Tibetan Spaltese
12-15 yrs
4-15 lbs
8-10"
Unknown

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Tibetan Spaltese

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Dog Breeds
Tibetan Spaltese

4-15 lbs

8-10"

Unknown

Maltese

Tibetan Spaniel

Maltibby, Maltibbie

An entertaining mix of the Maltese and the Tibetan Spaniel, the Tibetan Spaltese is a small and high-spirited hybrid designer breed that is full of personality. Bred to be kept small but balance out some of the characteristics of both breeds, the Tibetan Spaltese is generally a well-mannered and easy-going dog. Despite their small size, they are surprisingly good with both children and other dogs, especially if they receive any level of training or socialization. They are inherently social dogs, love to be around their families, and usually try to be the center of attention, no matter what it takes. They are extremely affectionate and quite playful and will revel in any opportunity given to them to interact with their family, whether it is during playtime or just jumping on their owners' laps to lick them. They are also surprisingly daring and exploratory thanks to their Tibetan Spaniel heritage and will often be found climbing furniture to be near their family or to see what is going on outside or around the house where they're not tall enough to see. Because both parent breeds were often historically used as watch dogs, this breed too has taken the work in stride, providing bouts of alarm barking if they feel anything is a amiss or if a stranger is nearby. Although they are extremely intelligent, which can sometimes cause other breeds to be stubborn and far-too-independent, they are relatively easy to train and handle, making them a good breed for a beginning dog owner. Plus, their small size and minimal exercise requirements make them a great fit for smaller living spaces and families that aren't as active.

                
                Purpose
              
Companion, Watchdog

                Date of Origin
              
Late 20th Century

                Ancestry
              
Maltese and Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan Spaltese Health

Average Size

Height: 8-10 inches Weight: 4-15 lbs

Major Concerns

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

Hydrocephalus
Obesity
Portosystemic Shunt

Occasional Diagnoses

Allergies
Cherry Eye
Dental Problems
Cryptorchidism

Occasional Tests

Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Testing

Tibetan Spaltese Breed History

Given that the Tibetan Spaltese is a new designer breed, their history is quite short but both parent breeds reach much further back in time. The Tibetan Spaniel is easily one of the longest-established breeds of its type, going back 2000 years when first bred by Buddhist monks in the Himalayas to serve as both companions and watch dogs. Because of their frequent interaction with people in varying mental and emotional states, they've become very attuned to the condition of their owners, a trait that even carries on today. They took their jobs as watch dogs very seriously, which is likely one reason why they developed such strong barks for their size and still take advantage of any opportunity where they can play the part of vigilant overseers. Although they were established so long ago, they didn't arrive in England until 1898 and didn't reach the shores of the United States in any significant number until the mid 20th century. It is currently recognized by both the EKC and American Kennel Club and exists in numerous countries all across the world but is still considered rare, not even touching the top 100 AKC registered breeds. The Maltese, a Bichon-type breed with Spaniel roots, is similarly entrenched in history, being a popular choice for European aristocrats for centuries due to their temperament and desirable aesthetic qualities. Originating on the island of Malta and partially named by the Romans in its antiquity, this lively, intelligent breed came to the US in the 19th century and even made its way into the famed Westminster Dog Show as early as the 1870s before continuing to rise in popularity both as a companion and a frequent choice for crossing thanks to their excellent all-around characteristics.

