Don’t let their small size fool you! These stylish dogs are protective by nature and have incredibly huge hearts. Lhasa apso are famous for their stunning, long coats. If you're thinking of adding one of these beauties to your family, it's helpful to understand their care needs, temperament and history. Here’s everything you need to know about this fabulous breed and how Petsecure can support you and your dog!
The history of Lhasa apso dogs
Lhasa apso dogs hold a magnificent place in history as one of the first breeds to be cherished companions.
- Origin – ancient companions and loyal monastery watchdogs for Tibetan monks
- Name meaning – Derived from the native name Abso Seng Kye, which means "bark lion sentinel dog"
- Global Debut – the breed was highly guarded in Tibet and didn’t reach other countries until 1900s England under the name “Lhasa terrier”
- Recognition – these dogs were proudly recognized by the American Kennel Club in the terrier group but found their true home in the non-sporting group in 1959
- Today – the breed prospers and shines in the show ring
- Fun fact – it was once believed that the souls of the deceased entered these dogs, making Tibetans revere them
Lhasa apso physical characteristics
Lhasa apso dogs are adorable, club recognized dogs, known for their small stature, beautiful flowing hair that parts along their backs and sweet floppy ears. These dogs have more to them than their luscious locks:
- Height – 9 to 11 inches
- Weigh – 13 to 18 pounds
- Coat length – long and straight
- Coat colours – a dazzling range including black, white, gold, grey, particolour, tricolour and more
Lhasa apso vs. Shih Tzu – what’s the difference?
Lhasa apsos and Shih Tzus are quite similar, but they are both small, ancient breeds originating from Asia.They are frequently confused because Lhasa apsos is a parent breed to Shih Tzus. However, the differences between them are remarkable and stark.
Lhasa apso
- Size – slightly larger (1 to 2 inches taller and 1 to 3 pounds heavier)
- Coat – long, dense and straight
- Colour – offers a beautiful variety, though slightly fewer colour combinations
- Personality – an independent, cautious indoor watchdog that is incredibly loyal t its family
Shih Tzu
- Size – tend to be smaller
- Coat – long, soft and slightly wavy
- Colour – boats a massive variety of colour combinations
- Personality – a sweet lag dog that wants to please its family and loves to be spoiled with attention
What is Lhasa apso’s temperament?
Every dog is unique, and the Lhasa apso has a wonderfully colourful personality!
- Vocal and alert – they are fantastic watchdogs and tend to bark to let you know when a guest has arrived
- Loving – they might be a bit wary of strangers, but they are fiercely affectionate to those they know and trust
- Spirited – bold, stubborn and brilliantly independent
- Fun loving – highly entertaining, playful and wonderful with kids
- Sociable – friendly and happy to coexist with other pets
- Training – housetraining can sometimes be a fun challenge that requires a little extra patience and love
What is the lifespan of a Lhasa apso dog?
The Lhasa apso dog is a wonderfully healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 human years. With the right care, exercise and diet, your best friend can live a long and healthy life!
How to care for a Lhasa apso
Keeping your pup happy and healthy is a breeze when you know exactly what they need!
Exercise
- Walk around the block once or twice a day
- Play fun indoor games like hide and seek for mental stimulation
- Keep in mind they prefer staying cool indoors when there’s hot weather
Training
- Start obedience training and socialization early
- Expose your puppy to strangers, children and other animals. Use toys, treats and games for positive reinforcements
Nutrition
- Easy to maintain a healthy weight
- Feed adults two measured meals a day
- Give puppies three or four meals a day
Always consult your vet to make sure your feeding schedule is perfect for your Lhasa apso!
Skin care
- Bathe them every two to four weeks to keep their skin healthy
- Use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner to make their gorgeous coat shine
Eye Care
- Gently wipe their eyes daily with a soft, moist cloth to remove debris
- Trim the hair around their eyes to prevent any irritation
- Be sure to contact the vet if your Lhasa apsos has a squint
Ear Care
- Clean your pup’s ears every two to three weeks to prevent infections
- Speak to your vet right away if you notice any redness, odor or debris
Health condition for Lhasa apso
Overall, Lhasa apsos dogs are a very healthy breed! They are a part of the brachycephalic family, meaning they have short noses and flat faces. These physical attributes can lead to possible health issues involving the skin, eye, breathing problems and heat sensitivity.
Do Lhasa apso shed a lot?
No! Surprisingly, these luscious locks do not shed a lot but do require a lot of grooming. Thankfully, grooming makes a perfect opportunity for bonding with your Lhasa apso!
- Brushing three to four times weekly to help remove tangles and knots in their long coat
- Using a detangling and dematting spray can help with the tangles
Are Lhasa apso hypoallergenic?
Lhasa apso dogs are not hypoallergenic, although there is no dog that is truly allergen-free. These dogs are a single-coat breed, so they shed very little and won’t trigger allergies as much as other breeds!
Is Lhasa apso a good family dog?
Absolutely! A Lhasa apso would be a fabulous addition to your family. They are deeply loyal, highly protective of their people and will brighten your entire house with their playful attitude and affectionate personality!
Ready to protect your Lhasa apso?
Get a free Petsecure quote today and start protecting your furry family member with comprehensive coverage!