Tibetan Spaniel

Also called Simkhyi and Tibbie

  • Apartment friendly
  • Hard to train

The Tibetan Spaniel is a small breed of spaniel from Tibet. These dogs are small in size, with a short and silky coat of fur. They have a cheerful and affectionate demeanor, making them excellent companion dogs. They are highly trainable and intelligent, with an instinct to protect their family and property. They are loyal and devoted to their family, but can be stubborn and independent at times.

Weight
9–15 lb (4–7 kg)
Height at the shoulder
9–10 in (24–26 cm)
Life span
12–15 years
Exercise
About 30 minutes a day
Coat
Medium, Double
Origin
Tibetan Plateau, Tibet

Traits

Family and friends

  • Children: OK with children
  • Other dogs: OK with other dogs
  • Strangers: Reserved with strangers

Home and activity

  • Energy: Moderately active
  • Apartment living: Great in an apartment
  • Barking: Barks sometimes
  • Training: Hard to train

Care

  • Grooming: Regular brushing
  • Shedding: Sheds moderately
  • Drooling: Hardly drools

Temperament

Affectionate Aloof with strangers Assertive Gay Independent Intelligent

Coat colours

All colors and combinations, black and tan, cream, fawn, gold, parti-color, red and white


Recognized by

American Kennel Club (AKC), Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), The Kennel Club (UK) (KC), New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC)


Caring for a Tibetan Spaniel

Find pet services near you that suit this breed.

Veterinarians

Check-ups and vaccinations through its 12–15 years.

Find veterinarians

Groomers

A groom every few months keeps its coat in good shape.

Find groomers

Dog trainers

Can be stubborn: a trainer helps from the start.

Find dog trainers

Pet sitters

Someone to look after it while you’re away.

Find pet sitters

Breeds of a similar size

All small breeds
A Bichon Frise
Small

Bichon Frise

Non-Sporting Group

  • Weight:11–18 lb (5–8 kg)
  • Life span:14–16 years
A Boston Terrier
Small

Boston Terrier

Non-Sporting Group

  • Weight:11–24 lb (5–11 kg)
  • Life span:12–14 years
A Coton de Tulear
Small

Coton de Tulear

Non-Sporting Group

  • Weight:9–15 lb (4–7 kg)
  • Life span:14–17 years
A Lhasa Apso
Small

Lhasa Apso

Non-Sporting Group

  • Weight:11–18 lb (5–8 kg)
  • Life span:12–15 years

Sources

Breed details from The Dog API (opens in a new tab).