Information on AKC Tibetan Spaniel Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Tibetan Spaniel
One of the three native Tibetan breeds in the Non-Sporting group (along with the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Terrier), the Tibetan Spaniel is small, active and alert. They are low to the ground, with a body slightly longer than tall. Popular primarily as companion dogs in their native Tibet, "Tibbies" are also now found in the conformation, obedience and agility rings in the United States. The breed can be all colors including cream, gold and sable, with white markings allowed on the feet.
A Look Back
Found in early Eastern art dating back as far as 1100 BC, Tibetan Spaniels were prized as pets and companions in Tibetan monasteries. Referred to as "little Lions" by their masters, they would sit on monastery walls and keep watch over the countryside below, barking to alert the monastery inhabitants of any impending trouble. The breed’s development was influenced by dogs from China and other Buddhist countries, as Tibbies were sent between the countries as gifts.
Right Breed for You?
A very intelligent breed, the Tibetan Spaniel thrives on human companionship and needs to be with its people. Although outgoing and friendly, the breed may be aloof with strangers. Tibbies need only moderate exercise, so they are excellent in apartments. Their double coats need weekly brushing.
If you are considering purchasing a Tibetan Spaniel puppy, learn more here.
- Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1983.
- Ideal size: 10 inches tall at the shoulder and 9 to 15 pounds.
- Watchdog; companion.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Tibetan Spaniel Breed Standard
General Appearance
Should be small, active and alert. The outline should give a well balanced appearance,
slightly longer in body than the height at withers. Fault Coarseness of
type.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size Height about 10 inches. Body slightly longer from the point of shoulder
to root of tail than the height at withers. Weight 9-15 pounds being ideal.
Head
Small in proportion to body and proudly carried, giving an impression of quality.
Masculine in dogs but free from coarseness. Eyes dark brown in color,
oval in shape, bright and expressive, of medium size set fairly well apart but
forward looking, giving an apelike expression. Eye rims black. Faults--Large
full eyes; light eyes; mean expression. Ears medium size, pendant, well feathered
in the adult and set fairly high. They may have a slight lift from the skull,
but should not fly. Large, heavy, low set ears are not typical.
Skull slightly domed, moderate width and length.
Faults--Very domed or flat wide skull. Stop slight, but defined.
Medium length of muzzle, blunt with cushioning, free from wrinkle.
The chin should show some depth and width. Faults--Accentuated
stop; long, plain down face, without stop; broad flat muzzle; pointed, weak
or wrinkled muzzle. Black nose preferred. Faults Liver or putty-colored
pigmentation. Mouth ideally slightly undershot, the upper incisors fitting neatly inside
and touching the lower incisors. Teeth should be evenly placed and the
lower jaw wide between the canine tusks. Full dentition desired. A level mouth
is permissible, providing there is sufficient width and depth of chin to preserve
the blunt appearance of the muzzle. Teeth must not show when mouth is closed.
Faults--Overshot mouth; protruding tongue.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck moderately short, strong and well set on. Level back. Well
ribbed with good depth. Tail set high, richly plumed and carried in a gay
curl over the back when moving. Should not be penalized for dropping tail when
standing.
Forequarters
Shoulder well placed. The bones of the forelegs slightly bowed but firm at shoulder.
Moderate bone. Faults--Very bowed or loose front. Dewclaws may be removed.
Feet hare-footed, small and neat. Fault--Cat feet.
Hindquarters
Well made and strong. Stifle well developed, showing moderate angulation. Hocks
well let down and straight when viewed from behind. Faults--Straight stifle;
cow hocks. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet as in front.
Coat
Double coat, silky in texture, smooth on face and front of legs, of moderate
length on body, but lying rather flat. Ears and back of forelegs nicely
feathered, tail and buttocks well furnished with longer hair. Neck covered
with a mane or "shawl" of longer hair which is more pronounced
in dogs than bitches. Feathering between toes often extending beyond the
feet. Should not be over-coated and bitches tend to carry less coat and
mane than dogs.
Presentation--In the show ring it is essential the Tibetan Spaniel be
presented in an unaltered condition with the coat lying naturally with no
teasing, parting or stylizing of the hair. Specimens where the coat has
been altered by trimming, clipping, or by artificial means shall be so severely
penalized as to be effectively eliminated from competition. Dogs with such
a long coat that there is no rectangle of daylight showing beneath, or so
profuse that it obstructs the natural outline, are to be severely penalized.
Whiskers are not to be removed. Hair growing between the pads on the underside
of the feet may be trimmed for safety and cleanliness.
Color
All colors, and mixtures of colors allowed. Feet--White markings allowed.
Gait
Quick moving, straight, free, positive.
Temperament
Gay and assertive, highly intelligent, aloof with strangers.
Fault--Nervousness.
Approved May 10, 1983
Reformatted February 7, 1989
