Tibetan Spaniel
A small dog from Tibetan monasteries, the Tibetan Spaniel is lively, intelligent and affectionate, with an almost cat-like independence.
Tibetan Spaniel vs Tibetan Terrier
Side by side
| Trait | Tibetan Spaniel | Tibetan Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion and toy dogs | Companion and toy dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Weight | 4–7 kg | 8–14 kg |
| Height at withers | 24–26 cm | 35–41 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Heavier: Tibetan Terrier (about 11 kg vs 5.5 kg on average)
- Taller: Tibetan Terrier (about 38 cm vs 25 cm on average)
- Needs more grooming: Tibetan Terrier (4/5 vs 2/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Both are similarBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Tibetan Terrier
A shaggy dog from the Tibetan mountains, the Tibetan Terrier is cheerful, affectionate and hardy. It sheds very little.