Lhasa Apso

History of Breed

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient dog breed which was first developed in Tibet from the Tibetan Terrier. This breed was highly regarded for its watchdog skills in palaces and monasteries. It is a very alert dog who is not distracted easily. Today’s Lhasa Apso is no longer a palace guard but primarily a loving and easy-going family companion.

Personality and Temperament

The Lhasa Apso is a friendly, playful and at times mischievous dog. They love to explore and are fun to be around. They are eager for your attention and enjoy the company of their family. They have warm demeanors and are easy to approach. This breed does make a good family pet and is not known for aggressive behavior.

Appearance and Grooming

The Lhasa Apso has a gorgeous thick, long and dense coat. This breed comes in many colors, including honey, black, white, and slate. Daily brushing is a very important part of this dog’s care routine which will help to keep this dog looking and feeling his best. Weekly to bi-weekly baths are suggested and will allow for a shiny and healthy coat.

Care and Feeding

The Lhasa Apso is a semi-energetic dog that benefits from a healthy diet. A balance of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your Lhasa Apso feeling and looking his best. Many Lhasa Apso owners recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also crucial to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup.

Breed Size and Life Expectancy

The Lhasa Apso stands between nine and eleven inches tall.
This breed weighs between twelve to fifteen pounds.
The average life expectancy for this breed is between twelve and fifteen years.

Interesting Breed Facts

Fact: This breed makes a great companion dog and loves to play.

Fact: This breed does tend to do well with other pets in the household.

Fact: This breed does best with one-on-one training beginning at a young age.

Petland is honored to offer first-class Lhasa Apso puppies, and our caring team of puppy specialists will help answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Lhasa Apso puppies.

Ten Top Frequently Asked Questions About the Lhasa Apso

Are Lhasa Apsos suitable for first-time dog owners?

No. They are challenging to train due to their tenacious temperament.

How often should Lhasa Apsos be groomed?

They require regular combing, brushing, and bathing at least two times every week. A Lhasa Apso with soft overcoat and undercoat will require more grooming than one with a thick outer coat and less undercoat.

Do Lhasa Apsos shed hair?

Yes. Like humans, they shed hair gradually and continually.

Do Lhasa Apsos bark a lot?

Yes. This breed is highly vocal as they were initially bred as domestic alarms.

Are Lhasa Apsos sensitive?

Lhasa Apsos are highly sensitive. They appreciate regularity and do not like a lot of visitors. They are also very emotive as they mirror their owners’ emotions. They do not like being reprimanded.

What is Lhasa Apsos average height?

A Lhasa Apso can grow as tall as 26.5cm (10.5 inches).

Are Lhasa Apsos good with children?

As a peaceful breed, they are not suitable for families with young and disorderly children. They prefer older children who can handle them correctly.

What is Lhasa Apsos average weight?

The average Lhasa Apso weighs about fourteen pounds (six to seven kilograms.)

What is the Lhasa Apso life expectancy?

The Lhasa Apso has a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years.

Are Lhasa Apsos cat-friendly?

Lhasa Apsos are cat lovers.

If you’re looking for an incredibly intelligent, playful, and affectionate dog, then the Lhasa Apso is worth your while.

Breed History

Lhasa Apsos were discovered in Himalaya, Tibet around 800BC. They were bred as domestic alarms in Tibetan royal households and Buddhist monasteries in and around the consecrated Lhasa city environs.

Tibetans believed the Lhasa Apsos brought good luck and could also provisionally carry the souls of their deceased owners; hence, they held the breed in high regard and never sold them. They could only be obtained as gifts and were always gifted in twos.

The first pair of American Lhasa Apsos was a gift from the 13th Dalai Lama to the world-renowned traveler, Mr. Suydam Cutting in 1933. However, the breed has earlier made it out of the Indian subcontinent by soldiers who carried some of them to England where they were called Lhasa Terriers. Their sleek coats come in many shades of brown, white or gold.

Temperament

Lhasa Apsos were bred by Tibetan monks to be calm, keen and assertive listeners. They are highly dominant, smart, and attentive dogs.

They have an ego that makes them want to lead other dogs, even the ones larger than them. Generally, they fare well around other dogs and pets with early socialization and training. They are better around older and peaceful children.

Their independent nature allows them to stay put, even when left unsupervised for some time. They have the instinct to protect, and they make excellent watchdogs. Their interestingly diverse personality also makes them full of fun and joyful. They love close contact with the people they love.

Environment

Due to their Himalayan origin, Lhasa Apsos have evolved to survive in varying climates ranging from brief summers to intensely cold winter times. They are great for people with small household spaces.

However, they need lots of ventilation, especially in the summertime. They also adore outdoor games in an enclosed backyard.

Exercise

The Lhasa Apso is considered by many to be a lap dog, but to maintain an optimal state of mental and bodily health, they require daily activities that could be in the form of leisure time or lengthy walks. They are satisfied with indoor living and do not require vigorous exercise.

They are a bit challenging to train because of their slow mental maturity rate, so they need a stern, patient, and consistent trainer. Lhasa Apsos do not regard their size. They engage in activities that larger dogs would typically do, such as mountaineering and trekking.

Grooming

The fur of the Lhasa Apso can be likened to human hair. They do not shed as most dogs do. Their shedding process is slow to prevent hair knotting and matting. Their heavy coats sometimes produce airborne flakes of dead skin that could cause allergic reactions.

The Lhasa Apso has two coats – an undercoat for warmth and an overcoat for safety and sleekness. Grooming includes consistent hair brushing to get rid of dead hairs, prim dental care, and bathing to remove dirt and keep the coat glossy.

Nail trimming should be done by a professional once a month. Check for sores, inflammations, and redness on the skin, in and behind the ears, and in the mouth weekly. Overall, grooming a Lhasa Apso requires expert hands, and you might need to pay a skilled groomer once in a while.

Our Lhasa Apso puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.

The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Lhasa Apso puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.

Frequently Asked Questions