Tibetan Spaniel Did You Know?

• The Tibetan Spaniel originated in Tibet.



• The Tibetan Spaniel, along with the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Terrier, is one of three native Tibetan breeds in the Non-Sporting group.



• The ancestors of the Tibetan Spaniel lived in the monstaries with Buddhist monks and were called "little lions", giving them great value and prestige (lions were sacred).



• As the Tibetan Spaniel breed became more highly regarded, the practice of sending the dogs as gifts to the palaces of China and other Buddhist countries grew significantly, and in reciprocity, more "lion dogs" were presented back to Tibet.



• The Tibetan Spaniel can be found in early Eastern art, dating as early as 1100 BC and on some carved Jade pieces from 1644 AD.



• The Tibetan Spaniel was prized not only as pet and companion, but as a useful animal by all classes, acting as guard and alert dog.