Tibetan spaniel Dogs

Like the histories of all Tibetan and oriental breeds, that of the Tibetan spaniel is veiled in a certain haze. It is said the breed may be the ancestor of the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese, while another belief is that they were used to turn prayer wheels in Tibetan monasteries. Certainly the breed was known in Britain prior to the close of the last century and undoubtedly the name 'Spaniel' is a misnomer.

With a rather special temperament, the Tibetan Spaniel is aloof with strangers, but highly intelligent, gay and assertive, alert, loyal and yet independent. Slightly longer than it is high, this small active dog measures about 25.4 cm (10 in) in height and weight is ideally 4.1-6.8 kg (9-15 lb). All coat colors and color mixtures are acceptable and the top coat is silky in texture, of moderate length on the body and with a mane, which is more apparent in dogs than bitches.