Lhasa Apso

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet and was bred to protect the churches or religious community their owners would reside in. They were mostly owned by monks or people of the church, which is what they were taught to guard when their master was not present. Today these dogs are quite common but for thousands of years they were only attainable by religious followers or royalty.

This breed has a long, messy coat that will require regular grooming. Their muzzles are short yet powerful and their body is compact and slightly longer than they are tall. The Lhasa Apso has short, toned legs and a medium length tail that loosely curls over to touch their lower back. These dogs are covered in thick, heavy fur literally from head to toe which is why some owners prefer their dogs to have monthly haircuts!

The Lhasa Apso is an alert, clever little dog that will not only be a great family dog but will also defend their territory at will! Despite their small size these dogs have a deep bark giving the illusion to strangers that have not seen them, that they are much bigger! This breed is loving and affectionate but only so with their masters or the family. The Lhasa Apso will get along with other family pets but there might be friction between them and dogs of the same sex.

Color

The Lhasa Apso will come in gray, cream, blue, brown, and white with black markings. Most commonly seen is the cream but all are accepted colors in the show ring.

Coat

This breed has an exceptionally thick double coat with the top layer being long, and dense but smooth to the touch. Their under layer is plushy and soft giving them ample insulation for colder weather. Grooming will need to be done on a regular basis but no extravagant haircuts or excess hair removal is needed.

Personality

The Lhasa Apso is a breed that will need an owner who is patient and will take charge. They can be a stubborn breed but with the correct master, will make a great pet and fine companion. Although they are known to be independent at times, the Lhasa Apso is not a breed that can be left at home too often because they will become lonely and depressed. This breed is a great pet but should be monitored around younger children because they have a tendency to bite first and ask questions later. These little dogs are playful and full of energy. They are known to entertain themselves throughout the day but will still need extra outdoor exercise in the evening. Being a great watchdog, the Lhasa Apso is a barky dog that will alert their families of intruders but will also bark when they're excited or whenever it is they feel necessary!

Care

The Lhasa Apso will need to be brushed 4-5 times per week. They have a long, thick coat that needs regular grooming in order to keep it tangle free. Bathing should be done every 2-3 months and special attention should be brought to their ears and paws as the fur here might become matted or have foreign matter in it. The Lhasa Apso is prone to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, problems concerning their eyes and kidney ailments.

Training

This breed will need to have an owner who is firm and can display dominance when necessary. These dogs are known to be quite stubborn and will need a patient, consistent owner to be able to train them so they obey and understand commands. Training sessions should be kept short and be made enjoyable to the dog so that its not considered a chore to practice basic obedience. Repetition and clarity of the commands are the keys to success for this breed!

Activity

The Lhasa Apso will need at least half an hour of exercise per day to tire them out. Trips to an off-leash dog park or a longer walk will be perfect! These little dogs are known to be quite playful during the day so will not need excessive exercise in the evening. The Lhasa Apso will do well in an apartment because they are small and don't need the extra room of a household to roam around in. A backyard is not necessary but would be a bonus so they could have access to an outdoor space at home.