Key Points

• Finding the right fit for your individual home when adopting a new dog is important.

• Adopters expect health benefits from dog ownership including increased exercise, happiness, and companionship.

• The Tibetan spaniel excels as a loyal friend, forming deep relationships with their human families.

• This article explores all you need to know about the regal and charming Tibetan spaniel breed.

Tibetan spaniels are the perfect match for families, whether they have small children, other animals, or both living in their homes. Tibbies are highly affectionate dogs who love spending time with their human companions. They take longer to warm up to strangers but once they do, they are the star of the show which they love. Tibetan spaniels have a high need to socialize, meaning they want to be around you, your family, friends, and other pets as much as possible.

Tibetan spaniels adapt well to any home environment and easily live in a big house or a smaller condo. They are relatively easy for novice owners, so if you have never had a dog before and are looking to adopt your first canine companion, Tibetan spaniels are the perfect candidates to consider.

Findings published in the journal PLOS ONE by researchers Lauren Powell et al. “show that most prospective adopters expect to receive health benefits from dog ownership, such as increased walking, happiness, and companionship and decreased stress and loneliness.” Tibetan spaniels are a great breed for new dog people.

While Tibetan spaniels do well in different home environments, they don’t do well in cold weather. If you adopt a Tibetan Spaniel and live where winter months dip into freezing temperatures, a blanket or coat helps your tibbie tolerate the cold weather. On the other hand, Tibetan spaniels don’t do very well in hot weather. During the summer months, provide them with lots of water and air conditioning.

Tibetan spaniels don’t like being alone. If you work long hours, this breed is not the right fit for you. Tibetan spaniels are very social and need someone in their home a majority of the time to keep them company.

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The Right Match

Tibetan spaniels are known for their beautiful, luxurious coats. A tibbie won’t shed excessively, meaning you don’t spend hours sweeping up dog hair. They are relatively easy to groom. The overall health of Tibetan spaniels is excellent, though they are prone to certain conditions and weight gain.

Tibetan spaniels have a moderate energy level. They love to play with other dogs and humans, but they aren’t one of the most active breeds. With their small size and scrunched face they are not the ideal jogging buddy. Nevertheless, they still need daily exercise such as a walk or indoor play to keep them healthy and release energy.

On average, expect your Tibetan Spaniel to reach around 10 inches tall and weigh 9 to 15 pounds. With a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, you have many fun-filled days with your Tibetan spaniel as they grow older.

If you are looking for someone to watch over your home and family, a Tibetan spaniel is the perfect fit. This breed is relatively territorial and sounds the alarm when a stranger approaches. Once you have shown that this stranger is welcome, with time your Tibetan spaniel trusts them as well.

Tibetan spaniels are known for being vocal and barking for various reasons. Some owners don’t want a vocal dog; a Tibetan spaniel is trainable not to bark excessively. Tibetan spaniels are easily taught to do a variety of behaviors. While training takes time and consistency, with commitment your Tibetan spaniel will be sitting, laying down, and doing all the good behaviors you teach them.

A Tibetan spaniel is sure to be one of the best dogs that you’ve ever owned.

Tibetan Spaniel History

Tibetan spaniels are an ancient breed with a deep history in Asian regions of the world. Tibbies were bred by Buddhist monks to resemble small lions, which are considered symbolic of Buddha’s triumph over violence and aggression.

In addition to their symbolic appearance, Tibetan spaniels are treasured by monks because of their commitment to protection. Buddhist monks, also known as lamas, used these small dogs to alert them if anyone approached the lamasery.

While Tibetan spaniels were very popular amongst Buddhist monks, they were also well-loved among Tibetan villagers. Tibetan spaniels were popular in Asian regions for many centuries, and they didn’t arrive in Western society until the 19th century. The Tibetan spaniel breed gained popularity in England, temporarily becoming less common during World War II, until 1974 when certain individuals attempted to bring this breed back.

After a recovery in England, the first litter of Tibetan spaniel puppies was born in the United States in 1965 to parents that were brought to the U.S. from Tibet. Thanks to efforts by Leo Kearns, the sexton of Trinity Lutheran Church located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Tibetan spaniel breed began attracting public attention. Mr.Kearns owned a Tibetan spaniel puppy that his parishioners were very interested in, which eventually reproduced to create the first Tibetan spaniel puppies born in the United States.

