Tibetan Spaniel
Alert, affectionate, and confident, this small companion thrives on close bonds with family. Renowned for a lion-like mane and cheerful, spirited personality.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
25 cm (male)
22 cm (female)
WEIGHT
4–7 kg (male)
4–7 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Tibetan Spaniel: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Tibetan Spaniel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Tibetan Spaniel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Tibetan Spaniels are alert, affectionate, and often reserved with strangers, forming strong bonds with their families and displaying a confident, independent nature.
Key Personality Traits
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, attentive and observant
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Likes interactive games and gentle fun
Adjusts well to various living situations

Strengths
- Alert watchdog with keen senses
- Affectionate with family members
- Generally good with other pets
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Low grooming needs for a long coat
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Can be stubborn during training
- May be reserved with strangers
- Needs regular mental stimulation
- Sensitive to harsh correction or loud environments

Protect your Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniel can develop progressive retinal atrophy and patellar luxation. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Tibetan Spaniels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and quick to learn but can be independent-minded, so consistent, positive training methods are most effective for reliable results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
Tibetan Spaniels have moderate energy levels and enjoy daily walks and play sessions, along with mental stimulation through interactive games or toys to keep them engaged and content.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Tibetan Spaniels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Tibetan Spaniel would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Adaptable and easy to train, making them manageable for new owners.
Apartment Living
Small size and low exercise needs match well with apartment life.
Active Lifestyle
Enjoy activity but do not require intense daily exercise routines.
Kids
Gentle and affectionate but may be reserved or aloof with very young children.
Multiple Pets
Typically sociable with other pets if socialized early.
Being Left Alone
Dislike being left alone and can develop separation anxiety.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Tibetan Spaniels compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tibetan Spaniel
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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