Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel is slightly longer than it is tall. Its head is small in proportion to its body; its wide eye set gives it an "apelike" expression. The mouth is undershot. The gait is quick moving, straight, and free. The coat is double, with a flat-lying, silky outer coat of moderate length and a longer mane. The tail is plumed, and long feathering grows from between the toes.

The Tibetan Spaniel is independent, bold, and stubborn, but it is also sensitive and biddable. It has a happy attitude, enjoying games and outings with its family. It also enjoys snoozes next to its special person. It is an exceptionally enjoyable and fastidious housedog. It is amiable with other dogs and animals, but reserved with strangers.

This breed originated in Tibet. It is descended from dogs from China and other Buddhist countries. The Tibetan Spaniel is considered an ancient breed, being that there is evidence of its existence over 2000 years ago. Most small Asian dogs are believed to be descended from the Tibbie. Highly esteemed in ancient Tibet, they were often given as gifts to royal houses and the dogs were spread throughout Asia. Depictions of the dogs were found on early Eastern art dating back as far as 1100 BC. The dogs worked turning the prayer wheel for their masters and also as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries. They would sit up on the high walls and bark at anything they believed didn't belong. The breed was first introduced to England in the late 1800s. It was recognized by the AKC in 1983.