Tibetan Spaniel
Small dog (5–10 kg), typically living 12–15 years.
Typical adult weight
Males: 4–7 kg
Females: 4–6 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Tibetan Spaniel is around 15.2 years, based on a 2024 UK study of over half a million dogs. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel needs a good daily walk plus some off-lead time to feel settled. As a small dog (5–10 kg as an adult), it is reasonably easy to train with positive, reward-based methods, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also will bark to alert you but is not usually excessive.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat benefits from a regular weekly brush to stay tidy, and it sheds a moderate amount, with heavier shedding at coat-change times. Around the home, the Tibetan Spaniel is usually good with children and tends to be patient and tolerant and tends to get along well with other dogs and household pets, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed doesn't tolerate heat well and should be walked in the cooler parts of the day. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Tibetan Spaniel so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 5.3 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard small-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 50% | 2.6 kg |
| 16 weeks | 60% | 3.2 kg |
| 26 weeks | 80% | 4.2 kg |
| 39 weeks | 95% | 5 kg |
| 52 weeks | 100% | 5.3 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Tibetan Spaniel of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 317 kcal | 88 g |
| 5.3 kg | 391 kcal | 109 g |
| 7 kg | 482 kcal | 134 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a terriers and small spaniel-type dog, the Tibetan Spaniel typically needs about 45–75 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Tibetan Spaniel typically run to around £81–£110 a month, or roughly £12,150–£16,500 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Tibetan Spaniel has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- PRA
- Luxating patella
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Tibetan Spaniel
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026