Tibetan spaniel is a breed of dog that originated in Tibet hundreds of years ago. Buddhist monks kept these dogs as pets and as watchdogs for monasteries. The dogs were also companions to Tibet’s rulers. Visitors to Tibet first brought the breed to Europe in the 1800’s, but it was not officially introduced into the United States until 1967.
Tibetan spaniels are not actually spaniels, despite their name. Although Tibetan spaniels have keen eyesight and a nose for scent, they are not hunters or retrievers. Their alert personalities and intelligence make them useful as watchdogs.
The thick, silky coat of a Tibetan spaniel lies flat against the body. The coat may be almost any color or combination of colors. The bushy tail curls over the back, and the shoulders are covered with a ruff (frill) slightly longer than the rest of the fur. The dogs stand from 91/2 to 11 inches (24 to 28 centimeters) high and normally weigh between 10 and 12 pounds (4.5 and 5.4 kilograms).
