Tibetan Spaniel: breed description and content

Tibetan Spaniel - a small cute dog, which is considered decorative. Our article describes the description of this breed, as well as the characteristics of the content, the training of such dogs and much more.

Tibby became famous for a long time. Such dogs were previously kept by Tibetan monks. They were used for religious services and for protection. As a watchdog Tibetan Spaniel, they planted him on the wall of the monastery, and when unexpected guests appeared, he began to bark loudly. Such dogs could not provide protection against strangers, and here they were helped by more serious watchmen: Tibetan mastiffs.

Spaniels also rotated prayer drums (they usually contained texts needed for religious services). Such dogs were allowed to live with the monks: the four-legged companions were with them even while traveling. These dogs were not allowed to sell, they were only given. So tibby and ended up in China. Then many other breeds arose from them, however, scientists still have a lot of controversy on these topics.

Europeans learned about Tibetan spaniels only at the end of the XIX century. Miss McLaren, a breeder from Britain, brought such dogs to England. From the middle of the 20th century, tibbies have already spread throughout the world. Every year these dogs are paid more and more attention, and they are rapidly gaining popularity.

To an inexperienced dog breeder it may seem that the Pekingese and Tibetan Spaniel are the same, however, there are still differences. As for the description of a tibby, it is immediately noticeable that this dog is bigger than the Pekingese. Tibby weight can reach 6.8 kg and height - 26 cm. The proportions of the Tibetan Spaniel are quite harmonious.His body is strong, slightly stretched. Movement of the dog confident, light.

The tibby skull is convex, the head is rather small. Muzzle slightly flattened, short, however, no folds. The transition from the muzzle to the forehead is mild.

Eyes oval, set fairly wide, medium in size. The gaze is straight. The color of the eyes is dark, brownish.

The color of the nose is usually black. Ears are set high, long, hang on cartilage. The lower jaw is slightly extended (the bite can be straight, but more often there is a bite). The lips are thin, tightly pressed to the jaw, the teeth are ideally not visible.

The neck of a Tibetan spaniel is almost none. At first glance it may seem that his head is mounted directly on the body. The loin is slightly convex, the back is straight.

Limbs tibby not heavy, but strong, rather short. The front paws of the Tibetan Spaniel are curved, neat. The hind limbs are more straight, muscular, strong.

Tibby coat is silky, thick, very beautiful. The length of the coat is average. The coat is bilayer, very well developed. Dogs usually have a rather large collar around the neck. On the chest, in the breeches, on the tail and ears of Tibetan spaniels there are turns.

The color of a tibby can be practically anything, there is no strict characteristic in this regard. On the limbs of such dogs are often white spots. The most valuable are the dark Tibetan spaniels with white spots on the forehead, tail and chest. Golden dogs are also valuable.

Tibby puppies are born small, blind. They open eyes approximately in 2 weeks after birth. At this age, puppies already quite confidently keep on their paws, they begin to move much more. Kids become heavier, stop to sleep a lot.

The age of Tibetan Spaniel puppies usually begins to darken or brighten with age: it all depends on color. For a long time, it resembles light down. When the dog reaches the age of 1 year, the coat becomes more rigid, coarse, the spots increase or decrease. A tooth change usually starts from 4 months.

Tibby are cheerful, agile and playful. Such dogs are quite capricious. They feel great in the apartment, usually friendly with all family members. To tibby better settled down, it is better to take him as a puppy. The adult dog still has some specific features that the new owner does not always like.

According to the therapeutic abilities of Tibetan spaniels, they are quite often compared with representatives of the feline family. These animals are very good at helping with stress. In many Western countries, tibbies are specially trained to be used in canistherapy. This is zootherapy, which aims to restore patients with impaired brain function.

Since Tibetan spaniels were kept in monasteries for a long time, a certain imprint was imposed on their character. They are rather distrustful and wary of strangers. Tibby is a small dog, so it will not be able to cause serious harm to a person, however, this dog can easily scare off an intruder and warn his owner about the danger in time. So that the dog does not accidentally scare passersby peacefully strolling, it is better to keep it on a leash during the walk.

Tibby are friendly, but they also strive for independence. Sometimes such a dog can show character and becomes rather stubborn. For this reason, it is necessary to devote enough time to her upbringing.

Tibetan spaniels are great guards. They immediately react to extraneous movements, rustles and other sounds. Such dogs are characterized by considerable self-confidence, as well as some estrangement, so you should not pester the pet when he wants privacy. It should be borne in mind that tibby usually do not bark without a serious reason. If the pet still barked, this most often means that an outsider appeared on the territory.

Special tibby care is not needed. The main thing - how to care for the woolen cover of this beautiful dog. Brush and comb a Tibetan Spaniel several times a week. Twice a year during a molt, scour a Tibetan spaniel with a furminator or a puhokerka.

Special attention should be paid to the woolen cover on the tail and ears: in these places often appear mats. To make it easier to comb the hair of the animal, you can use a special spray during this procedure.

It is recommended to wash the Tibetan spaniel no more than four times a year. Some owners of such dogs prefer dry shampoo: it removes stains and dirt from wool very well. Be sure to use suitable conditioners and shampoos, providing effective care for the skin and coat of the dog. After washing the dog, lightly wipe it with a towel.