Among the owners of these Tibetan spaniel pups bred by Kearns was Mrs. Jay Child, who set out on a mission to further the Tibetan spaniel’s presence in the United States. She founded the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America in 1971, and later in 1984, this breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Tibetan Spaniel Intelligence

Tibetan spaniels are highly intelligent dogs who easily learn to do a variety of things. House training Tibetan spaniel puppies or adults typically isn’t too challenging, as long as it is done correctly. While Tibetan spaniels are independent, they still take well to training and enjoy learning new things from their owners.

The best way to successfully train Tibetan spaniels is by using positive reinforcement. Tibetan spaniels respond best to pets, praise, play, and treats when they do something desirable during training. Harsh actions and words deter them from your training goals and should be avoided.

Tibetan spaniel puppies are best taught from a young age. Training is done at home, but enrolling Tibetan spaniel pups in puppy classes is highly recommended. In these courses, Tibetan spaniel puppies receive training and have the opportunity to socialize.

Tibetan Spaniel Cognitive Health

Cognitive health is extremely important to every dog’s overall health. Tibetan spaniels are susceptible to declining cognitive health as they age. Knowing the signs and symptoms of cognitive decline in an aging Tibetan spaniel ensures they get the treatment needed to live a fulfilling life.

The most common cognitive health issue for a Tibetan spaniel to experience is called canine cognitive dysfunction, more commonly known as canine dementia. Older dogs are prone to this condition. Many Tibetan spaniels go their entire lives without experiencing any cognitive health issues, especially with vigilant care to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

Canine Dementia

Canine dementia is the most common cognitive health condition for any dog to face. Canine dementia is caused by a build-up of plaque in the brain, which is believed to be an accumulation of abnormal types of protein. This plaque buildup and abnormal protein presence leads to nerve damage which causes a loss of brain function, loss of memory, impaired motor skills, and forgetting behaviors that were previously learned.

Canine dementia affects all dogs of all breeds, though it’s most commonly diagnosed in dogs that are over nine years old and females who have been spayed. There are ways to prevent and combat cognitive decline at home.

One of the best ways to prevent the development of canine dementia in Tibetan spaniels is through mental stimulation. Games, feeding meals in stuffable toys, and puzzles are all cognitively stimulating. Providing mental stimulation from a young age is one of the best ways to prevent canine dementia as your Tibetan spaniel grows older.

In addition to mental stimulation, diet prevents and combats symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction. Less processed dog foods specifically formulated for senior dogs have extra antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which improve brain function. Taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements from a young age is an excellent strategy to prevent canine dementia. Consult with your vet before beginning any new supplements or diet changes for your Tibetan spaniel.

Stress and Tibetan Spaniels

What triggers stress in a dog depends on things such as their age, personal history, breed, and much more. A puppy becomes stressed when they are first brought to their new home and are away from their siblings and mom. A dog that’s been in the shelter needs time and patience to de-stress when adopted into their new home.

In addition to whining and barking, stressed Tibetan spaniels become restless. Pacing, posture, and dog body language are huge indicators of stress. A Tibetan spaniel hides or cowers when they are stressed. Their ears face backward and down when something has triggered their fear.

Stress affects the life of your Tibetan spaniel in a variety of ways. A stressed Tibetan spaniel does not enjoy doing things that they typically love. Going on a walk or to the dog park becomes unenjoyable when your Tibetan spaniel is feeling stressed. Lethargy is another sign of feeling overwhelming amounts of stress.

Once the cause of stress is identified, help your dog better cope with these situations. Reduce stress in Tibetan spaniels through mental stimulation. Games, puzzle and chew toys, and slow feeder bowls are great ways to engage your dog and serve as an outlet for stress. Exercise reduces stress and allows them to work off excess energy. Twenty minutes of walking makes the difference for your dog when it comes to stress. Whatever works best for your dog, with your help they are sure to live a healthy and happy life despite experiencing stress.

The most commonly seen anxiety trigger is being away from their owner, known as separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety

Tibetan spaniels are very affectionate dogs who form extremely strong bonds with their owners. Because of this, they are prone to developing anxiety when left by themselves.

Tibetan spaniels with separation anxiety develop unwanted behaviors when you are away. They often are excessively vocal. Destructive behaviors develop from separation anxiety. It’s important to combat separation anxiety in your Tibetan spaniel.

Socialization prevents separation anxiety in Tibetan spaniels. Socializing puppies from a young age allows them to be less nervous about different situations, including being left alone. They have already explored the world and new situations and overcome their potential fears. If you’ve adopted an older adult Tibetan spaniel that is past the puppy stage, thoughtful socialization still prevents or reduces separation anxiety.

