Looking for Tibetan Spaniel input...

[Lusoluv]

Spinning off from my thread re: Smaller But Hardy Dogs, I’ve decided a small Aussie or mini American Shepherd might still be more octane than I need. I’m determined to err on the side of caution so my next dog will be a great fit. Does anyone here have a Tibetan Spaniel? On paper they look like they’d fit my lifestyle. They are about 15lbs, hardy and not over-popular/over-bred. Moderate energy, biddable, not excessive barkers,velcro companion dogs, good-natured with other animals. We have a dog-savvy cat. It may take me a bit of searching to find one, but this sweet-looking breed seems to tick all my boxes.

I live in a city with access to greenways/parks, sm. yard, go to the barn daily, hubby is semi-retired/works from home. Previous dog was a Shiba Inu. Would love to hear personal experiences!

[rockonxox]

I had one as a kid and would not describe them as “not excessive barkers”. If anyone or anything walked by she would let us know - she guarded the roost. She didn’t bark for no reason, but she definitely barked. She did not like strangers and was very much about her family. Definitely not as bold and stubborn as a Shiba Inu can be or as “let’s go do something” as the aussies. I thought she was a great dog overall. Of course, this is just off my experience with all of these breeds so ymmv.

[Marla_100]

Friends of mine, an elderly couple, had one. She was not very sociable at all w/ outside people or dogs. They brought her to our park every day and she was well behaved for them but had no interest in being friendly with anyone other than her owners. And dogs learned quickly not to bother with her.
Don’t know if it was her lack of socializing or just her temperament.

[S1969]

@Marla 100

Friends of mine, an elderly couple, had one. She was not very sociable at all w/ outside people or dogs. They brought her to our park every day and she was well behaved for them but had no interest in being friendly with anyone other than her owners. And dogs learned quickly not to bother with her.
Don’t know if it was her lack of socializing or just her temperament.

I think that’s pretty much what they are supposed to be like. The standard actually says “aloof with strangers.”

Lusoluv, if you liked the temperament of your Shiba, a Tibetan Spaniel is probably a good match.

I’ve only seen them at dog shows so not sure about the barking but they are known to be bold, sturdy little dogs so that part is a good match.

[Lusoluv]

Thanks for all the info so far. I don’t mind if a dog is aloof with strangers, my Shiba was very much like that as @S1969 says. Because Shibas are so attractive, I could hardly walk her without adults/kids asking if they could pet her. I never had to say “no”. She neither drew back nor jumped on them. She’d quietly sit and let them get their fill and then stroll on.

When we passed other dogs, I’d put her to heel on the opposite side, and she’d walk by on a soft lead. I only said something if oblivious owners were going to let their dog run into her. I will take any breed pup/dog I get to classes for training & socialization. I want a deep bond, but it don’t want it to become neurotic.

[Saskatoonian]

My aunt had Tibetans years ago, so my memory is a little foggy, but what I remember is a beautiful, easy to be around, not in your face dog. I bet they’re to die for cute as pups.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Have you considered the Border Terrier? I have two and they are not barkers unless there is something to bark at. In the 15lb range, snuggle bunnies. Not really drivey at all.

In my area, we have maybe 6-7 BTs that do nosework trials. Usually not much barking unless someone gets too close to their car

[Lusoluv]

I have considered the BT as my husband’s friend has 1 and my good friend has 2. They are the right size, but 2 are barkers and they all can’t go off leash. That last one is the deal breaker :(…

[Houndhill]

I have just seen the Tibbies around at dog shows and know a judge who has one. I must say I have a favorable impression of the breed. They seem calmer, quieter, and more sensible than many small dogs. They do seem to check many of your boxes.

[DownYonder]

What about one of these cute little things?
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pumi/

They may be a big bigger than what you are looking for, though.

[bdj]

@DownYonder

What about one of these cute little things?
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pumi/

They may be a big bigger than what you are looking for, though.

If a Mini Am Shep is too high octane for the OP, Pumis (IME) would be completely over the top.

[Where_sMyWhite]

@Lusoluv

I have considered the BT as my husband’s friend has 1 and my good friend has 2. They are the right size, but 2 are barkers and they all can’t go off leash. That last one is the deal breaker :(…

You didn’t mention off-leash in your OP. Where will you be going with your dog that off-leash is an option you’d like?

[pony_grandma]

@Where'sMyWhite

You didn’t mention off-leash in your OP. Where will you be going with your dog that off-leash is an option you’d like?

“I’m getting a bit older, so would like a dog that is known for more off-leash ease, biddable & outgoing, healthy, max ~20 lbs, moderate exercise req.”

OP’s first post on her original thread specified. And Border Terriers were already discussed.

[pony_grandma]

“I’m getting a bit older, so would like a dog that is known for more off-leash ease, biddable & outgoing, healthy, max ~20 lbs, moderate exercise req.”

OP’a first post on her original thread specified. And Border Terriers were already discussed.

[Lusoluv]

No problema, I don’t expect everyone to read my original dog search post I think I’m going to focus on the Tibetan Spaniel and Mini American Sheps. I’ve learned some Tibbies aren’t off-leash reliable, so that’s thrown a bit of a wrench into things. They are also quite rare, but I’m going to follow through since I’m not rushing. Altho breeders said never trust a Shiba free, mine was reliable except in high-distraction settings, where she stayed leashed. There are MAS breeders who said they’ll work with me on finding the right tempered pup/dog.

Again, appreciate ALL the COTHer input. There were a couple breeds I hadn’t considered and 1 or 2 I’d never heard of!

[Foxtrot_s]

Friend of mine had a stroke at about age 45 - she has a Havanese and they think the world of her.

Collie or herding breeds are far too smart and energetic for me.

[Polydor]

My former barn manager has one. I haven’t seen him (the dog) in a few years but I remember him being a happy little thing. Manager got him after her king cavalier passed. Don’t remember him barking much but was always aware of his surroundings. My place had super wide windowsills which he loved sitting on and watching the world.

She got him from a breeder in Colorado.
P.

[Where_sMyWhite]

@pony grandma

“I’m getting a bit older, so would like a dog that is known for more off-leash ease, biddable & outgoing, healthy, max ~20 lbs, moderate exercise req.”

OP’s first post on her original thread specified. And Border Terriers were already discussed.

The comment about biddable and outgoing was not in the original post #1

As for BTs, yes they were already discussed as I mentioned them initially as they also meet, IMO, many of the checkboxes in post #1