| Originating in palaces and monasteries in Tibet, and | | | | coat from becoming matted and to minimize the |
| across the border in China, these little dogs were | | | | shedding of hair. In addition, they will require a full |
| mainly used as watchdogs, patrolling the high walls of | | | | grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, including a bath with a |
| the monasteries in the Himalayas mountains. They | | | | gentle dog shampoo. Regular bathing will help to keep |
| were also regarded by the monks as ideal little | | | | the coat in full condition as well as generally keeping it |
| companions and would often be seen around the | | | | clean. |
| monasteries, although the stories often told of them | | | | Grooming Tibbies is the same as any other |
| being used to power prayer wheels are probably just | | | | double-coated breed: You need to brush out the coat |
| a myth! | | | | with a slicker or pin brush to remove loose hair that |
| Tibet and China were not often visited by foreigners | | | | can otherwise become tangled with the woolly |
| until the 19th century so it was not until the late | | | | undercoat. The grooming session is also a good time |
| 1890s that Tibetan Spaniels were introduced to | | | | to check nails and trim them if necessary. |
| Europe. They subsequently made it to the USA in the | | | | Tibetan Spaniels, like many other toy breeds, need |
| 1960s. | | | | almost constant human companionship - they suffer |
| Tibbies, as they are affectionately known, make | | | | easily from separation anxiety. So if everyone in the |
| excellent guard dogs, having very good eyesight and | | | | household is out most of the day, this is not a |
| hearing. They will bark to give early warning to their | | | | suitable breed - the Tibbie should not be left alone |
| owner of the presence of visitors, or anything else | | | | for more than a few hours, and even then, not on a |
| that is out of routine. | | | | regular basis. And as far as exercise is concerned, |
| Tibbies come in a range of colors including black | | | | being a small dog, they do not need to be walked |
| & tan, sable, white, red and black. When fully | | | | for miles every day - a few short walks is sufficient. |
| grown they should weigh between 9 lbs and 15 lbs | | | | If you are looking for a companion that will be equally |
| and stand about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They | | | | happy to go for walk, play with a ball, or snuggle up |
| are healthy and hearty little dogs and will live for 15 | | | | to you on the couch, a Tibetan Spaniel may be just |
| or more years, given a good balanced diet, proper | | | | right for you. And the care and attention that these |
| health care, and regular exercise. | | | | lovable little dogs need will be amply repaid by their |
| Tibetan Spaniels need daily brushing to prevent their | | | | devotion to you. |