Mental stimulation reduces separation anxiety. With puzzle toys and feeder bowls, your Tibetan spaniel’s brain is busy and gets out anxious energy. Your Tibetan spaniel focuses on getting the treat inside the toy or bowl and not on being alone.

There are a wide variety of supplements on the market that combat separation anxiety. CBD is a naturally occurring compound that soothes dogs and reduces the distress, uneasiness, and nervousness that anxiety causes. Be sure to consult with your vet before giving your Tibetan spaniel any new supplements.

Exercise reduces your Tibetan spaniel’s separation anxiety. During walks and playing games, your Tibetan spaniel gets out their anxious energy and feels less nervous when away from you.

While separation anxiety is stressful for both you and your Tibetan spaniel, it is overcome with various strategies. Find the one that works best for you and your pup.

Tibetan Spaniel Allergies

Tibetan Spaniels are prone to allergies of different sorts. Allergic reactions in dogs cause itchy and irritated skin. Dogs have allergies to environmental things just as humans, such as pollen, dust, or grass. They also have food allergies and flea allergies.

Allergies are on the rise in dogs, and some pups are more prone to allergies than others. For Tibetan spaniels, the most common type is skin allergies.

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Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or grass. The immune system views the irritant as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction that causes allergy symptoms.

Since there are so many possible environmental allergens that trigger allergies in Tibetan spaniels, pinpointing the one causing these reactions is complex. Allergy testing is done by your vet to determine the specific type of allergy and the treatment route that will be taken.

Skin allergies also affect the ears of your Tibetan spaniel. Tibetan spaniels with skin allergies often have repetitive ear infections. If your Tibetan spaniel keeps getting ear infections even after treatments, consider getting them checked for skin allergies as the cause.

Combat skin allergies in Tibetan spaniels through specialized shampoos. There are a variety of shampoos formulated to manage symptoms. Shampoos with oatmeal, aloe vera, or tea tree oil are found at your local pet store. These shampoos soothe skin and reduce inflammation, which reduces itchiness.

Diet is a great way to combat symptoms of allergies in Tibetan spaniels. Omega-3 fatty acids combat skin allergies. These fatty acids reduce skin inflammation, leading to minimized or eliminated skin allergy symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are simple to add to your Tibetan spaniel’s diet. Specialized foods, various supplements, and even fish oil pills contain omega-3 fatty acids. Check with your vet before beginning any new supplements or diet changes.

Tibetan Spaniel Gut Health

Gut health is an extremely important part of the overall health of Tibetan spaniels. A large portion of the immune system is housed in the gut. Without a healthy gut, your Tibetan spaniel has a harder time fighting off common viruses, infections, and diseases. The last thing that any Tibetan spaniel owner wants is for their dog to be more susceptible to becoming sick because of an unhealthy gut.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a very serious condition that is fatal if left untreated. Parvo affects Tibetan spaniel puppies and unvaccinated adults and is highly contagious. This virus infects the small intestine, where it destroys cells, disrupts the gut barrier, and impairs nutrient absorption. Parvo is contracted through direct contact with an infected dog, or by indirect contact with a contaminated object.

Unfortunately, parvo is a notorious survivor, making it easy for Tibetan spaniel puppies to pick up even when they are not near an infected dog. Parvo survives indoors for at least a month, and outdoors for many months or even up to a year under certain conditions. Dogs infected with parvo remain contagious for up to ten days, and several of these days are before any symptoms show. It’s so important to take preventative measures when it comes to parvo, especially considering how dangerous this virus truly is.

All dogs are at equal risk for developing parvo despite their breed, though age and vaccination status makes them more likely to develop parvo. Tibetan spaniel puppies between six weeks and six months of age are at the highest risk for developing parvo, as well as any dog that isn’t fully vaccinated at any age. Before six weeks, Tibetan spaniels still have the antibodies that they need to be protected from parvo from their mother. After this, vaccines are given at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks to protect them from parvo in the future. Once your Tibetan spaniel is fully vaccinated against parvo, the odds of contracting this virus are very low.

Without treatment, 92% of dogs do not survive parvo. With treatment, about 68%-92% of dogs overcome parvo and go on to live normal and healthy lives. Symptoms of parvo include vomiting, fever, lethargy, not eating or drinking, diarrhea, weakness, and dehydration. Always call ahead of taking your pup to the vet if you notice any illness symptoms in your Tibetan spaniel puppy, especially parvo-specific symptoms.

