Tibalier

11-16 lbs
10-13"
Unknown
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniel

The designer dog known as the Tibalier is the intentional mix between two small companion animals, the Tibetan Spaniel, a cat-like breed developed by Tibetan monks, well-known for their alert and loyal natures, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed originally favored by English royalty. This hybrid has a playful and engaging personality with a quick mind and a sensitive nature, but may require more grooming than average and may be more prone to separation anxiety than other dogs. These dogs are quite adaptable and are often just as happy in an apartment as they are on a larger estate.    

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier

Tibalier Health

Average Size
Male Tibalier size stats
Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 11-16 lbs
Female Tibalier size stats
Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 11-16 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
  • Syringomyelia
  • Mitral Valve Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Entropion
  • Portacaval Shunt
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome
  • Corneal Dystrophy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Epilepsy
  • Urolithiasis
  • Ichthyosis
  • Canine Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Skin Evaluation
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging
  • Electrocardiograph (ECG - measures rate and rhythm)

Tibalier Breed History

The Tibalier is a fairly popular designer dog, the deliberate cross between two small companion dogs, the Tibetan Spaniel, one of a few breeds of small watchdog developed thousands of years ago by the monks of the Tibetan mountains, and not a true Spaniel at all. While they possess the appearance of a hunting Spaniel, they do not have the high energy levels or prey drive that is commonly seen in these breeds. The Tibetan Spaniels were known as “Little Lion dogs” and were prized for their loyal and engaging personalities, their extremely acute hearing, and their tiny size which legend states allowed them to turn the Buddhist prayer wheels for the monks. Like the other breeds of dog developed by the monks, Tibetan Spaniels were highly valued and treated with great respect, never sold, but sometimes given as gifts to visiting royal families and dignitaries. They remained extremely rare outside of Tibet until after World War II, and it wasn’t until 1966 that the first Tibetan Spaniels were imported into the United States. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a newer breed, and one that has been painstakingly recreated. This breed of diminutive Spaniels was a great favorite of both King Charles I and II, as evidenced by many works of art showing the kings surrounded by their little dogs, but when their reigns ended, shorter faced dogs like the Pug became more popular and the interbreeding of dogs at court contributed to a breed that developed a much shorter muzzle, a smaller stature, and a more domed head shape. In the 1920s breeding efforts were undertaken by an American named Roswell Eldridge to restore the breed to their original conformation, utilizing the numerous illustrations of the Spaniels of King Charles. In 1995 the breed finally gained the recognition of the American Kennel Club and has since become the 19th most popular breed in America.  

Tibalier Breed Appearance

This hybrid is a very small animal, frequently less than a foot tall and less than twenty pounds. They are typically slightly longer than they are tall with a well-balanced structure and a head that generally appears flat on top, but often has a slight roundness or dome to it when felt. Both parent breeds will pass on a broad, medium-length muzzle to the Tibalier, although the muzzle inherited from the Tibetan Spaniel is likely to be a bit shorter and may be slightly upturned. They have large, dark eyes which can be oval in shape, but are more often round with a soft but attentive expression and well-feathered pendant ears that are set high up on the skull and hang down to the sides, framing the face, ending anywhere from just at the edge of the jaw, like the Tibetan Spaniel, or several inches past the jawline, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.   

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Tibalier eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Tibalier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Tibalier coat
Black
brown Tibalier coat
Brown
cream Tibalier coat
Cream
red Tibalier coat
Red
sable Tibalier coat
Sable
silver Tibalier coat
Silver
white Tibalier coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Tibalier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Tibalier Breed Maintenance

The Tibalier typically has moderate grooming needs which can vary a little bit depending on which coat the individual dog inherits. If your dog inherits the coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, bathing is only required a few times a year, but the coat of the Tibetan Spaniel requires more frequent washing and should receive baths every month or two. Although many owners may choose to brush their dogs on a daily basis, these dogs are often quite happy with brushing sessions just once or twice a week to control shedding and remove any tangles or mats. It is also important to check this hybrid’s hanging ears on a regular basis to ensure that they stay clean, dry, and infection free. 

