Where are Tibetan Spaniels from?

The Tibetan Spaniel’s exact origins are unclear, but they have been pictured in Chinese and Tibetan art for over two thousand years. They were likely originally bred by Buddhist monks in Tibet and were beloved guards and companions in Tibetan monasteries for centuries. Monks bred these spaniels for centuries to resemble little lions, as lions are sacred Buddhist symbols. They made their way to Britain in the 19th century and have since gained popularity worldwide.