About the breed
A portrait of the Tibetan Spaniel.
The Tibetan Spaniel at a glance
- Origin
- Tibet
- Companion and Toy Dogs
- FCI Group 9
- FCI breed standard
- No. 231
Appearance and everyday life
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small companion dog with an alert expression, feathered ears and a well-furnished tail carried over the back in motion. The breed standard describes an alert, confident and independent dog that may be reserved with strangers.
Coat care
Brush the coat regularly, paying particular attention behind the ears and to longer areas where tangles can form.
Life at home
Walks, scent games and short training sessions give the dog opportunities to explore. A quiet resting spot is useful when visitors arrive.
History and breed traditions
Breed tradition describes Tibetan Spaniels watching from monastery walls and barking to alert monks and larger dogs. They were also prized as gifts. The story of dogs turning prayer wheels is a monastery legend.
Cat-like habits
Many Tibbies like to watch from a windowsill or the back of a sofa. Some rub their muzzle with their front paws in a way that looks like a cat washing its face. Cookie’s story below gives an everyday example of the breed’s watchfulness and independence. Source for the cat-like comparison
Current standard and health
The 2026 FCI standard No. 231 gives a height of about 25 cm, an ideal weight of 4.1–6.8 kg and characteristic hare feet. The current FCI standard No. 231 does not permit merle. Brush the double coat regularly, especially behind the ears and during shedding. The PRA3 DNA test, ECVO eye examination and patella examination assess different aspects of health. Breeding requirements depend on the relevant club.
Sources: FCI 231 · Tibetan Spaniel Club of America · ECVO
Tibetan Spaniel stories
Cookie’s window seat
Cookie has her own lookout on the windowsill. A narrow strip of uncovered glass is enough for her to see the street and the door to our shop. When something moves, her ears perk up.
Sometimes another Cookie appears in the glass. She looks back just as intently and lifts her head at exactly the same moment. Strange. But someone might walk into the shop any second, so Cookie turns back to the street.
When things quiet down outside, Cookie has another place to check. Her old friend the fridge is in the kitchen. It pays to listen carefully there, too. Sometimes there’s a carrot.