meet the...Tibetan Spaniel
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 12: Companion and Toy Breeds
Sub-group 12-B: Asian Breeds
Origin Country Tibet
Weight Males: 9-15 pounds. Females: 9-15 pounds.
Height Males: 9-11 inches. Females: 9-11 inches.
Breed Type Pure
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Origins
Contrary to what the breed’s namesake would lead many to believe, the Tibetan Spaniel is not actually a Spaniel. Like their cousins, the Shih Tzu, Pug, and the Pekingese, the Tibetan Spaniel breed (also known as the Tibbie) is descended from royalty and is recognized as one of the oldest companion breeds in existence. These small dogs have been known to exist in the monasteries of Tibet for centuries. They were said to have been the companions of the monks, often warming their laps and even helping in spiritual rituals, such as the rotation of prayer wheels. They also excelled as four-legged security systems, alerting the monks to approaching visitors and strangers.
Although their cousins rose to popularity much quicker and with more numbers, the Tibetan Spaniel also gained a following after World War II, starting first in England, where they were imported by medical missionaries in the early twentieth century. From there, their endearing charm helped their numbers to steadily grow. Today, while still not as popular as their Shih Tzu and Pug cousins, they are nonetheless a beloved little breed, offering their families love and loyal companionship.Breed Characteristics
Head: Somewhat brachycephalic skull type, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad and slightly arched to slightly domed. It is fairly long in length without appearing overly elongated or narrow. The topskull is broadest at eye level. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles. It has sufficient substance and padding to give the head and face breadth and depth without appearing overly coarse. The heads of mature male dogs will be slightly more substantial than the females, which will appear more elegant and feminine.
Eyes: Medium in size, oval to open almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. No exposed whites are permitted. The eyes are never bulging or orienting in separate directions. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set fairly high on the skull, just below the plane of the skull, giving the skull a wider appearance. They are V-shaped and drop, with a slight lift at the base. The tips and inner edge hang close to the head.
Muzzle: The muzzle is blunt, full, deep, square, and broad, never appearing completely flat. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and never concealed by a roll of skin. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, and never appear snipey or weak. The chin is well-developed and discernible without being upturned. The plane of the nose should fall just below the inner corners of the eyes; it is never pushed level with or above the corners of the eyes.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black (preferred), or self-colored, according to the coat (acceptable). The nostrils are well-opened. Seasonal fading (snow or winter nose) is not to be penalized.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never square, racy, or refined. It should never appear low-slung or without clearly visible sufficient space between the underline of the body and the ground. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Hare-like (preferred), or oval to round (least desirable), and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, held in a curl over the back when moving and downward in a neutral position (never tucked) when relaxed. The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.
Movement: Energetic, effortless, efficient, and smooth, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: A true watchdog, the little Tibetan Spaniel breed is confident, observant, and assertive. If anything appears out of the ordinary, they will be the first to let their family know. Somewhat of an independent spirit, the Tibetan Spaniel needs early socialization and obedience training to ensure that they learn friend from foe, as well as how to accept boundaries and live harmoniously within a family unit. When properly trained and socialized, these little dogs are quite charming companions, being affectionate and intelligent. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 12: Companion and Toy Breeds
Proportions: Somewhat rectangular with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The length-to-height ratio is approximately 5:4 to 10:7. The body is well-put-together, with sturdy substance and medium bone. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic skull type, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is broad and slightly arched to slightly domed. It is fairly long in length without appearing overly elongated or narrow. The topskull is broadest at eye level. The head is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles. It has sufficient substance and padding to give the head and face breadth and depth without appearing overly coarse. The heads of mature male dogs will be slightly more substantial than the females, which will appear more elegant and feminine.
Expression: Intelligent, vigilant, and attentive.
Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming a 90-degree angle between the topskull and muzzle.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 2:1, with the topskull being just longer than the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is fairly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is blunt, full, deep, square, and broad, never appearing completely flat. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight and never concealed by a roll of skin. The upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, and never appear snipey or weak. The chin is well-developed and discernible without being upturned. The plane of the nose should fall just below the inner corners of the eyes; it is never pushed level with or above the corners of the eyes.
Lips or Flews: The lips are thick and well-padded, giving the muzzle breadth and depth, but they are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black (preferred), or self-colored, according to the coat (acceptable). The nostrils are well-opened. Seasonal fading (snow or winter nose) is not to be penalized.
Cheeks: The cheeks are well-developed and well-muscled, never appearing chiseled or flat.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level or scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work is not to be penalized. The teeth and tongue should remain completely concealed when the mouth is closed.
Eyes: Medium in size, oval to open almond in shape, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. No exposed whites are permitted. The eyes are never bulging or orienting in separate directions. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Medium in size and set fairly high on the skull, just below the plane of the skull, giving the skull a wider appearance. They are V-shaped and drop, with a slight lift at the base. The tips and inner edge hang close to the head.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body is never square, racy, or refined. It should never appear low-slung or without clearly visible sufficient space between the underline of the body and the ground. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level. The back is never short, swayed, or roached. The croup should never be higher than the withers.
Croup: Flat and level with the back or gently sloped.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, held in a curl over the back when moving and downward in a neutral position (never tucked) when relaxed. The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are long. They are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm or just slightly longer.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderate bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are approximately equal in length, strong, sturdy, moderate bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump, or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Hare-like (preferred), or oval to round (least desirable), and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Soft, dense double-coat. The outer coat is soft, silky, and short on the face, forehead, and front of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. It is flat and longer, of a moderate length on the body. It is longest on the neck, chest, base of the ears, rear of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, feet, and tail, forming well-developed fringe, furnishings, and plume. The mane and shawl are flat on the upper neck but become more profuse and longer toward the mid-point of the neck, over the shoulders, and partially down the back. Female dogs tend to have less mane than males. The undercoat is soft, dense, and fine. The Tibetan Spaniel should be shown in a natural coat condition without trimming, clipping, or other alterations.
Coat Color or Pattern: All coat colors and patterns are equally permissible.
Movement
Energetic, effortless, efficient, and smooth, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
A true watchdog, the little Tibetan Spaniel breed is confident, observant, and assertive. If anything appears out of the ordinary, they will be the first to let their family know. Somewhat of an independent spirit, the Tibetan Spaniel needs early socialization and obedience training to ensure that they learn friend from foe, as well as how to accept boundaries and live harmoniously within a family unit. When properly trained and socialized, these little dogs are quite charming companions, being affectionate and intelligent. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper, healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
