Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog known for its lustrous, floor-length coat and charming temperament.

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Lhasa Apso Breed overview

Lhasa Apsos are a small, independent breed that form strong bonds with their owners. While they can be good with children and adapt to apartment living, they may be wary of strangers and other dogs. They require a lot of grooming and may be difficult to train. Regulated exercise and mental stimulation is necessary to maintain their health and prevent obesity.

Height:
9-11 inches
Weight:
12-15 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Lhasa Apso

Training

Lhasa Apsos are intelligent and independent dogs, which can make them a bit stubborn at times.

Early and consistent training, socialization, and positive reinforcement techniques can help them become well-behaved and obedient pets.

Nutrition

Lhasa Apsos require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and energy levels.

It is important to feed them a high-quality dog food that suits their age, activity level, and size.

Health

Lhasa Apsos are generally healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and eye problems such as cataracts.

Regular veterinary checkups, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can help prevent or manage these issues.

Exercise

Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

A daily walk or playtime in the yard is sufficient for their exercise needs.

Grooming

Due to their long fur coat, Lhasa Apso needs grooming daily to prevent tangles and matting.

Their fur requires daily brushing and they may also need regular clipping or trimming to keep their coat manageable.

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Lhasa Apso Traits & Characteristics

The ideal height of Lhasa Apso is 25.4 cms and weight is about 6.35 kgs.

They have a heavy double coat which can come in various colors such as black, white, gold, and cream.

Their coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Lhasa Apso is a loyal companion dog and is known to have a strong bond with their owner. However, due to their independent nature, they may not be as affectionate as some other breeds.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Lhasa Apso can be good with children but they may not have the energy to keep up with younger kids. They may also not tolerate rough play, so supervision is recommended when young children are involved.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Lhasa Apsos can be wary of other dogs, especially if they are not socialized at an early age. They may also display aggression towards other dogs, so careful introduction and monitoring is important.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Lhasa Apsos can be wary of strangers and may not be immediately welcoming to new people. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of potential danger.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

While Lhasa Apsos can be playful, they are typically not high-energy dogs and do not require a lot of exercise. They may be content with a short walk or indoor playtime.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Lhasa Apsos are alert and make good watchdogs. They are quick to bark at anything they perceive as a threat and will alert their owners if they sense danger.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Lhasa Apsos can adapt to different living situations, including apartment living. However, they may become stressed if their routine is disrupted or if they are left alone for long periods of time.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Lhasa Apsos are a low-shedding breed, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coat.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming to maintain their thick coat. Their hair must be brushed and combed daily to prevent mats from forming. They also need regular baths and professional grooming every few months.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Lhasa Apsos are a dry-mouthed breed and do not drool excessively.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Lhasa Apsos are a small breed, typically weighing between 12 and 18 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall at the shoulder.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Lhasa Apsos are a low-energy breed and do not require a lot of exercise. They may be content with a short walk or indoor playtime.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Lhasa Apsos are a low-energy breed and do not require a lot of exercise. However, regular walks and playtime are still necessary to maintain their overall health.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Lhasa Apsos were originally bred as companion dogs and do not have a strong working drive. They may not excel at certain tasks or jobs.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Lhasa Apsos were not bred for hunting and do not have a strong prey drive or scenting abilities.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Lhasa Apsos are a low-energy breed and may not have as much physical stamina and endurance as other breeds.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Lhasa Apsos may be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and kidney problems. Regular vet checkups and a healthy diet are important to maintain their overall health.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Due to their low-energy nature, Lhasa Apsos may be prone to obesity if they do not receive enough exercise and their diet is not closely monitored.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Lhasa Apsos have a moderate tolerance for cold weather and may require a sweater or coat in extreme temperatures.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Lhasa Apsos have a moderate tolerance for hot weather and may require extra cooling and hydration during the summer months.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Due to their small size and low-energy nature, Lhasa Apsos are well-suited for apartment living. However, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Lhasa Apsos have a low wanderlust tendency and are content staying close to their owners. However, they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Lhasa Apsos are a sensitive breed and do not respond well to harsh criticism or punishment. Positive reinforcement training methods are recommended to establish obedience.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Lhasa Apsos can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They do best when their owners are home most of the day.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Lhasa Apsos are alert watchdogs and will bark at anything they perceive as a threat. They may also bark excessively if they become bored or anxious.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Lhasa Apsos are an intelligent breed and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys and training sessions can help keep their mind engaged.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