The sooner you get medical care for Tibetan spaniels with parvo, the better chance they have of making a full recovery from this virus. Most dogs with parvo who survive the first three to four days of treatment go on to make a full recovery. After treatment and full recovery, parvo doesn’t shorten the life expectancy of Tibetan spaniel puppies.

To prevent parvo avoid public places before your Tibetan spaniel pup is fully vaccinated. Dog parks, pet stores, and other places where dogs congregate are potential sources of parvo and should be avoided.

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Tibetan Spaniel Eye Health

Without healthy eyes, daily activities become difficult. Always be attentive to your Tibetan spaniel’s eye health. Common eye health issues for Tibetan spaniels include cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy. These conditions range in severity and ease of treatment. Just because Tibetan spaniels are prone to certain conditions doesn’t mean that developing them is inevitable. Many Tibetan spaniels go their entire lives without experiencing any eye health issues at all.

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Tibetan Spaniel Ear Health

Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are known for their adorable, floppy ears. Unfortunately this ear shape comes with various ear health problems. Many dogs with floppy ears are known to experience different problems that range from mild to severe. While some Tibetan spaniels go their entire lives without experiencing ear infections, many develop at least one.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears are heavy and block airflow within the ear canal necessary to prevent bacteria from growing. If a Tibetan spaniel’s ears get moist the perfect breeding ground for unwanted bacteria and yeast occurs. This leads to a cycle of ear issues including infections if not properly dealt with.

Debris trapped in the ear hairs leads to infection. Skin allergies also cause ear infections. Flea debris and waste also lead to ear problems. Common ear infection symptoms are crust development in and around the ears. A dog with an ear infection rubs at their ear to try and ease discomfort.

To prevent ear infections regularly groom your Tibetan spaniel and clean their ears. During grooming appointments, make sure your groomer is removing excess ear hair. Also remove excess ear hair on your own at home.

Feeding Tibetan spaniels a low-processed, fresh food diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids keeps their skin healthy and combats allergies that cause ear issues. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and fresh foods are great to incorporate into the diet of Tibetan spaniels to prevent allergy-related ear infections. As always, be sure to consult your vet before beginning new supplements or dietary changes.

Fleas are very troubling for you and your Tibetan spaniel for a variety of reasons. Their bites are itchy, they multiply quickly and infect your home, and they cause ear infections. Keeping your Tibetan spaniel flea-free is the best way to keep them healthy and prevent ear infections.

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Tibetan Spaniel Immune Health

Immune health is one of the most important components of overall health for Tibetan spaniels. The immune system fights off viruses, infections, and diseases. Without a healthy immune system, illnesses become deadly. Keeping your Tibetan spaniel’s immune system as healthy as possible is important.

Autoimmune disorders are the most common immune health issue for both dogs and humans to experience. When the immune system attacks its own body this leads to a variety of symptoms and impaired immune functioning.

Autoimmune disorders vary greatly and manifest in different areas of the body. Thankfully, Tibetan spaniel puppies and adults aren’t known to be very prone to autoimmune disorders. When they do experience one of these conditions, it is most likely hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common autoimmune disorder for dogs to experience. This condition occurs when the Tibetan spaniel’s thyroid glands don’t produce and release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This is because of thyroid gland shrinkage or inflammation, which results in a reduced metabolic state.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are hair thinning and flaky skin. A Tibetan spaniel with hypothyroidism seems more lethargic than usual and has an overall low energy level. Tibetan Spaniels with hypothyroidism experience unexplained weight gain or obesity that isn’t related to diet or exercise changes. Hypothyroidism also causes a Tibetan spaniel to develop a further intolerance to cold weather.

Hypothyroidism is very well understood, so it is treatable by your vet.

While hypothyroidism in Tibetan spaniels is treated by a vet, help combat hypothyroidism at home through diet and supplementation. Ashwagandha, mushrooms, kelp, and schizandra berry are known to improve thyroid function naturally. Adding these to the diet of your Tibetan spaniel through food or supplements is a great way to support their thyroid functioning. Always consult with your vet before adding any new dietary changes or supplements.

The best way to support a Tibetan spaniel with hypothyroidism is by sticking to vet prescriptions and treatment strategies. Closely follow protocols that your vet recommends, and let them know if you see any changes in symptoms. With the help of you and your vet, your Tibetan spaniel lives a happy and fulfilling life despite this condition. Be sure to follow vet orders, use approved home remedies, and give your Tibetan spaniel much love while managing this condition.

