Tibetan Spaniel Characteristics: The strong-willed and chirpy Tibetan Spaniel is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1983). The Tibetan Spaniel, is characterized by its dignified, aloof appearance with a small, proud head, heavy looking neck and haughty expression. Other characteristics include dark brown, medium sized, oval shaped eyes; high set, pendant ears; a richly plumed tail that curls up and over its back and a quick, fluid gait. The temperament of the Tibetan Spaniel can be described as Assertive, Intelligent, Cheerful. The coat type of the Tibetan Spaniel is described as silky double-coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Tibetan Spaniel demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Companion and is known by its nick name the "Prayer Dog". The origin of the Tibetan Spaniel dog breed was in Tibet where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Tibetan Spaniel: The following facts provide fast information about the Tibetan Spaniel breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1983) *** Nick name: "Prayer Dog" *** Origin: Tibet *** Male Height: 10 inches (25 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 9 - 15 pounds (4.1 - 6.8 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: silky double-coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3-6 puppies *** Health Problems: Patellar luxation, Eye problems, Hip Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Tibetan Spaniel Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1983): The Tibetan Spaniel is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1983). Origin of the name: The name "Tibetan Spaniel" derives from the dogs country of origin in Tibet located on the northern side of the Himalayas, an autonomous region of China. The word 'spaniel' originated in Spain and referred to a surname meaning "Spaniard". It was then transferred as a name for a breed of dog supposedly of Spanish origin. Other names for the Tibetan Spaniel: The Tibetan Spaniel is known by the nickname of the "Prayer Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Simkhyi and Tibbie. The nickname "Simkhyi" means 'house dog' in the Tibetan language. Tibetan Spaniel History and Origin: The country of origin of the Tibetan Spaniel breed was in Tibet during the Ancient Times, dating back over 2000 years. The Tibetan Spaniel resembles a miniature Old English Sheepdog and was originally bred for herding. The Tibetan Spaniel was also used as a guard dog, acting as lookouts for traders and pilgrims journeying along the historic trade route to and from India and China. The Tibetan Spaniel is also known as the "Prayer Dog" because according to legend the dogs were trained to serve Buddhist monks and were able to turn the prayer wheels in their monasteries (prayer wheels were revolving cylinders inscribed with, or containing, prayers. Whether the legend was true or not the Tibetan Spaniel, with their excellent hearing and keen eyesight, acted as monastery watch dogs, alerting the monks and the larger Tibetan Mastiffs when anyone approached the monastery. Buddhism forbids the trade of living animals so the Tibetan Spaniel was only given as a gift. The Tibetan Spaniel were exported to England in 1898 by returning medical missionaries but did not appear in the United States until the 1960's. Tibetan Spaniel Modern History: The modern history of the Tibetan Spaniel moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion. The Tibetan Spaniel was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1983. Tibetan Spaniel Height: The Tibetan Spaniel breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 10 inches (25 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Tibetan Spaniel Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 9 - 15 pounds (4.1 - 6.8 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Tibetan Spaniel Coat Type: The coat type is described as silky double-coat. Tibetan Spaniel Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Gold, White, Red, Cream, Sable and Black & Tan. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Sable is a dark brown color. Tibetan Spaniel Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Tibetan Spaniel is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Tibetan Spaniel is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Tibetan Spaniel Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3-6 puppies. Tibetan Spaniel puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Tibetan Spaniel puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Tibetan Spaniel Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Strong-willed, Assertive, Intelligent, Cheerful and Chirpy. Tibetan Spaniel Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Tibetan Spaniel requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small dog has a quick, fluid gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Tibetan Spaniel Diet: A fully grown Tibetan Spaniel should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Tibetan Spaniel Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Tibetan Spaniel breed include Patellar luxation, Eye problems, Hip Dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Tibetan Spaniel dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Tibetan Spaniel breed is 12-15 years. Tibetan Spaniel Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Tibetan Spaniel breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Tibetan Spaniel names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Myat *** Brody *** Gouba *** Revo *** Chaos *** Dash *** Catcher *** Buzz *** Nakaji *** Chase *** Eli. Tibetan Spaniel Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Tibetan Spaniel names are Shindy *** Kyra *** Georgia *** Mu *** Hattie *** Juno *** Maya *** Dixie *** Frankie *** Ellie. Fast Facts about the Tibetan Spaniel: The following facts provide fast information about the Tibetan Spaniel breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1983) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Tibet *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Tibetan Spaniel Height: 10 inches (25 cm) *** Male Tibetan Spaniel Weight: 9 - 15 pounds (4.1 - 6.8 kg) *** Coat Type: silky double-coat *** Litter Size: 3-6 puppies *** Tibetan Spaniel Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 