Haircut for tibby is not needed. If you frequently cut such a dog, the quality of its coat is significantly deteriorated.

Having walked with a Tibetan spaniel, be sure to inspect his ears: there may be ticks. Treat your pet's ears with cotton buds and cotton pads weekly to remove sulfur and other contaminants. They will need to be pre-moistened with hydrogen peroxide.Several times a week, wipe tibby's eyes with a soft cotton pad or a cloth dipped in a weak chamomile decoction or plain boiled water. Claws on the pet's feet cut off as they grow.

Brush your dog's teeth weekly using a special paste and a soft brush. Particular attention should be paid when permanent teeth begin to grow in place of milk teeth. In Tibetan spaniels, milk teeth may not fall out too long. In such cases, it is better to go to an experienced doctor.

Once or twice a few months, put on the dog's withers a remedy for parasites and fleas. In summer and spring seasons, when ticks become active, it is recommended to use special collars and sprays.

Tibby is an animal that is quite energetic, and this energy must be given a way out. Otherwise, the nature of the dog may deteriorate very much. Tibby walks need to be done every day, they should be quite long. Such animals love jogging, active activities, nature.

The Tibetan Spaniel usually adapts to various living conditions quite easily, but it should be borne in mind that it cannot live on a leash or in an aviary. In the house for the dog should be allocated a separate corner: it must be cozy and secluded. This place should be kept away from heating appliances and drafts. In some cases, such pets sleep with their hosts.

The thick coat of Tibetan spaniels reliably protects them from the cold, but in case of severe frosts or high humidity it is recommended to wear blankets, sweaters or overalls on such dogs.

Tibetan Spaniels need a large number of useful items. One of the main rules is to give such dogs as little fatty foods as possible. Tibby eat both natural food and special mixes. Many Tibetan Spaniel owners give them Nutro Choice, Merrick. Tibby can be fed such natural products:

• ryazhenka, kefir, cottage cheese;
• buckwheat cereal, rice;
• goat meat, veal, beef;
• sea ​​fish (cod, notoeniya, hake);
• boiled vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, beets);
• offal (heart, liver, kidney, stomach, lungs).

As for corn and chicken meat - it should be borne in mind that because of them, Tibetan spaniels often have allergic reactions. If you encounter such a problem, you will need to stop giving these foods to your dog. It is strictly forbidden to feed Tibby with the following products:

• tubular bones;
• potatoes;
• bakery and pastry;
• spicy, salted, smoked food;
• pork, lamb.

Fish for tibby is better to cook, because after eating fresh meat a dog can become infected with worms. An adult dog whose age has reached 7 months is better to feed twice a day, a tibby who is 3–6 months old - 3 times, a small puppy - 4 times a day.

Tibby needs early socialization. It is recommended to take a long walk with a Tibetan spaniel immediately after his appearance in the house: this is how you teach the dog to other animals and people. If this is not done, the dog may become aggressive towards strangers.

Relationship Tibetan Spaniel with his master must be a partner. If you scold the dog often, use physical punishment, he will no longer trust the owner and will keep a grudge. If you respect Tibbi and demonstrate it in every way, the pet will respond with gratitude, devotion and love.

Such dogs can be trained. The thing is that they seek to please their masters and in every way to please them. However, in Tibetan Spaniel, such qualities as freedom-loving and stubbornness may awaken.Some Tibetans begin to ignore commands and act on their own instincts.

Tibetan spaniels live up to 15 years. The health of such pets is usually quite strong, but they are still prone to certain diseases. Most often, these or other diseases in tibby occur due to genetic predisposition. For this reason, it is better to purchase Tibetan Spaniel puppies in reliable nurseries, where they provide information about the pedigree of the animal. Tibby has the following diseases most often.

• Allergies. Symptoms - edema, pruritus, and so on. To avoid the occurrence of allergic reactions, it is necessary to take the choice of suitable products for the Tibetan Spaniel as seriously as possible.
• Otitis. It develops because of the peculiar shape of tibby ears. To prevent the development of this disease, it is necessary to monitor hygiene. After walking in wet weather and water procedures, wipe the pet's coat close to your ears. This can be done using cotton wool disks.
• Atrophy of the retina. Lead the animal regularly to an ophthalmologist. If you ignore the problem and start the disease, the dog may go completely blind.
• Problems with the musculoskeletal system. Such diseases arise because of the physique of the Tibetan spaniels. They most often develop in middle-aged animals.

Attention should be paid not only to the physical, but also to the psychological state of the dog. Dose the dog in noisy and crowded places, make sure that he is not nervous.

The Tibetan Spaniel becomes sexually mature at about 9 months. By the first mating dog is ready at 12 months, the female - 2 weeks after the onset of estrus. After a day, you must repeat mating.

Puppies have a bitch appear after 2 months. During pregnancy, you should limit the activity of the dog, and feed it more often: about 4 times a day. Before giving birth, a tibby usually refuses to eat, is anxious. There are thick discharge, reduced body temperature. At one time, the female usually gives birth to 2 to 4 cubs.

10 interesting facts about Tibetan spaniels, see the video below.