Breed of the Month: Tibetan Spaniel

If you’re looking for a dog that will win your heart, the Tibetan Spaniel is it…
The Tibetan Spaniel is a lively, affectionate and intelligent breed that wins hearts with its playful antics and lovable face. With a long and exotic history, the Tibetan Spaniel has seen many incarnations – most recently as a loyal and faithful family pet.

History
Said to have descended from the small dogs used to keep Tibetan Lamas (as is monks, not South American critters!) company and act as watchdogs and ‘hot water bottles’ during the colder months. Closely related to the Pekingese, but with some marked differences, the Tibetan people called the dogs ‘little lions’, yet the official Tibetan Spaniel breed was actually established half a world away from its mountainous origins – in England in the 1920s, where it became loved for its lapdog qualities and attractive coat.

Appearance
A toy-sized dog, the Tibetan Spaniel is of about the same height and weight as a Maltese Terrier. In fact, ‘spaniel’ is a misnomer, as the breed differs in significant ways from other spaniels such as the Cavalier and Cocker Spaniels traditionally used as gun dogs.
With a silky, luxurious coat that comes in a variety of colours (with fawn featuring most frequently), the Tibetan Spaniel is a good-looking dog. As with the Pekingese, the Tibetan Spaniel’s head looks small in relation to the body, while its underbite and large, inquisitive eyes give the breed unmistakable charm.

Temperament
Loyal, alert, playful and intelligent, Tibetan Spaniels retain a puppy-like charm throughout their lives. While the Tibetan Spaniel is an affectionate breed, it does have an independent streak and doesn’t feel compelled to be by a human’s side every second. People who own Tibetan Spaniels report that while the dog always wants to be in their vicinity, it is happy to watch on from the floor or another chair, not needing constant handling.
There’s no doubt that Tibetan Spaniels are heart-winners. With a lineage that stretches back to mystical mountains and monastery life, one can’t help but look into those big, black, expressive eyes and wonder if the Tibetan Spaniel knows a lot more about the meaning of life than he’s letting on.

[IMAGE SOURCE www.dogbreedsinfo.org; www.justdogbreeds.com]