Lhasa Apso Breed Characteristics
Height
22 to 28 cm at the shoulder
Weight
5.5 to 8 kg
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Red, white, black, cream, golden
Lhasa Apso Breed Guide
Alert, devoted and playful
About the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient Tibetan watchdog with a regal mane of hair. They have all the personality and confidence of a much larger dog in a very, very small body. Most Lhasa Apsos are loyal guardians, despite being kept as companion dogs.
They’re used to strutting around palaces and temples, and retain the same self-confidence now that they roam around apartments and suburban households. The Lhasa Apso loves to stay close to their family, following them around from room to room.
These small guardians are loving and devoted to their humans, viewing themselves as protectors of those under their care. They’re also independent and can be left alone for some time, unlike other toy breeds.
Lhasas have modest needs (apart from grooming) and reward you with loyalty, alertness, and gentle companionship.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Lhasa Apso, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
4/5
Friendly with Kids
4/5
Friendly with Dogs
3/5
Ease of Grooming
1/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
Prey Drive
4/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
4/5
Good for Novice Owners
5/5
Apartment Living
5/5
Lhasa Apso Breed History
The story of the Lhasa Apso begins in 800 B.C., in the holy city of Lhasa. Tibetan monks and nobles bred these dogs to serve as watchdogs of temples and palaces in the Himalayan Mountains.
It is believed that the Lhasa Apso is the earthly manifestation of the Snow Lion, a celestial animal of Tibet and a popular mythological figure. The breed was so valued that they named it after the most holy of Tibetan cities.
The dogs were popular throughout the country, but as holy dogs, it was impossible to buy one. It was thought that while dead Lamas’ spirits awaited their rebirth into new bodies, they would enter the bodies of the Lhasa Apsos.
Lhasa Apso dogs were actually not permitted to leave Tibet unless specifically as gifts of the Dalai Lama. Luckily, today there is no such restriction and dog lovers all over the world can experience the Lhasa Apso’s distinct personality.
Caring For a Lhasa Apso
- Temperament: The Lhasa Apso puppy tends to be playful, curious and affectionate. They’re slow to mature and may retain their puppy mindset well into adulthood. They’re wary of strangers, and can be relied upon to sound the alarm whenever newcomers enter their territory.
- Grooming: The Lhasa Apso has a long, flowing double coat of hair that must be brushed and trimmed frequently to prevent mats and tangles.
- Exercise: A Lhasa Apso does not need a lot of exercise, and is perfectly content to be a lap dog for most of the day. A couple of 15-minute walks outdoors to let them stretch their legs is plenty of exercise.
- Nutrition: Adult Lhasa Apsos will need around ¾ to 1¼ cup of dry dog food each day. A Lhasa Apso puppy will need around a quarter to half a cup. Since their stomachs are small, their food should be split up into multiple meals. Ask your vet for more information regarding your dog’s nutrition.
- Training: Obedience classes are a must for these dogs, as they may view themselves as the leader of the household. Rewards and treats will get them invested in learning during training sessions.
How to Choose a Responsible Lhasa Apso Breeder
It’s always a good idea to look for a responsible Lhasa Apso breeder if you’re looking to buy a Lhasa Apso puppy. Ethical breeders will perform health checks on their dogs to ensure that the puppies that are produced are free from common inheritable health issues of the breed.
If possible, pay a visit to the breeder so that you can see where your puppy will spend their first eight weeks. This environment has a large impact on the temperament of the puppy, and sufficient mental and physical stimulation is required so that your dog grows into a healthy, well-behaved dog.
Lhasa Apso FAQ
Can Lhasas be left alone throughout the day?
Yes, these dogs are independent and do not mind being alone for reasonable amounts of time. However, it’s best if someone can check in on them periodically.
Are Lhasa Apsos hypoallergenic?
Yes, for most people. They shed, but the shed hair and dander is trapped by their long coat. Some people may still be allergic to their saliva.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Lhasa Apso
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
