Tibetan Spaniels come from Tibet, where monasteries kept them as companions and, by tradition, lookouts. Despite the name, they aren't gun dogs. A Tibbie is small and slightly long-bodied, usually 9 to 15 pounds, with a silky double coat, feathered ears and a plumed tail curled over the back. Males often carry a mane, or shawl, around the neck.
Many Tibbies are bright, devoted to their family and aloof with strangers. They bark to announce anything unusual and decide for themselves whether a request is worth following, so patience works better than pressure. That makes them a good match for adults, seniors and calm households in Oakland. Plan on regular brushing to keep the feathering tangle-free, especially in the wet months.