The Tibetan Spaniel, despite its name, has nothing in common with a hunting breed. It was originally bred by monks as a house companion. The sacred dogs of the Asian nobility received their name after appearing in Europe, due to their resemblance to the varieties of spaniels common in England.
Characteristics and description of the breed
Height at withers: 25-28 cm,
Weight: 4-7 kg.
Acceptable color:
- sand;
- honey;
- gold;
- smoky;
- dark gray with gray streaks;
- black;
- party color;
- white;
- brown.
Additional characteristics: a small dog with long and thick hair that flows smoothly from the body to the surface of the floor.
The Apso has a well-balanced, strong body. The head is covered with voluminous hair that covers the eyes. The muzzle is straight, about 4 cm long, decorated with a rich mustache and beard. The ears droop and have long, thick hair, reminiscent of a woman's hairstyle with straight hair.
The eyes of the Lhasa Apso are dark in color, expressive, with long eyelashes. Please note that the white of the eye should not be visible from either the top or bottom of the eyeball.
The paws are straight, parallel to each other, overgrown, and the high-set tail looks like a “plume” due to the long hair hanging from it. The dog's movements are light and free.
Health
On average, the Tibetan Terrier can live about 12-14 years, but there are cases of longevity when representatives of the breed could live 17 years or more.
Life expectancy directly depends on the conditions of detention and quality of nutrition. It is also important to carry out timely treatment for skin parasites, deworming and vaccination. Annual preventive examinations at a veterinary clinic are recommended.
The Tibetan Terrier has a predisposition to the following diseases:
- Dislocation of the eye lens is a severe pathology of the eyeball.
- Dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the hip joint, which leads to the development of arthrosis and destruction of the joint.
- Cataract is a clouding of the lens that impairs vision and can lead to complete loss of vision.
- Retinal atrophy is a genetic pathology that can lead not only to vision deterioration, but also to its loss.
- Dislocation of the kneecap is a displacement relative to its usual (normal) position outward (lateral) or inward (medially).
History of the Lhasa Apso breed
Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of modern Lhasa Apsos appeared in distant Tibet. The breed was developed by Tibetan monks , who believed that the small apso was a talisman warning owners of impending danger. They lived in temples, where only sacred animals . Tibetans believed that dogs were sometimes possessed by the souls of dead people.
Puppies of this dog breed were not previously sold; they could only be received as a gift from Tibetan monks, as a sign of extreme respect and good attitude towards humans.
The breed first crossed the borders of European countries at the end of the 19th century. Opinions differ about who first brought Lhasa to Europe. According to one version, the dog came to the British Isles thanks to the Baileys.
The first description was made by Lionel Jacobs in 1901. And the Lhasa Apso came to an exhibition in London in 1929
Only a few representatives of the breed came to Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, but almost no breeding was done.
Note that the standard of the Lhasa Apso has remained virtually unchanged throughout the entire existence of the breed, which is more than one thousand years, since the first mentions of these dogs date back to the 1st-2nd centuries BC. e .
How to choose a puppy
Decorative breeds, including Tibetan spaniels, are becoming increasingly fashionable. As the popularity of these dogs grows, the number of unscrupulous breeders who sell defective puppies or mutes at below market prices increases. You shouldn't buy them. In addition to the fact that such puppies cannot take part in exhibitions and breeding, they often have congenital physical or mental disabilities.
A purebred puppy can be purchased from a professional nursery or from trusted breeders. For those who are buying a companion, it is enough to pay attention to the health of the puppy. The puppy should appear well-fed (but not bloated), curious, friendly, willing to play, and not aggressive.
A show class puppy must be chosen by the parents. They should have awards from various exhibitions. It is advisable that the litter is not the first, as this will allow one to trace the merits of the offspring. It is better to choose a future champion with the help of a professional who will assess his compliance with the breed standards.
The cost of a Tibetan spaniel varies from 35,000 rubles and above. The high price is due to the small size of the breed and the high demand for puppies.
Despite their small size, Tibinos have the character of a serious guard dog. Little lionesses are endlessly devoted to their owner’s family and are ready to protect it at any time. They help people relieve stress, improve their mood and forget about their problems. In European countries, the Tibetan spaniel is used in canis therapy.
Character and temperament
Apso is a unique and contradictory dog. According to the breeders, despite its small size, it has the soul and heart of a large dog. They are cheerful and funny, independent friends, but at the same time they require increased attention, special patience, and they need strict discipline.
