Non-Sporting group
Tibetan Spaniel
The monastery watchdog — small, clever, cat-like and devoted.
Tibetan Spaniels (“Tibbies”) are small, alert companion dogs from Tibetan monasteries. They are affectionate and adaptable, often cat-like in their habits, with a moderate-care coat.
- Height
- 10 in25–25 cm
- Weight
- 9–15 lb4–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Tibet
Coat: Silky double coat with a mane and feathering. Colours: Any colour or combination.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Tibbies are loving, confident and playful with their families. They like to perch on high places to watch the world, much like cats.
They are often reserved with strangers and bark to alert. They can be independent and are sensitive to harsh handling.
Living with a Tibetan Spaniel
Exercise
About 30 minutes of walks and play daily. Adaptable to apartment life.
Grooming
Brush weekly, with extra attention to the mane and feathering. Moderate shedding.
Training
Intelligent but independent; keep training short, gentle and fun.
Kids & other pets
Good with considerate children and usually with other pets, including cats. They dislike rough play and loud chaos.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but prefers company and a window to watch from.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Tibetan Spaniel right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Tibetan Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Tibetan Spaniel typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy
An inherited form (PRA3) has a DNA test.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur in small breeds.
Cherry eye
A prolapsed tear gland that may need surgical correction.
Portosystemic shunt
A congenital liver blood-vessel defect; bile acid testing can detect it.
Ask a breeder for
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA test for PRA3
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Tibetan Spaniel; Tibetan Spaniel Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Tibetan Spaniels lived in Tibetan monasteries for centuries, sitting on walls as lookouts and alerting monks to visitors. They were also treasured gifts between monasteries and royalty.
Despite the name, they are not true spaniels. The AKC recognised the Tibetan Spaniel in 1983.
Did you know?
- Tibbies were called “little lions” by Tibetan monks.
- They are not true spaniels despite the name.
- Tibbies often perch on furniture backs to survey their surroundings.
Library guides for Tibetan Spaniel owners
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Tibetan Spaniel.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Tibetan Spaniel breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Tibetan Spaniels good apartment dogs?
- Yes — they are small and calm indoors.
- Do Tibetan Spaniels shed?
- Moderately.
- Are Tibbies good with kids?
- Yes, with considerate children.