lhasa Apso Dog Breed – Best Grooming, Health, History & More

Lhasa Apso Temperament

Friendly, lively, and intelligent, the Lhasa dog 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 willful and therefore best suited to a more dominant person. The Lhasa dog 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 a way of strangers, and although it will get on okay with other pets, in general, maybe aggressive around other dogs in the household.

Lhasa Apso Physical Features

The Lhasa dog 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 dog comes in a range of colors, 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 dog 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. Still, early socialization is highly advisable. This breed does not like being alone, so if you are planning to leave your pet for long periods, this is not the one for you. However, the Lhasa dog is a good traveler and is well suited to someone that can 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 dog can increase when it full coat, as at this point you will need to brush daily 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 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 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 dogs come in at 46th of 155, which is a fall from its 2005 position of 39th.

Dog group

The Lhasa dogs come under the AKC non-sporting group.