Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan spaniel is a small companion and sentinel dog from Tibet, where compact monastery dogs watched from walls and alerted larger guardians. Despite the name, it is not a gun spaniel; the breed is closer in purpose to Asian companion-watchdogs such as the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. It has a slightly longer-than-tall outline, a silky double coat, feathered ears, a plumed tail carried over the back, and a clear, self-possessed expression. Many registries allow a wide range of colors and markings.

Tibbies fit best as indoor dogs that receive daily walks, play, and close contact with their household. They can be warm with familiar people but independent in training, so reward-based consistency works better than repetition or force. The coat is moderate compared with heavier Tibetan breeds, though feathering behind the ears and on the tail needs regular combing. Early socialization helps keep the natural alarm-barking useful instead of excessive. Responsible breeders screen eyes and knees, and buyers should look for sound movement and an easy-breathing muzzle rather than a tiny, exaggerated head.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, Yellow