A big dog in a little body
The Tibetan spaniel is deeply impregnated by its monastic origin. Its hardiness and special character are essential to survival in Tibet, a land of the Himalaya Mountains at an altitude of 3'500 – 5'000 m, where ice cold long winters and short and hot summers succeed one another.
The breed in itself is century-old. By comparison roughly 100 years have passed since the introduction of its breeding in Europe, representing very little in terms of time. The fans of this breed wanted to preserve it as it was per its origins, from the start of breeding through to modern day. Today there are a great number of tibbies in Scandinavia.
Aside from all other animals, the dog plays a particularly essential role in Tibetan Buddhism. The legend says that Buddha himself was accompanied by numerous doggies which, when in danger, could transform themselves into lions. Another legend also relates that, when monks failed in their vows, they would consequently reincarnate into a dog in their next life. From this derives the saying "move towards the dog".
Seng-khyi, the "snow lion" is a central figure of Tibetan mythology. He greatly resembles the Tibet spaniel : a "square" aspect, powerful paws, abundant mane and a tail held on its back. Furthermore, there are two snow lions represented on the Tibetan flag.
They had a number of duties. While sitting on an elevated point, they were watch-dogs announcing the arrival of strangers and alarming the great "Do Khyi" who in turn would take over the role of protector. That way they assumed the role of protectors. They also had a religious and mythological duty of guardian, necromancer, lucky mascot or talisman.
Last but not least, the Tibetan monks used them as live heating pads, huddling them close together, nestled in their large, long sleeves. They remained calm and quiet during the endless hours of meditation in the cold rooms where the monks gathered.
It is also said that His Holiness the Dalai Lama is always surrounded by tibetan dogs and one can even see these "snow lions" resembling spaniels on his insignia.
These small Tibetan doggies were not to be sold for centuries. They are still considered as lucky mascots and are given as a mark of respect or as a present to good friends. The Dalai Lama has offered these very special and fantastic doggies as a gift to some of the greats of this world.
Thus we can trace him all along the Silk Road. It is very possible that Marco Polo who, upon returning from his expeditions, brought them back, offering them to the ladies of the high society. It seems likely that this is how the first specimen arrived in Europe, greatly influencing the dwarf breeds.
The first Tibetan dogs arrived in Europe before 1900 at a time when India was still under British protection. It was during the military campaign of Colonnel Younghusband, in 1904, that these doggies first appeared, among them pure bred Tibetan spaniels.
But already in the 1880's, Mrs MacLaren Morrison imported some new dog breeds into Great Britain, including the Tibetan spaniels. Yetzo was the first Tibetan spaniel presented during the Crufts Dog Show in 1898. This male was also the father of all litters descending from "Sikkim", registered during the year 1895.
This first breeding attempt was interrupted due to the First World War, when there were hardly any Tibetan spaniels to be found.
In accordance with the European criterions, the British continued to breed these dogs in India. Dr Nancy Greig was working in the North of India and in 1926, she returned to England, taking with her the Tibetan spaniels she had received in lieu of medical fees from her patients. There are divergent opinions regarding the origin of the Tibetan breeds. Mrs Greig said that these small dogs followed the monks everywhere, even during the hard climatic conditions of their pilgrimages. Overall, they are considered as king's jesters, small mascots, talismans, protectors at all levels and also participants in both rituals and meditations.
The Tibetans call them the "little people". As a connoisseur of dogs, one always reaches the conclusion that there is a lot of truth in this. The concept of "dog" does not pay justice to these small Tibetans. In literature, they are always described as being a mixture of dogs, cats and monkeys.
An exchange system between breeders exists throughout Europe.
In its country of origin, the Tibetan spaniel has developed an increased resistance to winter and because of this, he continues to remain both robust and healthy. The Tibetan spaniel can live to the age of 18, sometimes longer.
"Text from the book: Un grand chien dans un petit corps de Birgit Primig"
