Tibetan Spaniel

This breed may not be Tibetan, and it is not truly a spaniel. Dogs of this type have been found in the area that is now Korea since at least the 8th century, and may have arrived there from either Tibet or China. Unlike true spaniels, they were also never used for hunting, but were associated with monasteries, where they were kept as companions and, probably, as watchdogs. Today they remain outgoing, entertaining companions, although they have a strong independent streak and need plenty of exercise. The Tibetan Spaniel may be the ancestor of the Japanese Chin, and it also has similarities with the Pekingese, particularly in the slightly bowed front legs. Due to their longer faces and legs, however, Tibetan Spaniels do not suffer the same level of breathing and back problems as the Pekingese.