Tibetan Spaniel Breed Standard
15-May-06
© The Kennel Club - Unauthorised Reproduction of Text and Images Prohibited
The Kennel Club Picture Library - © David Dalton
General Appearance
Small, active and alert. Well balanced in general outline, slightly longer in body than height at withers.
Characteristics
Gay and assertive, highly intelligent, aloof with strangers.
Temperament
Alert, loyal but independent.
Head and Skull
Small in proportion to body, carried proudly. Masculine in dogs but free from coarseness. Skull slightly domed, moderate width and length. Stop slight but defined. Medium length of muzzle, blunt with cushioning, free from wrinkle. Chin showing some depth and width. Nose: black preferred.
Eyes
Dark brown, oval, bright and expressive, medium size, set fairly well apart but forward looking. Rims black.
Ears
Medium size, pendant, well feathered in adults, set fairly high. Slight lift from the skull desirable but must not fly. Large, heavy, low set ears untypical.
Mouth
Slightly undershot. Teeth evenly placed and the lower jaw wide between the canine teeth. Full dentition desirable. Teeth and tongue not showing when mouth closed.
Neck
Moderately short, strong and well set on. Covered with a mane or ‘shawl’ of longer hair, more pronounced in dogs than bitches.
Forequarters
Moderate bone. Forelegs slightly bowed but firm at shoulder. Shoulder well laid.
Body
Slightly longer from withers to root of tail than the height at withers, good spring of rib, level back.
Hindquarters
Well made and strong, hocks well let down, straight when viewed from behind. Moderate turn of stifle.
Feet
Harefoot. Small and neat with feathering between toes often extending beyond the feet. Round cat-feet undesirable.
Tail
Set high, richly plumed and carried in gay curl over back when moving. (Not to be penalised for dropping tail when standing.)
Gait/Movement
Quick-moving, straight, free, positive.
Coat
Top coat silky in texture, smooth on face and front of legs, of moderate length on body, but lying rather flat. Undercoat fine and dense. Ears and back of forelegs nicely feathered, tail and buttocks well furnished with longer hair. Not overcoated, bitches tend to carry less coat and mane than dogs.
Colour
All colours and mixture of colours permissible.
Size
Height about 25 cms (10 ins). Ideal weight: 4-7 kgs (9-15 lbs).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Last Updated - September 2000
Health Information
The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations. Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.
The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.
Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available. Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.
Recommended Reading
All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.
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Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group. |
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The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group. |
Breed Clubs and Societies
- NORTHERN IRELAND TIBETAN SPANIEL ASSOC. Sec. Mrs M E Smyth. Tel No: 01574 277388
- NORTHERN TIBETAN SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Mrs J Allman. Tel No: 01902 672021
- SOUTH EAST & EAST ANGLIAN TIBETAN SPANIEL SOCIETY. Sec. Mrs A Riley. Tel No: 01473 829067
- SOUTH WESTERN TIBETAN SPANIEL CLUB. Sec. Miss L Ayres. Tel No: Not available - for more information contact the Kennel Club
- TIBETAN SPANIEL ASSOC. Sec. Miss B Croucher. Tel No: 01792 470417
- TIBETAN SPANIEL CLUB OF SCOTLAND. Sec. Mrs Gregory. Tel No: 01383 514633
- Date:
- 15-May-06
- Categories:
- Discover Dogs, Utility Group
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