Tibetan Spaniel - description of the breed and character of the dog

The breed of dogs of the Tibetan Spaniel, unfortunately, did not retain enough information about itself, which leads to the generation of various kinds of conjectures. Due to the fact that China and Tibet traded dogs, there is an assumption that the ancestors of the Tibetan dog could be both Pekingese and Shih Tzu breed dogs. Some also suggest that this spaniel was the result of crossing a pug with a pekinese.

Breed history

The current Tibetan spaniels have long lived in the mountains of Tibet in the monasteries inhabited by monks and performed special religious rituals. In such conditions, starting from the 8th century AD, these dogs lived. They occupied a special place at the monastery, and no one even thought about crossing them with other breeds.

It is the 8th century that researchers associate with the first mention of this type of dog. Many who watched the famous film called "Golden Boy", in which the main role was played by Eddie Murphy. This film tells the story of how he ended up in one of the Tibetan temples, which had a certain peculiarity. It was allowed to talk while the golden drum was spinning. And according to Tibetan legends, it was believed that this drum was spun by Tibetan spaniels.

But soon the laws changed, and this tradition was left in the past. These dogs were allowed to be selected only on the territory of the temple, but when selecting individuals for crossing, a rather strict selection took place. Therefore, this representative of the species appeared on European lands only in the 19th century.

Despite the facts presented above, the dispute still goes on about the origin of the breed. About how the dogs looked earlier, and who exactly was their ancestors, is unknown.And all this happened due to the fact that Tibet and China, as already noted, were actively engaged in the sale of certain types of dogs, which could be the ancestors of modern Tibetan.

Anyone who is not very familiar with this breed, probably, having seen a representative of this species on the street, will think that it is Pekingese. Nobody argues that these two wonderful breeds are very similar to each other. But still, if you look closely, the Tibetan representative has significant differences.

This dog is a little higher than its kindred, and also much larger. And his features of muzzles are more correct and easier to distinguish.

Description of standards

The representative of this breed has its own standards that distinguish it from other dogs:

1. These pets are rather short and their average height does not exceed 24-26 cm.
2. The average weight of an adult Tibetan Spaniel reaches 4-7 kilograms.
3. If you look at the dog as a whole, you can see that its torso is slightly elongated.
4. The head is small, but proportional to the body.
5. The skull of the animal is slightly convex, and the muzzle itself is rather short, but, despite such flattening, there are no folds on it.
6. The bend from the muzzle to the forehead is not at all expressive.
7. The eyes of a Tibetan dog are rather expressive, oval-shaped.If you look at the front, you can see that they are planted far away. The eyes themselves have a dark color, usually dark brown. Although the eyes are expressive, but they should not be bulging, because according to the standard such representatives are not accepted.
8. The lower jaw is slightly extended, but the fangs should not be visible, the mouth is closed.
9. By standard, the nose of a spaniel should be dark, but ideally black.
10. The ears are on the very top of the head, and are completely covered with hair, and their ends are sagging.
11. Despite the fact that the limbs, both hind and fore, are rather short, but they look strong, and their muscles are well developed.
12. The legs of the limbs themselves are similar to the hare.
13. The body is a bit stretched, and the back is even.
14. The tail is fluffy and has the shape of a ring, and is located quite high.
15. The coat is silky to the touch, and its length is medium.
16. If we talk about the color of the animal, then there is no single standard, it can be different.

The biggest advantage of a representative of this breed is considered to be a smooth and silky fur. But besides this, the Tibetan Spaniel's fur coat has a rather thick undercoat. In the neck area of ​​the pet, you can see that the coat is slightly longer, and because of this, the impression of a collar that gives the dog a solid look is created.On this collar can be understood, it is a female or male. In the latter, the fur is much thicker and longer. And the paws are covered with shorter hair, which is adjacent to the body of the animal.

