Discover the Lhasa Apso dog breed
The Lhasa Apso is a wonderful pet, sometimes wayward and some can be high-spirited, but they are all loving and affectionate. Originating in Tibet, this is an ancient breed that was bred for more than 2000 years by nobles and saints and was considered a sacred animal and was even used to guard monasteries and temples. In the Western world, we can thank the Dalai Lama for this furry puppy, as he often gave them as gifts to foreign dignitaries who visited his country. The Lhasa Apso was first seen in Britain in the 1920s and reached the US in the 1930s.
Part of the American Kennel Club’s non-sporting group, the Lhasa Apso was accepted into the AKC in 1935 in the terrier group, but then reassigned in 1959. According to breed standards, the dog weighs between 13 and 15 pounds and stands 11 inches tall. Lhasa’s can be quite long-lived with some living over 18 years.
This breed is characterized by its long fur that covers its entire body and hangs to the floor, making the dog almost look like a walking mop! The coat is very straight and heavy and even covers the dogs face as it hangs over the eyes and also gives a beard and whiskers. The Lhasa Apso has dark eyes and feathered ears and a tail that should be carried on the dogs back. Most commonly seen in white, this breed also comes in smoke, slate, gold, cream, black, copper and brown.
The Lhasa Apso is intelligent, lively, friendly and assertive. They can be very loyal and affectionate to their owners, but can be suspicious of strangers. Some can be quite willful, but others are eager to please their owners and will do anything they are told. They can be a bit energetic and have a loud bark that can be quite stubborn.
The Lhasa Apso is a healthy breed in general, but can suffer from skin problems if their coat is not cared for properly. Some may have hip dysplasia in addition to eye and kidney problems. Rarely, these dogs can suffer from a bleeding ulcer.
These little dogs are very active indoors, but can do well in an apartment as long as they are walked regularly and given a chance to play and run. This is not a dog that needs a lot of exercise, but every dog needs a walk at least once a day.
Due to the long coat, this breed needs grooming care and will need to be trimmed and shed. If they are not brushed every day, the fur will become quite matted and unruly. Feet can also become numb easily and should be checked daily. This breed can be dry shampooed when needed, and their eyes and ears should be cleaned frequently. Despite the long code, this breed is only an average shedder.
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