The Lhasa apso originated in the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet several centuries ago. The dog is named after the holy city of Lhasa, where Tibetan monks utilized the Lhasa apso to keep watch over the monasteries and temples. Lhasa apsos were considered sacred and thought to bring good luck to those who owned them. They were often presented to foreign dignitaries and rulers. In 1933, the Dalai Lama presented the first Lhasa apsos as gifts to the United States. Shortly thereafter, the American Kennel Club recognized the Lhasa apso as a member of the non-sporting group in 1935.
The Lhasa Apso is a small dog with a lion like look that got a short, woolly undercoat and a long, coarse outer coat. It also has a bit of a mane and large eyebrows and whiskers. Its coat needs to regular attention and a lot of brushing.
Personality
The Lhasa Apso is a feisty little dog. It has a mind of its own and is independent and stubborn. Its exercise needs can be met with short walks or fun games. It is friendly towards children but will not tolerate teasing. It friendly towards other dogs and shy towards strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Non-Sporting (Utility) |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Lhasa |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Lhasa Apso Build Information
The small and sturdy Lhasa apso stands at a height of 10 to 11 inches at the shoulders and weighs 12 to 18 pounds. Their bodies are clad in a long and sweeping double coat. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including cream, honey, gold, white, black, smoke, brown and slate. Dark tips often adorn the hair on the ears and face. Their ears hang downward, and their tails are carried upward to curl around over their backs. The Lhasa Apso is a small dog with a lion like look that got a short, woolly undercoat and a long, coarse outer coat. It also has a bit of a mane and large eyebrows and whiskers. Its coat needs to regular attention and a lot of brushing.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Lhasa apsos can be wary or aloof toward strangers, but they are affectionate family companions. They thrive best with older children, and they get along with other household pets. Their exercise needs are satisfied with short, daily walks or play sessions, making them good housemates for apartment dwellings. They are alert watchdogs. While a Lhasa apso may appear dignified, a mischievous streak can make the dog an amusing family member. Lhasa apsos are smart, but they are also stubborn and independent, which can make training a challenge. The Lhasa Apso is a feisty little dog. It has a mind of its own and is independent and stubborn. Its exercise needs can be met with short walks or fun games. It is friendly towards children but will not tolerate teasing. It friendly towards other dogs and shy towards strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Extensive grooming is necessary to maintain the floor-length coat of a Lhasa apso. Expect to brush the coat out on a daily basis to keep it free of knots and prevent matting. Many owners opt to keep their Lhasa apsos in a puppy cut, which a groomer can maintain every six weeks. The ears should be inspected once a week and cleaned if necessary. A home dental care routine that is carried out daily is important to prevent periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Black & White, Cream, Gold, Grizzle, Light Brown, Off White, Orange & White, Red & White, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Lhasa Apso Common Health Conditions
Lhasa apsos live average lifespans of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions that have been noted in Lhasa apsos include patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, kidney disease, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, dry eye and entropion. Some Lhasa apsos have under bites, which can increase their propensity to develop tartar accumulation and periodontal disease.
Lhasa Apso Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If you desire a small dog with a luxurious, dense coat and an affectionate disposition toward all of its family members, consider the Lhasa apso. Devoted to family and suspicious of strangers, the Lhasa apso makes an alert and effective watchdog. The Lhasa apso originated in Tibet. The Lhasa apso is often simply called a Lhasa. The Lhasa apso makes a devoted, affectionate and spirited family companion. The Lhasa apso stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs 12 to 18 pounds. Lhasa apsos have moderate energy levels. Lhasa apsos require extensive grooming. The average lifespan for a Lhasa apso is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
