| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Lhasa Apso is a small and elegant guardian dog that was named after Tibet’s ancient capital.
The charming Lhasa Apso, is considered a guardian dog inside a small body; its origins are in the mystic country of Tibet. It was believed that Tibetan monks who did not reach nirvana (the perfect state of peace and happiness, which ends in ascetic life) reincarnated in Lhasa Apsos. These dogs were used as guardians at monasteries and temples; they used to drive away intruders with their hoarse barking, in fact in their native land they are still known as Abso Seng Kye, which means “little sentinel lion”.
Lhasa Apso: Origins
During many years it was hard to have a Lhasa Apso as selling them was forbidden, it was considered a sacred dog, bearer of good luck or lucky talisman. It is said that the first Lhasa Apso who left its country of origin was a gift from the Dalai Lama to an American explorer back in 1993.
During the 20th century they started to arrive in Occident, where this breed became famous because of its spectacular coat. Nowadays the Lhasa Apso is one of the most popular companion dogs because of its cheerful and playful temperament, even though at first it can be distrustful and indifferent.
Lhasa Apso: Physical Characteristics
Clearly the main characteristic of this breed is its lustrous coat; it is long and heavy forming an elegant cloak that falls to the ground. Its bushy bangs fall over its dark oval eyes; its long eyelashes prevent hair from getting into its eyes. Moreover, they have a fluffy beard and mustache; its nose is completely black and small; and its tail falls into its back forming a curve.
Lhasa Apsos can have a wide variety of colors, such as:
- Honey.
- Golden.
- Black.
- Grey.
- White.
- They can also have two colors.
They could live between 12 to 15 years, people say that the most long-lived Lhasa Apso in the world lived 29 years. They stand at around 8-10 inches (22-27 cm) and their weight varies between 13 to 17 lbs (6-8 kg).
Lhasa Apso: Temperament
As we mentioned before, the Lhasa Apso is a companion dog that can be very adaptable to their owners’ lifestyle, they can live either in the countryside or the city. This furry friend can be your companion for naps as well as for walks and games.
We must consider that this breed was raised to be a guardian dog that is why it tends to be independent and self-confident; it can be intimidating and grumpy besides its size. It is a brave and protective animal; its barking can resemble those of large dogs.
The Lhasa Apso has a strong temperament, this is why it is recommended to train it from puppyhood, to become obedient and firm and also so it can learn to socialize properly with children and other dogs.
Lhasa Apso: Health
In general these are very healthy dogs; they can have some hereditary eye conditions, such as cataracts. They can also have ulcers and renal problems.
You have to keep in mind that Lhasa Apsos are good eaters, for this reason you have to keep its diet under control to prevent obesity. Besides feeding, these little dogs must do exercise, you must take them in daily walks.
Another thing to consider is its coat; you must keep its hair clean and untangled; because of its amount of hair it can develop skin conditions, such as dermatitis. Some Lhasa Apsos have allergies to mites, pollen, fungus and insects.
We recommend brushing your dog at least three times a week to avoid entanglement and also cleaning its eyes with a wet cloth.
Tips to Bathe Your Lhasa Apso:
To keep your Lhasa Apso’s coat healthy and shiny, we recommend monthly baths following these steps:
- Brush its hair when it is dry,
- Use a dog shampoo rich in proteins,
- Use a hydrating conditioner,
- Dry its hair with a towel to absorb the excess of water,
- Use a hairdryer, dividing its hair in sections and brushing it to prevent entanglement,
- You can go to a pet groomer to cut its hair every two or three months.
Lhasa Apso: Feeding
As we mentioned before, you have to keep your dog’s diet under control, preventing overweight and obesity. You have to vary its menu, Lhasa Apsos have a tendency to get bored quickly of the same meals; you can feed it with dog kibbles rich in nutrients, proteins and low fat; you can also cook your dog pet chicken, pork and rice.
We advise feeding your dog one or two times a day. But be careful with overfeeding, although it can be hard to resist the adorable face the Lhasa Apso makes when asking for some extra food.
Lhasa Apso: Price
A Lhasa Apso puppy can cost between 1000 – 1500 dollars, 900 – 1300 English pounds, the difference in price depends on the pedigree of the dog you want to purchase.
Lhasa Apso: Breeders and Puppies For Sale
In this section you can find the best registered breeders in countries such as: US, Canada and UK; but also Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, India and South Africa; where you can find all the information you need. It is imperative to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Leonberger
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Komondor
- Clumber Spaniel
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Presa Canario
- Coton De Tulear
