Clever companion, loving communication, withpleasure taking part in long walks or just sitting next to him, friendly and cheerful, although with character - so characterize the owners of the Tibetan spaniel.
This is a decorative breed of small dogs, externallyreminiscent of the English toy spaniel. The cynologists call it briefly a tibby. For many centuries, these animals have been used by Tibetan monks for religious rituals. Cute tibi rotated special prayer drums, with special texts on them. Monks were sure that the participation of four-legged assistants in the ritual helps to attract positive energy and establish a connection with the spirits.
In addition, it was believed that the souls of the dead were resettled in these dogs. It is for this reason that animals were treated with condescension, but without sentimentality.
History of the breed
Researchers involved in the study of variousbreeds of dogs, it is difficult to name the exact date of occurrence of the breed the Tibetan spaniel. Descriptions of animals, preserved in the annals, date from the VIII century. However, in the course of some researchers a version appeared that the history of the breed is much more than two thousand years old.
Кинологи считают, что эти собаки участвовали в the formation of some breeds - shih-tzu, Japanese hin, Pekingese. However, there are still heated debates about this: for example, researchers can not come to a common opinion as to who the Pekingese is for a Tibetan spaniel, a descendant or an ancestor.
In Europe, representatives of this breed were importedin the XIX century, but not widely disseminated at that time. The Tibetan Spaniels appeared in the UK in 1905. Development of the breed began after 1945. In 1961 the first standard was published and published. In 1988, a slightly modified version of the standard came out, which is still in force today.
general information
The Tibetan Spaniel, whose photo is inThis article is a miniature dog. The growth of males at the withers does not exceed 27 cm, the bitches are slightly lower - 24 cm, the weight varies from 4 to 7 kg. Life expectancy is about 15 years. In comparison with the size of the trunk, the head is small. Muzzle is flat, like Pekingese, without folds. The nose of the nose is black. The lower jaw covers the upper teeth. The standard allows for the location of the jaws on one level, but only under the condition of a deep chin, so that the flattened shape of the muzzle persists.
The eyes are medium in size, oval in shape,dark brown color. Ears set high, hanging, covered with fluffy, silky hair. Tail with thick undercoat, set high. When an animal moves, it takes the form of a ringlet. The front legs are strong, may be slightly curved. The rear seems somewhat dry.
Wool
Reading the description of a Tibetan spaniel in differentsources, we can conclude that the current two-layered wool cover was formed as a result of a long stay in the climate of Tibet. Such a fur coat protected animals from low temperatures and piercing winds. The top layer is silky, the undercoat is thick and dense. The longest coat is on the hips of the animal. On the muzzle and front paws it is smooth and short, on the trunk - of medium length. The back of the front paws, ears, tail are well pubescent. Any color can be accepted: gray, bright red, white, golden, cream, black.
Character
The Tibetan Spaniel dog is agile,cheerful and playful animal. She is equally friendly to all family members, she feels great even in a very modest-sized apartment. Quite loyal to other pets, but only on the condition that a puppy got into a tibby house.
The Tibetan Spaniel breed has one interestingthe feature by which these dogs are compared to cats - they relieve stress. Abroad, these animals are often taught and used in the programs of Canistherapy (some kind of zootherapy, designed to rehabilitate patients with impaired brain activity).
Long cloister in the monastery onthe nature of the animal left an imprint. They react to strangers with caution. Naturally, the miniature size of the Tibetan Spaniel will not allow him to harm a person, and he can warn the host about the visit of unexpected guests.
Despite the quite friendly temper, these animalsprone to independence. Tibetan spaniel is characterized by self-confidence and a certain estrangement. Tibby will not bark without reason. Such a pet is hard on loneliness. For this reason, it should not be ignored for a long time. In protest, he can chew on the master's things. The dog needs long and active daily walks. Otherwise, he will become irritable.
Features of the content
Tibetan Spaniel feels comfortable incity apartment, due to its small size and easy care, as well as in a country house. True, as we have said, a passive lifestyle will not be suitable for this dog. Spaniel must have a place to rest. To organize it, lay a litter-free part of the room protected from drafts. Tibby will not refuse to rest on the sofa, where he climbs on his own.
Spaniel care
Keeping an animal does not cause seriousproblems, but such a pet needs regular grooming. It should be combed every two days with a special brush. But water procedures for the representatives of this breed are undesirable - they can provoke dermatitis.