Pros:
- patience;
- friendliness towards owners and family members;
- vigilance and caution;
- playfulness and energy;
- self confidence;
- fearlessness;
- attachment to people.
But representatives of this breed also have disadvantages :
- Lhasa are wayward;
- the dog requires attention and a subtle understanding of its nature;
- don't like to be alone.
Other meanings of this word:
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Man and dog
Apso gets along well with children and tolerates their mischief and tricks for the time being. Feels great in a crowded company.
Despite its “decorative” appearance, it easily guides its owners on hikes and travels and tolerates the road well. Apso is energetic , so lying on his knees endlessly is not suitable for him. This is an excellent companion dog.
Due to its stubborn and capricious nature, the Apso does not get along with other dogs and cats - it is better to take the Lhasa to a family where there are no other pets.
Training
The Lhasa Apso is a dog breed that requires strict, step-by-step training. They are smart, but obstinate , and the pet always needs to be explained “what is good and what is bad.” Avoid harsh methods and shouting at the animal.
A dog can be stubborn, but if the owner builds a harmonious relationship with it, it will obey the owner unquestioningly.
Apso is not suitable for inexperienced dog breeders and beginners in the field of cynology.
Maintenance and care
Place the bed in the apartment in a calm and cozy place, protected from strong drafts. Lhasa love to sleep on soft surfaces , so it is quite possible to buy a dog sofa or lay out a large pillow for them. Apsos should only be kept indoors - their beautiful fur will deteriorate outside.
You need to walk at least 2-3 times a day, and one walk should be long and include active games.
This dog eats little; the diet should include all the basic components necessary for any breed. Avoid fatty and spicy foods, as well as any food from your table. It is best to accustom your pet to premium dry food. But do not overfeed your dog - Lhasa dogs are prone to excess weight.
The pride of this small breed is its luxurious flowing coat, which requires daily care .
The dog is combed with a special brush and comb for 30-40 minutes , unraveling tangles and straightening the fur. By the way, it practically does not get wet and does not get dirty in wet weather.
After eating, you should wash the dog's face, and after walks, the paws and genital area. As the dog grows, the hair between its toes is trimmed.
Teeth are brushed weekly with a small brush, ears are also cleaned once a week.
The eyes are a vulnerable part of the body; they must be wiped daily with a damp swab.
Nutrition
Mixed food for this breed is strictly prohibited. If the owner’s choice is dry food, premium or super-premium, holistic is preferable. When feeding natural foods, give preference to the following products:
- lean meat (chicken, rabbit, turkey, beef);
- cereals (buckwheat and rice);
- quail eggs;
- fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir);
- vegetables and greens.
Mastiffs should not be fed sweets, flour, potatoes, smoked meats or salty foods. It is also not recommended to feed your pet from your table. Be sure to add minerals and vitamins
It is important to emphasize foods containing calcium - this is important for the prevention of rickets.
Legends of big animals
In Tibet there is a very interesting legend about the origin of mastiffs.
It is believed that Buddha himself once wandered across the Tibetan plains and observed how difficult the life of the local residents was. In these lands, people had a difficult time - long cold winters, constant snowstorms, heavy rains, infertile land and wild animals attacking livestock and people. All this made the existence of the population so debilitating that local residents believed that even evil spirits had rebelled against them.
Then Buddha decided to give man a faithful assistant: he took the courage and strength of a lion, the intelligence of a wolf, the sensitivity of a bird and the heart of a naive child - and gave it to a big dog. This is exactly how the Tibetan mastiff was born, which became an indispensable assistant for farmers and cattle breeders, traders and travelers. This dog became the protector of Buddhist monks and hermits. There is no doubt that the people of Tibet simply could not survive in such harsh conditions without the help of this huge and brave dog.
This beautiful legend perfectly emphasizes all those qualities that made the dog so necessary and important for thousands of Tibetan residents in the past, and today – one of the most popular in the world.
Lion power
Tibetan Mastiffs are powerful dogs that have tremendous strength and physical endurance. At the same time, they are dexterous and very cautious like a cat; in Tibet they even say that dogs of this breed take two steps back in order to then take one forward - and then win or die.
Nicholas Roerich in his memoirs mentioned a case when one day an old Tibetan mastiff named Tumbala was tied in the garden with a strong chain so as not to frighten the guests. The social reception dragged on, the mastiff got bored and simply broke the chain in one movement, after which he walked slowly into the owner’s house. It must be said that this made a crushing impression on the judge and the policeman who were visiting the house - the first jumped on the table, and the second was forced to gallop away.