Tibetan Spaniel Character

Dogs of this breed are designed to live in a loving family in a house or apartment. These animals are very faithful and loyal, so they can be a good companion for many years.

These small animals are often perceived as ornamental, but in fact, spaniels are quite intelligent and quick-witted dogs.

Despite their attitude to the owners, they do not really trust strangers. Therefore, they are very attentive to their owners and to the protection of their homes. Of course, if you take into account the size of this pet, he cannot do much harm if the attacker penetrates the apartment or house, but the Tibetan spaniel will loudly notify his family about this.

These animals are completely devoid of any aggression, they are very loving when it comes to family members. In addition, these pets are always filled with energy, so they need constant activity.

If we talk about training, then these dogs are quite malleable and easy to learn commands. But still, they are not as simple as they seem, because between the teams they can decide for themselves how best to act in this or that situation. In order to develop a wonderful relationship with the pet, you need to give him love and understanding. Because the spaniel is a rather capricious dog that doesn’t like to talk in an orderly tone. He prefers freedom of choice, so they often show their opinions, their attitude.

In addition to these characteristics, the pet has a need for personal space and freedom. If you begin to limit them in space, then this can affect not only their mood, but also their health in general.

These pets are physically weak when compared to other dogs. And therefore they are not at all intended to arrange battles. Although when they face some danger, they will be able to at least scare the enemy with their barking. It is also worth noting that this breed is different in that its representatives do not bark without a reason.

Pet Care

For spaniels from Tibet need special care. And all this because their health is not as strong as we would like. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically carry your pet for a visit to the vet. Most often, the dog suffers from the locomotor system, so it should pay more attention. And besides, it is worth checking the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

But, and if we talk about care, which can be provided without the help of specialists, then this includes caring for hair, claws, ears and eyes. Unfortunately, this breed suffers from ear diseases. To minimize the appearance of problems, you should take care of them and remove sulfur with a cotton swab. It is necessary to perform these actions once a week, and it will not be worse if this process occurs more often. In the same way it is necessary to follow the pet's eyes.

If the spaniel lives in the city, then when walking its claws are grinded on the asphalt, and if the pet lives outside the city, the claws should be trimmed independently.

The wool of the Tibetan dog is its greatest advantage, and in order for it to retain its original beautiful appearance, it is necessary to watch it: comb, feed it with good quality food.

These dogs are quite active, so you should take care that they throw out their energy, especially if the dog lives in the apartment. In order for pets to always be healthy and happy, it is necessary to take into account their needs:

1. Tibetan spaniels need daily active walks.
2. Active walks should include running and playing with your pet.
3. You should not let your pet off the leash, because, having felt freedom, it can start barking at passersby and blocking the passage for them.

Power Features

As in the lives of other pets, food in the life of a Tibetan Spaniel plays not the last role. The general condition of the animal depends on the correctness of the diet.

The first thing to exclude from the dog's diet is fried foods, smoked foods, and sweets. The same applies to the use of salt, as well as vegetables and other products that contain a high percentage of starch. Contraindicated for the Spaniel eating pasta and pasta.

The basis of the diet of the animal should be meat. And it must be lean. For Tibetan Spaniel, veal with chicken and beef is suitable.

Spaniels are recommended to use cottage cheese, as well as kefir or natural yogurt. Sometimes, during infectious periods, a spoonful of honey can be added to the curd, because this ingredient will contribute to strengthening the immune system.

Training

But if the owner is not very experienced, and uses unacceptable for this type of training methods, then the training will not bear fruit. In order to win the dog, a person will have to work hard. It is better if this does not happen at a mature age, because then it is almost impossible to do this.

Training can begin when the spaniel is a puppy. Then he will be able to master the program in a very short time. But it is always worth learning new things so that the pet does not lose its abilities.Although they have high intelligence, their skills may come to naught.

There is no need to worry about the socialization of the Tibetan Spaniel, because they are so easy and simple to get on with people.

Video: Tibetan Spaniel dog breed