The short answer is that there’s nothing wrong with the Tibetan Spaniel in the picture at the left because it’s not a Tibetan Spaniel, it’s a Damchi.  Similar to the Tibbie, the Damchi is longer, stockier, has a longer muzzle, and has less cushioning on its cheeks.

The Damchi is a beloved dog in Bhutan which featured the breed on an official postage stamp. In fact, a former King of Bhutan owned a Damchi named “Khomyto.” Though the breed is revered in its native land, its survival outside the country is iffy because so few people have ever heard of it. While a few dogs live in Germany where a breeder imported the dogs from India, it’s said that the bloodlines are very thin.

Damchis are genuinely happy dogs best known for their spunk and playfulness, and this makes perfect sense because their country of origin is routinely listed as the “Happiest Country” in the world. These dogs are eager to please their people and respond well to basic training, but like some companion breeds, Damchis can suffer from separation anxiety and be a bit “barky” as a result. For the dedicated owner willing to work with their dog, however, the rewards are great.