Mind of a wolf
Mastiffs from Tibet are very independent dogs, and not the stupid puppy independence, but the one that is caused by the need to make quick independent decisions in a situation when the owner is not at home, but you need to protect his home or a protected herd.
According to one of the most famous mastiff trainers, Liu Jun Peng, the temperament of these dogs is similar to that of a wolf; they are not afraid even of an opponent who is much superior in strength and retreat only to then rush into the attack again. In the wild, such fights for a mastiff can sometimes result in serious injury - in this case, the dog simply goes to the mountains to die alone.
The sensitivity of a bird
There are, perhaps, more legends about the sensitivity of the Tibetan giant than about all his other qualities. For example, Tibetans are sincerely confident that this dog never sleeps, and the marks under his eyes are just another pair of eyes with which the mastiff sees not only people, but also evil spirits, thanks to which he never misses danger.
It should be noted that these dogs really have an incredible ability to respond to any smell and sound that is indistinguishable to humans. These dogs never sleep and fervently guard the territory entrusted to them.
Heart of a child
The heart is the only thing that is completely defenseless in the Tibetan Mastiff. This dog is sincerely attached to its owner, serves him faithfully, is ready to give his life, and if he encounters betrayal, he takes it so hard that he may even die from melancholy.
For a more detailed review of the Tibetan Mastiff, see the following video.
Possible diseases
Due to their significant size, the body of mastiffs experiences serious stress, which leads to various diseases, the most typical for this breed are the following types of diseases:
- Dysplasia, like most large dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs are susceptible to this disease, the elbow and hip joints are most severely affected in this breed. The main symptoms are lameness in the front legs, pain when flexing and extending the limb, and flattening of the joints. Conservative treatment is ineffective, so surgery is necessary.
- Osteochondritis, this disease is hereditary and manifests itself between the ages of 6 months and a year. It manifests itself in the detachment of cartilage tissue from the head of the bone.
- Neuropathy, a similar disease, occurs almost exclusively in this breed. This disease is also hereditary and is diagnosed at the age of 2-4 months. The main symptom of this disease is the inability to stand on your paws.
- Panosteitis - this disease leads to inflammation in the bones of the animal, which in turn leads to thinning of the bone tissue. The main symptom is severe lameness of the animal during the period of development and maturation, diagnosed by x-ray.
- Sensitivity to high temperatures, due to its thick, long coat, the animal does not tolerate heat well and may experience overheating or heatstroke.
Spaniel pregnancy
Pregnancy in spaniels normally lasts 56-72 days, most often puppies appear on days 60-62. Using the palpation method, determine the presence of fruits on days 20-22 - with very careful palpation, they are felt like small lumps. The expectant mother must be handled with care - the examination should only be carried out by a specialist to avoid injury to the puppies. On the 51st day, you can notice fetal movement, which stops on the eve of birth.
Childbirth in spaniels is a physiological process for which you need to prepare in advance. 10 days before the expected replenishment, it is necessary to feed the bitch with antihelminthics of natural origin (garlic, pumpkin seeds). During the entire period of pregnancy, medications and vaccinations should not be used.
In order for a Cocker Spaniel’s pregnancy to be resolved without problems, it is necessary to provide the animal with careful care and proper nutrition. The diet must be prepared by a specialist, since it is necessary to correctly calculate the amount of nutrients and calcium. A lack of calcium negatively affects both the health of the bitch and the future offspring, and its excess disrupts metabolism and leads to eclampsia, which occurs during the birth or subsequent period.
The presence of a veterinarian during the birth of a Russian Spaniel will help avoid many problems. The doctor monitors the dog’s condition; if the process deviates from the norm, measures are taken to prevent complications, sometimes helping to save the life of both the expectant mother and the offspring. The best option is when the veterinarian who observed the animal during pregnancy is present at the birth. A specialist’s visit must be arranged in advance, 2-3 weeks before the significant event.
Origin of the Tibetan cat
This representative of the breed did not come from the mountains of Tibet, but was bred by crossing Balinese, Tonkinese and Burmese cats in Holland. However, the first cat similar to the Tibetan was introduced in 1928 under the name Siamese Longhair. Tonkinese are considered the main breeding animals. Semi-longhaired kittens often appeared in the litter, which breeders selected for further selection. The final version of the Tibetan cat was registered in 1997, but has not yet been recognized as an official breed by world felinological organizations.