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Joint Health of Tibetan Spaniel Puppies and Adults

Unfortunately, Tibetan Spaniel puppies and adults are prone to various joint health issues. The most common joint health issues to develop are patellar luxation and hip and elbow dysplasia.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated, causing mobility issues. Patellar luxation occurs in one or both of the hind legs. It is highly painful and uncomfortable. The Tibetan spaniel is more likely to experience patellar luxation than other breeds. Extreme pain and dislocation from this condition cause lameness, impaired mobility, and reduced limb functioning. If you notice your Tibetan spaniel limping, holding their leg in an abnormal position, or avoiding putting weight on their leg, this is possibly due to patellar luxation.

Get them to the vet as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, together with your vet choose a treatment plan, and your Tibetan spaniel is able to recover to live a normal, healthy life.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Tibetan spaniels are likely to experience hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia causes the joint to become loose and unstable, which leads to scar tissue around the joints affected by dysplasia.

Signs of these conditions include limping, obvious pain, decreased range of motion in hips or legs, audible clicking sounds when your Tibetan spaniel walks, avoiding high levels of activity, and slower rates of walking or running.

This condition needs to be addressed by your vet, though there are approaches to take at home to combat hip and elbow dysplasia.

Dogs who consumed a fish-based, nutrient-rich diet had less severe cases of elbow and hip dysplasia than those who ate chicken-based diets. Thanks to you and your vet, your Tibetan spaniel is still living a happy and healthy life despite hip or elbow dysplasia.

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Tibetan Spaniel Skin and Coat Health

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when talking about Tibetan spaniel features, it’s their beautiful and luxurious coat. These unique coats set them apart from other breeds in modern and even ancient times. It’s especially important to make sure that your Tibetan spaniel has the healthiest coat possible.

Demodectic Mange

The common condition demodectic mange, also known as mange, is caused by a parasite mite called Demodex canis. These mites live in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have a few of these microscopic mites on their skin, and as long as they have proper immune system functioning, these mites are not harmful. However, demodectic mange occurs when a dog has an immature immune system that allows the number of these mites to increase greatly.

Mange occurs in dogs with a weakened or immature immune system, such as dogs who are less than 18 months of age, senior dogs, or those with immune impairment due to medications or illnesses.

Demodectic mange is the most common type of mange found in all dog breeds. It’s not contagious to other dogs or animals and is hereditary. Since immune system functioning is inherited, demodectic mange caused by poor immune system functioning is passed from generation to generation.

Symptoms of demodectic mange include hair thinning around the eyelids, lips, corners of the mouth, and front legs. Redness, scaling, swelling, and crusts develop on the entire body. Sometimes demodicosis only shows up in localized areas, and in some cases, it develops on all areas of the body.

Demodicosis must be diagnosed and treated by a vet. Your vet will take a scraping of skin cells to analyze under a microscope. If there is an excessive amount of Demodex canis mites, the existence of demodectic mange is confirmed. Once diagnosed, your vet chooses from several methods to combat and manage this condition.

Demodicosis is treated with a topical medication, and some forms require more aggressive treatments. Special shampoos and dips and oral medications are the best ways to treat generalized mange. When a secondary skin infection develops in addition to demodectic mange, your Tibetan spaniel needs antibiotic treatment.

Treatment includes retesting the skin with scrapings over time. Since this condition takes time to resolve, and some treatments work better for certain Tibetan spaniels than others, it’s essential to stay up to date on skin scrapings and treatment strategies. Doing so gives your Tibetan spaniel the best shot at being as free from demodicosis as possible.

Routine examinations are the best way to catch mange early and minimize symptoms. Especially watch Tibetan spaniels under 18 months, on medications, or who become ill, while their immune system isn’t functioning at its best.

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A Special Breed

The Tibetan spaniel is an exceptional canine companion, distinguished by a myriad of captivating traits. Renowned for its regal bearing, this breed exudes an air of elegance that charms admirers. The Tibetan spaniel possesses an inherent intelligence that fuels their adaptability and quick-witted nature, making engaging partners for various activities. The Orange County Register reported in May 2023 about a sweet Tibetan spaniel named Tristan.

Beyond their fame and beauty, the Tibetan spaniel excels as a loyal and devoted friend. Their affable disposition thrives on forming deep connections with their human family, offering companionship and emotional support. This breed’s compact size belies their bold and vigilant demeanor, rendering them an efficient guardian. Inquisitive and alert, the Tibetan spaniel stands as a delightful addition to any household, bringing a harmonious blend of charm, intelligence, and steadfast loyalty.

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