Let's talk Lhasa Apsos
Their most striking feature might be their long, flowing locks, but alert, loyal and affectionate little Lhasa Apsos also have a long and illustrious history. The breed dates back over a thousand years to the isolated palaces and monasteries of Tibet where Lhasa Apsos were developed to be guard dogs. That ancient bond with humans combined with beautiful looks, manageable size and good natures has made the Lhasa Apso a sought-after modern day canine companion.
Official name: Lhasa Apso
Origins: Tibet
| Drooling tendencies: |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | Low | Family pet? * | |
| Compatibility with other pets: | |
Can stay alone? * |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
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25 - 28 cm
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5.5 - 8 kg
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25 - 28 cm
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5.5 - 8 kg
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| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 10 months |
| Adult age: | 10 months to 8 years |
| Mature age: | 8 to 12 years |
| Senior age: | From 12 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Lhasa Apsos
1. Dalai Lhasa
Thanks to the breed’s origins in the monasteries of Tibet, the Lhasa Apso has long been known as a sacred dog, associated with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama was instrumental in making these little dogs known in the wider world—dogs he gave as gifts in the first part of the 20th century helped establish the breed in the US.
2. Little Lion Dog
They may be small dogs—but Lhasa Apsos sure are mighty. With their abundant fur, often regal stance and confident personality, the Lhasa Apso’s nickname, “Little Lion Dog”, suits this ancient and long-revered breed perfectly, even if they are more likely to bark than roar.
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History of the breed
With their flowing locks in shades of grey, beige, brown and white, Lhasa Apsos may look like they just stepped out of the grooming salon. But these diminutive canines were in fact developed for an extreme environment of high altitudes, rough terrain and isolation.
Over a thousand years ago, Lhasa Apsos were bred for their watchdog skills and put to use to guard the remote mountaintop palaces and Buddhist monasteries of Tibet (capital, Lhasa), often known as “the roof of the world”. This important role conferred a sacred status on these little dogs, which were associated with good luck and prosperity and were never sold, only given as gifts.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Lhasa Apsos
1. Coat
Lavish, long and smooth coat hanging to the ground.
2. Body
Small stature and feathered tail curling over the back.
3. Colouring
Coat shades include sandy, slate, black, white or brown.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Lhasa Apso
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Caring for your Lhasa Apso
Grooming, training and exercise tips
With their abundant hair, Lhasa Apsos need a significant amount of grooming: Regular brushing and bathing is the order of the day even if you choose to clip it short. If it’s kept in its lavish natural state, we’re talking daily brushing as well as fortnightly baths including a shampoo, a specially formulated doggy conditioner and a drying session to avoid matting. Lhasa Apsos need regular physical exercise as well as mental stimulation but their small stature means that as long as they get plenty of walks or chances to play outside, they are well suited to apartment living. Lhasa Apsos are known for their independent streak, so training may not be a walk in the park: You’ll need to be patient and consistent and start early. Socialisation is important from puppyhood, to temper the breed’s natural wariness of strangers and make sure they’re at ease in everyday situations.
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All about Lhasa Apsos
Lhasa Apsos are loyal, affectionate to and protective of their human families, but they are best suited to households without very small children—they’re small dogs and can be intimidated by even accidental clumsiness.
Well … those luxurious locks aren’t going to look after themselves. Lhasa Apsos do need a lot of grooming, to avoid tangles, it’s true, but that brushing time is a perfect excuse for a cuddle so it won’t be a chore.
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Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/