Lhasa Apso Information & Pictures

Weight:	11 to 18 pounds
Height:	10 to 11 inches
Ease of training:
Grooming Requirements:
Amount Of Shedding:
Daily Exercise Required:
Energy Level:
Watchdog:
Good With Children:

Lhasa Apso Temperament

Friendly, lively, and intelligent, the Lhasa Apso is a devoted and high spirited creature, which makes a great pet and companion, and is devoted to its master.

However, at the same time this breed can be very assertive and wilful and therefore best suited to a more dominant person. The Lhasa Apso does not like to be alone, and at times can be quite snappy. The breed does not respond well to boisterous or rough children, and can be nervous around kids, which can also make them snappish. This breed is also way of strangers, and although it will get on okay with other pets in general may be aggressive around other dogs in the household.

Lhasa Apso Physical Features

The Lhasa Apso is a small, shaggy dog, and is covered in a beautiful, silky, but heavy double coat, which curtains and drapes down both sides of its body right to the floor. It has long, luxuriously feathered pendant ears, beautiful dark eyes, and a keen and alert expression. The coat of the Lhasa Apso comes in a range of colours, including gold, cream, and honey, which are the most common, as well as smoke, slate, and a combination of brown, black, and white. The height of this dog is around 10-11 inches, and the weight around 13-15 pounds.

Is he right for you?

The Lhasa Apso is not the dog for an owner that is not assertive or dominant, as he will run rings around anyone that does not lay down the law. He is also not the right choice for those with younger or boisterous children. Those with dogs should also be cautious, although the Lhasa Apso tends to get on okay with other pets, although early socialization is highly advisable. This breed does not like being alone, so if you are planning to leave your pet for long periods of time, this is not the one for you. However, the Lhasa Apso is a good traveller, and is well suited to someone that is able to take their pet on their travels with them.

Lhasa Apso Health Problems

Although this is generally a healthy breed, the Lhasa Apso can suffer from some ailments, which include kidney and eye problems, hip dysplasia, and skin irritations from parasites.

Lhasa Apso Grooming Requirements

The grooming requirements for the Lhasa Apso can increase when it full coat, as at this point you will need to brush on a daily basis to avoid matting of the coat. The eyes and ears should be kept clean to avoid tearing, and owners may want to get the coat professionally clipped for ease of maintenance and practicality,

Lhasa Apso History

The Lhasa Apso originates from Tibet, and was once bred purely by nobles and holy men. Temples and monasteries in Tibet used the Lhasa Apso as a watchdog, and according to legend when the dog’s master passed away his soul would enter the dog – for this reason it became considered sacred. In the 1920s, the breed was eventually introduced to Britain, and in the 1930s to the United States.

Popularity

In the 2006 AKC rankings the Lhasa Apso comes in at 46th of 155, which is a fall from its 2005 position of 39th.

Dog group

The Lhasa Apso comes under the AKC non-sporting group.