While Lhasa Apsos may be difficult to train and require a lot of grooming, they can make good pets for novice owners. Their low-energy nature and small size make them easy to manage.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Lhasa Apsos can be stubborn and difficult to train. They are independent and may not see the point in following commands. Consistent and patient training is necessary to establish obedience.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Lhasa Apso is a loyal companion dog and is known to have a strong bond with their owner. However, due to their independent nature, they may not be as affectionate as some other breeds.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Lhasa Apso can be good with children but they may not have the energy to keep up with younger kids. They may also not tolerate rough play, so supervision is recommended when young children are involved.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Lhasa Apsos can be wary of other dogs, especially if they are not socialized at an early age. They may also display aggression towards other dogs, so careful introduction and monitoring is important.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Lhasa Apsos can be wary of strangers and may not be immediately welcoming to new people. They make good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of potential danger.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

While Lhasa Apsos can be playful, they are typically not high-energy dogs and do not require a lot of exercise. They may be content with a short walk or indoor playtime.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Lhasa Apsos are alert and make good watchdogs. They are quick to bark at anything they perceive as a threat and will alert their owners if they sense danger.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Lhasa Apsos can adapt to different living situations, including apartment living. However, they may become stressed if their routine is disrupted or if they are left alone for long periods of time.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Lhasa Apsos are a low-shedding breed, making them a good choice for people with allergies. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coat.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Lhasa Apsos require a lot of grooming to maintain their thick coat. Their hair must be brushed and combed daily to prevent mats from forming. They also need regular baths and professional grooming every few months.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Lhasa Apsos are a dry-mouthed breed and do not drool excessively.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Lhasa Apsos are a small breed, typically weighing between 12 and 18 pounds and standing about 10 inches tall at the shoulder.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Lhasa Apsos are a low-energy breed and do not require a lot of exercise. They may be content with a short walk or indoor playtime.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Lhasa Apsos are a low-energy breed and do not require a lot of exercise. However, regular walks and playtime are still necessary to maintain their overall health.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Lhasa Apsos were originally bred as companion dogs and do not have a strong working drive. They may not excel at certain tasks or jobs.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Lhasa Apsos were not bred for hunting and do not have a strong prey drive or scenting abilities.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Lhasa Apsos are a low-energy breed and may not have as much physical stamina and endurance as other breeds.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Lhasa Apsos may be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and kidney problems. Regular vet checkups and a healthy diet are important to maintain their overall health.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Due to their low-energy nature, Lhasa Apsos may be prone to obesity if they do not receive enough exercise and their diet is not closely monitored.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Lhasa Apsos have a moderate tolerance for cold weather and may require a sweater or coat in extreme temperatures.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Lhasa Apsos have a moderate tolerance for hot weather and may require extra cooling and hydration during the summer months.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Due to their small size and low-energy nature, Lhasa Apsos are well-suited for apartment living. However, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Lhasa Apsos have a low wanderlust tendency and are content staying close to their owners. However, they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area when outside.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Lhasa Apsos are a sensitive breed and do not respond well to harsh criticism or punishment. Positive reinforcement training methods are recommended to establish obedience.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Lhasa Apsos can become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They do best when their owners are home most of the day.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Lhasa Apsos are alert watchdogs and will bark at anything they perceive as a threat. They may also bark excessively if they become bored or anxious.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Lhasa Apsos are an intelligent breed and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys and training sessions can help keep their mind engaged.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

While Lhasa Apsos may be difficult to train and require a lot of grooming, they can make good pets for novice owners. Their low-energy nature and small size make them easy to manage.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Lhasa Apsos can be stubborn and difficult to train. They are independent and may not see the point in following commands. Consistent and patient training is necessary to establish obedience.

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History of the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient dog breed, with roots tracing back to Tibet. They were considered as a sacred animal by the Tibetans, and their breeding was kept a secret from outsiders.

They were not known in the Western world until the 20th century.

The first Lhasa Apso was brought to England in 1901 and was classified as an Apso Dog, which was later changed to Lhasa Apso.

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Lhasa Apso Puppies

Lhasa Apso puppies are typically born with a soft, fluffy coat that will eventually develop into their signature long and shiny coat.

They are lively, playful, and devoted to their owners right from the start.