The Lhasa Apso has a unique temperament – joyful and mischievous at times and aloof and dignified at others. This is a small and hardy breed with a parting cloak of hair that parts down their back from head to tail. This is a popular breed in the show ring but does not necessarily live to please its master.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Himalayan Regions
Used for: Watchdog and guard dog
Average Life Span: About 15 years
Color: Gold, cream, honey, slate, dark-grizzle, brown, white and black
Coat: Double, straight and long
Average Height: 10-11 inches
Average Weight: 13-15 pounds
Group: Herding, AKC non-sporting
History and Domestication
The Lhasa Apso originated in the isolated reaches of the Himalayas hundreds of years ago. It is named after the sacred city of Lhasa. For years, the breed remained a native to Tibet and its holy men. It functioned mainly as a household guard and watchdog of the Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan nobility mainly around the scared city of Lhasa. There is a belief that when its master dies, the soul of the master enters the Lhasa’s body. Until some years ago, this breed was not easy to come across and buy.
Standard Physical Characteristics
The Lhasa Apso is a small and hardy breed with a body that is longer than its height. The small, dark brown eyes are deep-set and the pendant ears are heavily feathered. The front legs are straight and the back legs are heavily covered with hair. The muzzle is medium in length. The round feet are catlike with a lot of hair. The well-feathered tail is set-high.
Care, Grooming and Health
The long coat of the Lhasa parts at the spine and falls straight on either side of the dog. Trimming or stripping is not required. Though when the coat is full-grown, it needs to be brushed once a day to keep the coat gleaming. Clean the ears and eyes regularly. This breed sheds very little.
The Lhasa Apso needs to be taken on a daily walk. Play will take care of their various exercise needs. They will also love to romp in a safe, open area like a large fenced-in yard. This breed has a slight tendency of hip dysplasia, kidney problems and bleeding ulcers.
Living Conditions
These dogs are good for apartment living and will do okay without a yard.
Temperament
This is a friendly and hardy dog with an assertive manner. They are intelligent and lively and make good pets. These devoted little dogs are very affectionate and loyal to their and are very obedient too. This breed does best with motivational training. Their keen sense of hearing makes them good watchdogs. The Lhasa Apso travels well but unfortunately most of them fall into small dog syndrome due to excessive pampering. This may cause varying degree of negative social behavior like being protective and willful and lead to uncontrolled barking.
