Thoughts on the History of TibbiesJean Wright describes the history of Tibetan Spaniels in this way after years of reading historical documentation on the breed:
Temperamentally they were expected to be steadfast companions and bed warmers for monks whether cloistered in monasteries or traveling with ambassadors to the Empirical Chinese court or other Tibetan or Indian monasteries. They were kept in free roaming packs within the monasteries or courts so they had to get along with a variety of other gift dogs and cats. They had to be amiable enough to get along well but assertive enough to breed in gang conditions. 
A whole myriad of conformation and temperament descriptions come from this purpose and are expressed in the standard as descriptions of the breed. The harefoot, forward-looking eye, rectangular body shape with a long ribcage for lung room and short, strong loin for balance and stability in motion are just a couple of the body features this purpose requires. Many breeds are bred as lap dogs or strictly companions, but the Tibbie is not one of them. He should be an athletic little watchdog, brave and energetic but highly sociable, regal and smart. BIG NEWS from TIBBIEDOM!!! A new magazine is being created for both Tibetan Spaniels and Tibetan Mastiffs. Click here for more information |
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Congratulations Nadda!Nadda won best Puppy at the 2004 Tibetan Spaniel National Specialty. 
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The Tibbie is apparently built to traverse rooftops over 200 ft. in the air; maintain good lung capacity in thin mountain air and gain footholds that will grip slippery and sloping tile roofs. They were expected to be comfortable and fearless at heights. Pups were often raised in earthen cups hung from the ceiling and Tibbies gave the alarm when intruders approached inside the monastery walls. The fearful and badly conformed simply did not survive to breed and pass their imperfections to the gene pool.
Aamilet Tibetan Spaniels