Brushes for Tibalier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Tibalier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Tibalier Temperament

This hybrid is a very family oriented canine, and are strongly devoted to their families and sensitive to the the emotions of the people around them, which can sometimes lead to the development of separation anxiety. While they are very loving and tolerant towards their families, these dogs require early socialization to help prevent more suspicious or fearful reactions when it comes to dealing with strangers. Tibaliers tend to be rather amicable with other pets and with children, however, interactions with small or particularly active children or larger, boisterous animals should be closely supervised as these dogs may be more fragile than they think they are. They are a very playful animal with a quick mind and due to their Tibetan Spaniel heritage are quite talented at opening cabinets and drawers. While the Tibetan Spaniel can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is usually quite eager to please, and short, positive sessions will often result in a very well trained little dog.

Tibalier Activity Requirements

While this little dog does not require a great deal of daily exercise, it is extremely important that they do get at least a little vigorous exercise each day in order to avoid obesity or restlessness. The Tibalier is generally content with around a half an hour of such exercise daily, usually broken down into several shorter sessions throughout the day. Along with the traditional brisk walks and games of fetch, this dog may also enjoy activities such as agility training, puzzle games, and possibly even tracking exercises. The Tibalier is typically fairly quiet with lower exercise requirements, making it good choice for an apartment animal as long as it is not left alone for extended periods of time. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Tibalier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.80 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Tibalier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Tibalier size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Tibalier size stats at six months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Tibalier size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 13.5 lbs
Female Tibalier size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 13.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Tibalier size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 13.5 lbs
Female Tibalier size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.5 inches Weight: 13.5 lbs

Tibalier Owner Experiences

Ary
5 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tricks
Walking
She is a very kind and loving dog we did experience Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd) which happened when she was a puppy yet she is very kind and cuddly
2 years, 5 months ago
Jolie
3 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jolie is an especially snugly and affectionate dog, and her favorite activities include cuddling and playing with people. She loves to be touching any member of the family at all times, and will often jump up in our laps or touch us with a paw. She barks significantly less than most other dogs, and has a generally calm and accepting disposition. However, she does shed quite a bit and has white fur, which means everyone who pets her is coated in white fluff. Overall, she is a great family dog, gets along with everyone (including small children), and appreciates copious amounts of affection.
6 years, 8 months ago
Molly
9 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddles
Beautiful nature. Very loyal. Still looks like a puppy even though 9 years
5 years, 9 months ago
Dogtor Dre
7 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chasing the ball
Dogtor Dre is a love pillow, he always needs someone around. Very quiet but has a little separation anxiety. Favourite thing to do is chase the ball with a ball in his mouth and he doesn’t like to share it. His worst traits are that he can’t be walked off leash (too excited to chase stuff) and he gets really forward when anyone has food with his crying and whining. Overall 98/100 best breed I have ever welcomed as a part of my family!
5 years, 7 months ago
Bonnie
3 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Affectionate, keen dog
5 years, 5 months ago
Mojo
8 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking, playing with soft toys, lots of cuddles
My Tibalier is the best dog I’ve ever had. He is kind, affectionate, loving and knows when I’m upset or sick. He hates when I have to leave him But he is so excited when I get back to him. He barks at everything that passes the house but he is a good dog and it seems to be his job. I couldn’t live without my Tibalier.
5 years ago
Footy
11 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks and runs
Cuddles
Treat toys
Kong fun
More cuddles
Inherited Footy from my mother when she passed away. Has been a great little dog. Easily trained and can spend hours at the park off leash without a worry. Won't cross roads and always sits before doing so with me. Must be the most effectionate little pup ever. Always has to be within eye contact at least, and most times in actual contact getting a pat and cuddle. Wouldn't change him for the world.
4 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd