The Tibetan Spaniel is a highly intelligent dog coming from the mountainous regions of Tibet.

These little dogs were originally bred in the monasteries of Tibet where they were held in high esteem by the monks.

Used as watchdogs they warned of approaching visitors by their barking.  These characteristics are still found in the breed today as they make very good housedogs warning of any unusual occurrence.  Just as they used to watch from the walls of the monasteries in Tibet so today they often like to climb up to a lookout point such as a window sill.

These little dogs are not guard dogs and should never show signs of aggression or bite.  They have a characteristic of being aloof with strangers but will accept you as part of the family once they are familiar with you.  Be warned that when they are being looked at by a stranger they may well not look straight at you and do not like being swooped down upon.

They are a long lived and generally healthy breed often remaining active and full of life until 15 or 16 years of age.  They have adapted themselves very well from life in the high monasteries where they would have needed to be hardy to survive, to the comforts of the modern home.  They are loving dogs but are naturally inquisitive and like to know all that is going on in the home and this sometimes manifests itself as boredom when required to remain idle for any length of time.

The Tibetan Spaniel likes to sit on something and will help itself to anything soft which it fancies such as the kitchen towel or the clean washing.

Whilst they are an extremely happy and intelligent dog they have a strong streak of individuality and will only co-operate if and when they wish to do so.  The Tibetan Spaniel should have great dignity and proud bearing indicating how much they were prized in Tibet by the powerful monks, their masters.  It should be realised that these dogs could not be bought from the monks but were given as valued gifts to esteemed friends.

The breed flourishes with constant human contact and the dogs should never be shut away for long periods from their owners.  The Tibetan Spaniel is not a dog which you can dominate and if you own one you should never expect instant obedience.