Tibetan Spaniel — breed guide
Bred in Tibetan monasteries to sit on walls and bark at approaching strangers — a sentinel, not a lapdog, and it still behaves like one.
At a glance
- Group
- non-sporting
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–7 kg (9–15 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Silky double coat with a mane and feathering
Living with a Tibetan Spaniel
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Watchful · Independent · Bright · Aloof with strangers
Health to watch
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic shunt
- Cherry eye
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Tibetan Spaniel good with kids?
Generally yes. Tibetan Spaniels are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Tibetan Spaniel good with cats?
Usually yes. Tibetan Spaniels typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Tibetan Spaniel need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Tibetan Spaniel handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Tibetan Spaniel's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.