can play quite rough with Elka.

I love the fact that Tibbiemax neglected to mention that Elka is growing up very very slowly and behaves like a silly bugger times five thousand!!!!

Trust me - if a dog can cope with Elka it can cope with pretty much anything!

[mita]

:D the training question really made me laugh, I took her to training and she was fabulous, however she thinks she has done it once no need to do it again

I love that! Typical Tibbie Attitude. 'OK, I've done this once. And the point of doing it again, is...?'

Edited September 26, 2009 by mita

[Steve]

In case any of you have missed it - Please pop in here and have a go at our health survey for your breed.

http://www.mdba.net.au/

[Wiz's Mum]

ANSWERS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have owned/bought 3 tibbies. One was a rescue from the pound, one a pup, the last a retired showgirl. I currently own a young female (3 years old) having lost my 16 1/2 yo boy earlier this year. I am also about to go looking for another tib. I was a Labrador or Kelpie gal before discovering tibbies, and was actually looking at Dobermanns when I found Wiz at the pound.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

As the others have noted in Tibet. Like the Pekinese and Lhaso Apso all were developed in the same region. As tibbies weren't brought to the Western Hemisphere until the 1930s very little meddling has occurred with the breed.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Uncommon.

4. What is the average lifespan?

15 seems to be fairly average, though some sources cite a lifespan of 20 years. They also have a 4 year puppyhood.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

As long as you don't want instant obedience they are wonderful. If kennel raised they can become timid, however most Australian breeders do not raise their pups this way. Very poorly socialised tibs may have issues with other dog breeds or certain humans.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Tibs will politely let you know when they have had enough exercise by sitting themselves down. You will be amazed at just how well planted a dog can be, not too mention how much heavier the seem.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Mostly.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Tibs take life as it comes. My girl came from a large pack to become half of a two dog pack with an elderly tib, and since his death she has been by herself and coped with all of these situations.

9. How much grooming is required?

A regular daily or weekly brush is sufficient. Care should be taken not to overbath Tibs. They do not seem to have any "doggy" smell like the oilier coated breeds. They do blow/lose coat theoretically twice yearly, but I find they shed a little every day. Regular brushing does help minimise the "tumbledogs" of discarded fur.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Very small children will need to be gentle with a Tib but not overly so. With the infirm, tibs generally are very aware of the difference in the person and respond accordingly i.e. with beautiful manners and keeping away from feet so as not to trip people over.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

PRA and Liver Shunt. Allergies were a problem with my older boy and seemed linked to the yearly vaccination schedule.

EFS

Edited October 18, 2009 by Wiz's Mum

[Ons]

I was told that there was no liver shunt in the Australian lines

is this correct?

[Wiz's Mum]

I have also been told that there is no liver shunt is Aussie lines. But it can be found overseas.

[mita]

I was told that there was no liver shunt in the Australian lines

is this correct?

The breeders our tibbies have come from have their dogs tested for liver shunt. I've not heard of any cases here. But then I'm a pet person.

Best person to get health information from is the Australian contact person for the International Tibetan Spaniel Working Party that collects data on health problems in each country. Click on the representatives' link on the TSWP page & scroll down to the Australian flag. Then to contact details.

http://www.tibbies.net/itswp/

[Ons]

thanks Mita

lots of interesting reading on that site

[Tibbie_tabbie]

My tibbie x :)

Please ignore the half closed eyes, he wasn't photogenic this morning ; P

Also great interview about Tibetan breeds: http://tellingtonttouch.wordpress.com/2010/02/11/ttouch-prac-sandra-klein-interviews-venerable-gonsar-rinpoche-about-dogs-in-tibetan-monasteries/

Edited July 22, 2012 by Tibbie_tabbie

[bossanova]

The main point i must point out re tibbies (i currently have 6)is that you do not own them, you are here to serve them, it is their great ability to work things out for themselves that endears them, their love and loyalty is never in question. As you can see by having 6 of them it is hard to stop at one. when some one tells me they are getting a tibbie i ask, how long before you get the second one.You meet them a year later and they usually have the second one.Every one of our tibbies have totally different behavior and natures (even litter brother and sister)they are quite the individuals. LOVE MY TIBBIES