You can redeem such a pet only ifif it gets very dirty, but using shampoos and conditioners for dogs (Conditioning Rinse, One Step Herbal Shampoo Conditioner). After bathing, blot your pet's hair with a towel and dry it with a hairdryer.
Hygiene procedures
They provide regular ear care,eyes, teeth and claws. In the spring and summer, care should be taken to protect your four-legged friend from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes that are carriers of dangerous diseases. This will help you the products of the company "Hartz", specializing in the manufacture of special sprays, shampoos, collars and drops.
Regularly inspect the eyes of the animal.When souring, clean them with antibacterial wipes or a damp cotton swab. Once a week, remove dirt and sulfur from the ears, using a cotton pad, which can not be moistened.
Brush your teeth at least twice a weekyour pet, although vets recommend doing it daily to prevent the formation of tartar. In specialized stores today you can buy pasta and brushes for dogs. For example, Trixie, Canine Tooth Paste 8 in 1.
Tibby's claws are clipped twice a month using a claw cutter. But if the dog leads an active lifestyle, they grind down while walking.
Feeding
Опытные собаководы знают, а новичкам сообщим, что Dog nutrition must be balanced. The animal must receive the necessary vitamins and minerals for full development. In the diet of tibby there is a basic rule - do not overload the diet of the animal with fatty foods. It is possible to provide your pet with useful substances with the help of natural products, and using special dry and canned food. For Tibetan Spaniels, “super premium” class compositions are needed for small breed dogs. This could be Nyutro Choice or Merrick.
If you prefer to feed your friendnatural products, you should understand that this does not mean that the dog can be fed food that you eat yourself. This can not be done. The diet of the animal should include:
- veal, beef, goat meat;
- offal (lungs, kidneys, stomach, liver, heart);
- boiled vegetables (carrots, beets, tomatoes, zucchini);
- cereals (buckwheat, rice);
- sea fish (notoeniya, cod, hake);
- dairy products (kefir, ryazhenka, cottage cheese).
Owners should be aware that corn and chickenTibby often causes allergic reactions. If you find signs of similar reactions in your pet, these products should be urgently excluded from the diet of the animal.
What not to give tibby?
A number of products are prohibited for feeding representatives of this breed. These include:
- bakery and pastry;
- pork, lamb;
- products containing starch, for example, potatoes;
- salty, smoked, spicy food;
- tubular bones.
Fish should be given only in boiled form,because fresh may contain helminths. A Tibetan Spaniel is fed 5-6 times a day for three months, from 3 to 7 months - three times, after 7 months the animal is transferred to two meals.
Walking
As already mentioned, the Tibetan Spaniel is an animal.active, in need of exercise. Walk it twice a day. Duration of walks should be at least an hour. Since the dog is very mobile, it should be taken outside on a leash. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to keep the pet under control.
In order for the animal to be able to throw out the accumulated energy, from puppyhood it should be taught to run or to play with the ball.
Upbringing and training
К воспитанию щенка тибетского спаниеля необходимо proceed as early as possible. Tibby can show character, and therefore it is not easy to teach them to discipline. Education in the first months of life is primarily aimed at establishing contact with the owner.
At first, the puppy must learn to respond tohis nickname, learn where his place is, get used to walks on a leash. Spaniels quickly learn the commands “Sit!”, “Near!”, “Place!”, “Come to me!”, “Can't!” Due to a rather high level of intelligence. However, the owners should know that the animals are rather stubborn: do not be surprised that the first time the team will have to be repeated 25-30 times each. To motivate your pet to do the exercise, do not skimp on praise, treat him with a treat.
Choosing a puppy
If you, having read this article, decided urgentlygo to the bird market for a charming puppy, we want to warn you. This breed is quite rare in Russia, therefore, it is out of the question to purchase a baby on the market. It is necessary to find a specialized nursery for Tibetan spaniels. We just want to warn you that there are few of them in Russia, mainly in large cities.
As a rule, puppies are transferred to new owners intwo to three months old. By this time, the responsible breeder should give the baby the first vaccinations. Attention should be paid to the appearance of the animal. A puppy should have an elongated body, a dome-shaped head, a flattened muzzle, expressive eyes, rather wide-set, an even back, clean wool. The best indicator of tibby's well-being is the behavior of the baby: a healthy puppy is playful, mobile, inquisitive.
