Tibetan Spaniel 101 - Dog Breed Info

Nov 16th 2010

Dog Breed: Tibetan Spaniel

Personality: "Tibetan spaniels are very independent dogs," says Deb Henson, a member of the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America who is renowned for her rescue work with the breed. Both she and the American Kennel Club cite the Tibetan spaniel's intelligence, but also note that while these dogs can be outgoing and friendly, they may proove "aloof with strangers." "The Dog Breed Bible" says, "Tibetan spaniels are independent, bold and stubborn, but also sensitive, biddable and happy."

Grooming: Tibetan spaniels have a medium-length double coat that will shed once or twice a year. This is known as "blowing coat," according to Henson. "The owner can keep the loose hair to a minimum with weekly brushing," she says. On the plus side, "they don't really have a 'doggy' odor and they like to be clean. Most enjoy a bath." If your Tibetan spaniel gets muddy, Henson recommends you let the mud dry, and "it will just fall off the hair."

Common Health Issues: According to Henson, "Most Tibetan spaniels are very healthy and tend to live about 15 years, active up to the very end." "The Dog Breed Bible" concurs, recommending tests only on Tibbies' knees and noting nothing more than patellar luxation and cataracts as health concerns.