The Lhasa Apso is a relatively small dog with an extreme personality.
These dogs are often described as funny, cheerful, and eager to please. They have been used for thousands of years as tiny dog guards.
Moreover, this ancient breed also excels as a hearing dog for people with hearing loss.
Keep reading to learn more about the history, temperament, appearance, and behavior of the Lhasa Apso dog breed.
History of the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso dog breed was introduced in Tibet over 2,500 years ago. The dog was bred as a watchdog in the palaces and Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Named after the sacred city of Lhasa, these highly valued creatures were the indoor watchdogs of temples.
Some DNA evidence has shown that the Lhasa Apso is an ancient line closely related to the wolf. The breed gradually entered the western world in the early 1900s and was recognized as the Lhasa Terrier by the Kennel Club in London in 1908.
The dogs are sometimes confused with the Tibetan Terrier.
Lhasa Apso characteristics
This dog breed is known for its long, straight, and dense coat and the signature hair part that looks like a lion’s mane. The fully grown male Lhasa Apso stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, while the females are smaller.
The Lhasa Apso has beautiful black, tan, cream, red, and white fur, but occasionally, the dogs have grey, blue, or silver coats.
They have black and brown noses, a long beard, and slightly longer snouts than similar snub-nosed dog breeds like the Pekingese.
Temperament
The Lhasa Apso dog breed is confident and bold to spare, so much so that it was known as “Abso Seng kye” (bark lion sentinel dog) in Tibet.
If you ask any Lhasa Apso owner, they will tell you about this little dog’s smarts, but their high intelligence and independence can mean they are harder to train.
The dogs are loyal; you can count on them to always have your back. Initially, they tend to be standoffish with strangers, which is unsurprising since they were bred to protect temples.
This dog breed’s puppies can mature emotionally for up to three years. However, with a dedicated owner and lots of praise, their energy can be channeled into learning new things.
The Lhasa Apso excels in agility training; some dogs herd livestock or work as therapy dogs.
Personality
The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog known for its vibrant personality and unique character traits.
These dogs are often described as loyal, affectionate, and surprisingly independent.
A faithful companion breed, the Lhasa Apso typically forms strong bonds with its family members and often chooses one person as its favorite.
One of the most notable aspects of their behavior is their alertness. Lhasa Apsos are instinctively protective of their home, making them excellent watchdogs. They quickly alert their humans to unusual sounds or activities.
The dogs are known to be vocal, often barking to express their feelings or to signal that something is amiss.
Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos often display a bold and confident demeanor. However, they can also be stubborn, which can make training challenging.
Consistent, positive reinforcement techniques work best, as these dogs respond well to praise and rewards.
Patience is key; while they may take time to understand commands, they can learn effectively with persistence.
Socialization is crucial for Lhasa Apsos. Exposure to various people, pets, and environments helps them develop a well-rounded personality.
If not properly socialized, the dog might become overly cautious or aggressive toward strangers. However, with a proper introduction, it can become friendly and enjoy the company of other dogs and pets.
At home, Lhasa Apsos are known for their playful and affectionate nature. They enjoy interactive playtime and can be entertaining with their quirky antics.
However, they also appreciate downtime and can be content to relax by their owner’s side. Their adaptability means they can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they receive regular attention and exercise.
Grooming
The Lhasa Apso is a high-maintenance dog breed for grooming; it does not belong to the low-maintenance dog breeds category.
Its long and luxurious coats can get tangled if not cared for properly. Daily brushing and monthly baths are highly recommended for these dogs.
Besides caring for their coats, the dogs also need essential grooming, including nail trims and teeth cleaning.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in your Lhasa Apso’s overall health. Offering a balanced diet with high-quality commercial dog food tailored to small breeds is crucial.
Measure their food portions to prevent them from gaining too much weight, which they are prone to do. Use treats during training sparingly, ensuring they don’t make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Care tips
Caring for a Lhasa Apso requires understanding its unique needs and characteristics to ensure its happiness and health.
Exercise is also crucial to their care. While Lhasa Apsos don’t have high energy levels, they still need regular physical activity.
Daily short walks and engaging play sessions, indoors or in a safe, enclosed yard, will help keep them active.
Routine veterinary care is essential for preventing and addressing health issues. Annual veterinary visits for vaccinations and health assessments, combined with regular dental care—like daily teeth brushing—can help prevent dental disease.
Use preventive measures against fleas and ticks as your vet advises.
Mental stimulation is essential for these intelligent dogs. Interactive puzzles and toys that challenge their problem-solving skills can keep them engaged, and teaching new tricks or commands will further stimulate their minds.
Common Lhasa Apso health issues
Though the breed is healthy, it is prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, juvenile renal disease, intervertebral disc disease, and patellar luxation. It might also have to deal with eye issues like retinal atrophy and dry eyes.
Other common health issues include cherry eye (a red mass at the inner corner of the dog’s eye), allergies, and a genetic skin condition known as sebaceous adenitis, where the sebaceous glands become inflamed.
With the proper care, these dogs can live for an average of 12 to 15 years. However, some Lhasa Apsos are known to have lived well into their 20s.
Training
These easy tricks and tips will help you train a Lhasa Apso successfully.
- Initially, you must keep the training sessions relatively short to keep the pup interested. If the dog seems bored, you might have been training for too long.
- While training, you should choose a place with few distractions, like your backyard. Once your dog responds to your commands, you can train in new places with distractions.
- With each training session, reward your pup with their favorite treats.
- Avoid punishment during the training. Otherwise, you will frustrate your Lhasa Apso.
Final thoughts on adopting a Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is undoubtedly a cute and intelligent dog breed. They are loyal but high-maintenance dog breeds.
Though they can be pretty tricky to train, they only need 30 minutes of daily exercise, and they highly appreciate a daily walk and play with their favorite toys.
To adopt a Lhasa Apso, check Petfinder.com. To find an American Kennel Club-registered breeder, visit the AKC Marketplace.
Monica Heft, at animalcreativefacts.com, will bring readers a bit closer to various animal species’ lives. She is here to create a meaningful and deeper bond with the animal species, for understanding their habitat, behavior, and species is essential.