Tibalier

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Tibet <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Tibalier

The designer dog known as the Tibalier is the intentional blend of two small pets, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed originally favored by English royalty, and the Tibetan Spaniel, a cat breed developed by Tibetan monks, well known for its alert and loyal nature. This hybrid has a playful, engaging personality, a quick wit and a sensitive nature, but may require more grooming than average and be more prone to separation anxiety than other dogs. These dogs are quite adaptable and are often just as happy in an apartment as on a large estate.

History of the Tibalier

The Tibalier is not a pure-bred dog. It's a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Tibetan Spaniel. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to research all the breeds in the cross and know that you can get any combination of all the characteristics found in either breed.

 

        

A little of the Tibetan Spaniel

        
Although it has the appearance of a hunting Spaniel, it lacks the high energy level and hunting propensity usually found in these breeds. Tibetan Spaniels were known as little lion dogs and were prized for their loyal, endearing personalities, extremely keen hearing and small size, which, according to legend, enabled them to turn Buddhist prayer wheels for monks. Like other dog breeds developed by monks, Tibetan Spaniels were highly prized and treated with great respect. They were never sold, but sometimes given as gifts to visiting royalty and dignitaries. They remained extremely rare outside Tibet until after the Second World War, and it wasn't until 1966 that the first Tibetan Spaniels were imported to the USA.
Standard of the Tibetan Spaniel

 

        

A little of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a more recent breed, which has been painstakingly recreated. This breed of small Spaniels was a favorite of Kings Charles I and II, as evidenced by numerous works of art showing the kings surrounded by their small dogs. In the 1920s, breeding efforts were undertaken by an American named Roswell Eldridge to restore the breed to its original conformation, using the many illustrations of Spaniels of King Charles. In 1995, the breed was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club and has since become the 19th most popular breed in America.
Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Appearance of the Tibalier

This hybrid is a very small dog, frequently less than 30.5 centimeters in height and weighing less than 9 kilos. It is generally a little longer than it is tall, with a well-balanced structure and a head that generally appears flat on top, but often has a slight roundness or dome to the touch. Both parent breeds pass on a broad, medium-length muzzle to the Tibalier, although the muzzle inherited from the Tibetan Spaniel is probably a little shorter and may be slightly upturned. It has large, dark eyes that can be oval-shaped, but are most often round with a gentle but attentive expression, and well-padded hanging ears that are set high on the skull and hang to the sides, framing the face, ending anywhere from just at the jawline, like the Tibetan Spaniel, to several centimeters beyond the jaw, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Temperament of the Tibalier

This hybrid is a very family-oriented dog, and is strongly devoted to its family and sensitive to the emotions of those around it, which can sometimes lead to the development of separation anxiety. Although very affectionate and tolerant of their families, these dogs need early socialization to avoid more wary or fearful reactions when dealing with strangers. Tibaliers tend to be quite friendly with other pets and children, but interactions with small or particularly active children or with larger, boisterous animals need to be closely supervised, as these dogs may be more fragile than they realize. The Tibetan Spaniel is a very playful, quick-witted animal that, due to its Tibetan Spaniel heritage, is quite adept at opening cupboards and drawers. Whereas the Tibetan Spaniel can be a little stubborn when it comes to training, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally very eager to please, and short, positive sessions often result in a very well-trained little dog.

Needs and activities of the Tibalier

Although this little dog doesn't need much daily exercise, it's extremely important that he gets at least some vigorous exercise every day to avoid obesity or restlessness. The Tibalier is usually content with around half an hour's exercise a day, usually divided into several shorter sessions throughout the day. In addition to the traditional brisk walks and ball games, this dog may also enjoy activities such as agility training, puzzle games and perhaps even tracking exercises. The Tibalier is generally quite calm and its exercise requirements are low, making it a good choice for an apartment pet, provided you don't leave it alone for long periods.

Maintenance of the Tibalier

The Tibalier generally has moderate grooming needs, which may vary a little depending on the coat the dog inherits. If your dog inherits the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat, a bath is only necessary a few times a year, but the Tibetan Spaniel coat requires more frequent washing and should be bathed every month or two. Although many owners choose to brush their dogs every day, these dogs are often content with brushing sessions once or twice a week to control shedding and remove knots or tangles. It's also important to check this hybrid's hanging ears regularly to ensure they remain clean, dry and infection-free.

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