Tibetan Spaltese Breed Appearance

Tibetan Spalteses are small dogs, standing under a foot high at their tallest and generally weighing around the same in pounds as they stand in inches. Because of their lineage, they can have a wide range of coat colors from black or white to cream or even red, all of which are generally long and fluffy. They have small, rounded heads and somewhat short muzzles in comparison, plus the addition of extra facial hair around their eyes, mustaches and ears. They have small, nearly protruding round eyes and hairy, folded ears. They have deep chests for their size, a boxy stance and a straight back that terminates in a medium to long, excessively hairy tail.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Sable

Red

Fawn

Cream

White

Black

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Tibetan Spaltese Breed Maintenance

There is little doubt that this breed is high maintenance. Their combination of long, dense hair and short stature means they will get dirty often, even if just kept in the house a majority of the time. Their coats need considerable care, as regardless of whether they lean more towards the hypoallergenic Maltese or the regular-shedding Tibetan Spaniel, they will need daily brushing, combing and possibly even dematting, along with frequent bathing when they get dirty, and any trimming or cutting they might also need. If that wasn't enough, they are also prone to tear stains that need to be cleaned, plus additional cleaning from combination of bathroom-break inaccuracy and excess hair. Their coats can be kept short but if they live in a cold climate, will still need additional warmth when going out for potty breaks. And of course, like any breed, their nails will need to be trimmed to prevent cracking and breaking, their teeth brushed at least once a week and their ears checked and cleaned to prevent extra moisture buildup and ear infections.

Brushes for Tibetan Spaltese

Pin Brush

Dematter

Scissors

Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Tibetan Spaltese Temperament

Especially when compared to quite a few other dogs of the size, the Tibetan Spaltese has a great temperament overall. They are extremely social, love attention, appreciate spending lots of time with their family, and are surprisingly attuned to the needs and feelings of their owners. They are well-known for being lively lap dogs, frequently jumping onto their owners' laps to shower them with affection and licks and often climbing considerable heights to be close to their family or to get a better vantage point. Because of that social nature, they are often quite good with kids and other dogs even without training, but are especially accepting of them when they receive some along with their socialization. They do tend to be wary of strangers, but that usually just makes them good watch dogs, as they will readily bark if strangers are around or if they feel something is amiss. That kind of behavior can also be trained out of them, which isn't particularly difficult, as they are relatively easy to both train and handle. If there is any downfall, it's that they can sometimes be a bit too yappy or develop small dog syndrome. But if they receive the proper amount of attention and direction, they generally have very few issues.

Tibetan Spaltese Activity Requirements

Tibetan Spalteses are considered low energy dogs, partially because they lack the endurance of hunting dogs and partially because it takes little for humans with considerably longer legs to tire them out. That's not to say they don't enjoy the exercise or attention though. Because of their high intelligence, they need to be stimulated both mentally and physically, so rousing games of fetch or puzzle and treat toys are a good way to supplement taking them for a walk around the neighborhood or letting them roam free in a fenced yard or dog park. Their low energy levels can be an issue though, as many non-active owners will take the easy road and forget or ignore their need for exercise and thus increase their chances of obesity, which can onset quickly in such small animals. While they don't need miles and miles of walks a week, they still need around a mile of walking or jogging per day, at least 30 minutes of total exercise time, plus additional stimulation while in the house. If given the proper amount, it will go a long way in sustaining good behavior, health, happiness, and longevity.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Tibetan Spaltese

Similarly Sized Breeds to Tibetan Spaltese

Tibetan Spaltese Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.30 - $0.40
Monthly Cost
$15.00 - $20.00

Tibetan Spaltese Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 6.5 inches
                  Weight: 7.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 6.5 inches
                  Weight: 7.0 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 7.5 inches
                  Weight: 8.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 7.5 inches
                  Weight: 8.5 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 9.0 inches
                  Weight: 9.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 9.0 inches
                  Weight: 9.5 lbs

Written by a Puggle lover Jonathan Powell

Published: 02/14/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

Tibetan Spaltese Owner Experiences

Teddy

23 Months

2 People

Apartment

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

She’s very lively but needs a lot of attention. She is very attached to me and won’t eat until I come home or drink water. I have measured both before I left and cane home to the same amount in each bowl.

3 years, 11 months ago

Question - New pet

Question

Hi just wondering if it would be okay to leave a tibtean spaltese alone while you go to work for the day ?

Answer

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