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| TIBETAN SPANIEL |
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A Brief History
Fondly known as the 'Tibbie', the Tibetan Spaniel is a very intelligent breed, with keen sight and acute hearing. As well as being used as a 'hot water bottle' by the Dalai Lama and the Buddhist monks of Tibet, they sat atop the monastery walls to warn the bigger dogs of approaching strangers. Although they are not very well known in today's society, the Tibetan Spaniel is believed to date back to hundreds of years before the Christian era. Many believe them to be the ancestors of the Lhaso Apso and the Pekingese.
General
A highly intelligent breed, with a love for human companionship. It has been said "you don't own a Tibetan Spaniel", they own you. They are very easy to train with the right approach, with love and understanding being what they respond to. To use hard-handed tactics with them, will only result in a very unhappy little dog that will sulk and/or get revenge. Complete, instant obedience is not their forte. They will do it for you, but because they want too, not because you made them. They are not open to bribes and are unforgiving and remember enemies. They are known to be a big dog in a small dog's body. Aloof with strangers, but not timid. Tibbies are not yappers. They will bark to warn you of something strange or wrong, but are not a noisy breed.
They make ideal pets, with some being used as 'Pet Therapy' dogs or trained for 'hearing assistance'. |
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Children
They seem to have a love for children of all ages. You must however remember that they are only a small breed (approx. 10"), and teach children accordingly.
Health
Tibbies are quite a sturdy little dog without a great deal of health problems. You do see Luxating Patellar (slipping knee joints) but if you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, this will have been checked for. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is seen more overseas than it is in Australia. We do not seem to have a problem with this in this country. A far more common problem is Distichiasis, ingrown eye lashes. If this occurs, they must be removed by a vet. He will sometimes refer you to a canine eye specialist. Runny eyes: are quite common and usually caused by wind and dust. Respiratory Problems: Although Tibbies have a shorter nose than most breeds, they do not suffer from respiratory problems like the dogs with the really short noses. E.g. The Pug and The Pekingese. Overall, they are a robust little dog, usually only seeing a vet for annual vaccinations.
Appearance
Is of a small, compact dog, slightly longer than tall. They are active and alert with their tail being carried gaily over their back. Their head is small in proportion to their body with a 'monkey like' expression. Tibetan Spaniels come in all colours and combination of colours.
Grooming
Although they are double coated, they are very easy to look after, requiring a brush only about once a week and a bath about once a month. They do not need to be clipped, as they do not matt easily. Males usually carry more coat than females. They do not have a 'doggy' smell. Maintenance rating = low.
Social
Tibbies love to be with their owners and regard most other pets in the household as family. Entire males can sometimes object to other entire males, but are usually quite good. There could be problems with entire males together if there is an entire female on heat present.
House Training
Tibbies are very clean little dogs and house training is usually not a problem. Be consistent and have patience. Rome wasn't built in a day.
Exercise
A great deal is not required. If more than one is owned, they will exercise themselves during play. However, they are not the sort of dog to stick in the backyard and forget. |
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| Last Update: 24/03/07 15:02 |
Views: 7294 |
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