Lhasa Apso dogs are small, confident and independent. Affectionately known as the bearded lion dog, they an ancient Tibetan dog that were bred as protective watchdogs or sentinels. Long haired with fluffy faces and tails, these dogs need lots of grooming and haircuts too. Although the are friendly and loyal to their families, Lhasas are best suited to homes with older children due to their little size and bold personality. At just 9-11 inches tall and 12-18 lbs in weight they fit well into apartments, but are best suited to experienced owners.
Contents
- Can you get a short haired Lhasa Apso to avoid shedding & grooming?
- Are they typically aggressive?
- Health testing and average lifespans
- Rescue, breeders and puppies
This is an intelligent and active dog breed, with a personality as large as their hairstyles. Generally healthy dogs they can live up to 15 years on average, provided they are fed and exercised appropriately. Puppy buyers need to be aware of the health tests that their new dog’s parents need to have had, before committing to bringing home their new companion.
Where Does the Lhasa Apso Come From?
The Lhasa Apso dog breed is a truly ancient breed! Perhaps best known for looking like small “moving carpets,” these dogs originated in the chilly Himalayas where all that hair was more functional than decorative.
One of the most intriguing of the many Lhasa Apso facts you’ll read about is that this dog breed is literally more than 1,000 years old. These dogs are known as “bearded lion dogs” (Apso Seng Kyi) in their native Tibet.
They get their name both from their coat (Apso literally means long-haired dog) and their home city, Lhasa. Tibet believes in a mythical “snow lion” watches over the country and the bearded lion dog is said to be the physical manifestation of this snow lion.
The thirteenth and fourteenth Dalai Lamas helped to popularize the breed by offering them as gifts. Thus exposing the Lhasa Apso to a much wider audience. After that, it wasn’t long until this small but mighty dog breed was finding welcoming homes all over the world.
Size, Weight and Height
Under all that hair, the average Lhasa Apso adult is actually quite petite!
Typically, a Lhasa Apso adult dog will weigh between 12 and 18 lbs and stand 10 to 15 inches tall, with male dogs being slightly larger and taller than females.
Coats and Colors
All Lhasa Apsos are long haired, but you can create a short haired pet through regular haircuts.
Lhasa Apso colors can vary a great deal from one dog to the next. Although they all have a distinctive beard! You may find that different breeders choose to specialize in a certain coat color, producing dogs with consistent colors and patterns through generations.
Lhasa Apso colors can include black, tan, cream, gold, red, white, blue, gray, dark gray (charcoal), silver and liver. There is also a color/pattern called “grizzle” that is a mix of black and some other color.
The Lhasa Apso coat will be a single color in most cases, the exception being grizzle or a black and tan combination. In a Lhasa Apso, black and white coats are not distinct patches and coloring tends to be subtle.
Do Lhasa Apso Dogs Shed?
Lhasa Apso dogs are known to be low-shedding dogs. There is no truly hypoallergenic dog breed, but there are some dogs that—owing to either their genetic background, coat type and/or coat length—just shed much less than other dog breeds.
The reason lower-shedding dogs trigger pet allergies less frequently is because the protein allergen (can F 1) will be less prevalent in your home. The Lhasa Apso falls into this category, especially when their hair is left long since hair will trap shed hair so it doesn’t fall out onto the floor.
You can also further decrease shedding by giving your dog (whether a shorter cut or a long cut) regular brushing and grooming to catch the shed hair before it falls.
Lhasa Apso Grooming
With all that hair, you can imagine that grooming a Lhasa Apso dog could easily turn into a part-time job, and you wouldn’t be wrong.
Since the Lhasa Apso is an active and energetic pup, you should plan to brush them at least once or twice per week for a short clip and as often as daily for a long clip. Here, the challenge is making sure you brush and groom your Lhasa often enough to keep tangles and mats from forming near the skin.
Once a large mat has formed, often the only way to remove it is to cut the entire section of hair off, which will leave your dog temporarily bald in that area! Instead, it’s better to invest in a gentle slicker brush and pin comb for regular brushing.
You may want to spritz on some coat conditioner or detangler to make grooming pain-free for you both. Grooming will also need to incorporate cleaning the ears, clipping the toenails and cleaning the eyes.
This last point is especially vital if you don’t choose to clip back the “eyefall” (the part of the coat that can fall over the eyes and cause eye irritation and tears). You’ll need to clean the eyes and ears to be sure no infection forms as a result of the long hair.
You will also want to make sure to bathe your Lhasa dog regularly—once a month generally suffices for short haircuts and once every two weeks for longer cuts. You may find that scheduling professional grooming appointments will also help to keep your dog’s coat and skin at its healthiest.
Lhasa Apso Haircuts
However, if you want a lower-maintenance option, you could choose a short or “puppy” clip to help reduce grooming and brushing duties. Even with a shorter haircut though, it’s important to remember that your Lhasa Apso’s hair is fine and prone to tangles and mats.
The Lhasa Apso puppy cut is one of the most popular Lhasa Apso cuts pet owners choose today. While this is called a puppy coat, you can also use it for adult Lhasa dogs—simply ask your groomer for a Lhasa Apso short haircut.
If you’re planning to show your Lhasa (or you just love the look of the long hair, which many owners do!), you may prefer the Lhasa Apso long hair cut.
In this case, talk with your dog’s groomer about how to pin back the “eye fall” so it doesn’t irritate your dog’s eyes. A small rubber band, barrette, bow or clip often works great!
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso dog breed is known to be stubborn yet amusing, affectionate yet aggressive. These small dogs are confident, outgoing and tenacious. They can be a lot to handle, despite their small yet sturdy shape.
As befits a dog breed that has long served as guardians and sentinels for family homes, monasteries and temples throughout Tibet, the Lhasa Apso has a strong temperament! Some might call this dog “noble” or “regal,” while for other Lhasas, the “imperious” description may be a better fit.
Training
What’s most important is that your dog’s basic temperament and personality is trainable. They benefit hiugely from positive reinforcement training. These methods motivate your dog to do as you ask, rather than you coming into conflict with them.
Any dog breed known for being stubborn, bossy or overly confident can do incredibly well in training with just a little bit of motivation.
One key thing to know up front is that Lhasa Apsos will only respond to positive reinforcement training methods. Punishment based training is thankfully no longer as popular or accepted today. But it may still be tempting if you end up in a battle of wills with your new pup.
Just remember, your Lhasa will only dig in her heels and become more stubborn, so be sure to keep a ready supply of treats on hand so you can use more positive reinforcement techniques!
Socialization
Lhasa Apso socialization should begin early and be ongoing throughout your dog’s life. These dogs can be stubborn and may be territorial, so it will take some persistence and dedication on your part. But if done properly, it can help your Lhasa understand how to interact with new people, other animals, younger individuals and other dogs in an appropriate way.
As Lhasa Apso Dogs Smart?
Lhasa Apso are an intelligent breed. They learn quickly, confidently and well.
These little dogs are energetic, and tend to excel at agility work, show ring training, scent K-9 work, retrieval, herding, service work, and therapy dog work.
Health Issues
The Lhasa Apso is generally considered to be a healthy dog breed, which is a relative rarity in the purebred dog world today.
However, there are certain known health issues that can be controlled for when you work with a conscientious breeder who takes great care in breeding only healthy parent dogs. The most commonly reported Lhasa Apso health issues in purebred Lhasa include:
- patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap)
- hernias (umbilical and inguinal)
- corneal ulcers
- bladder stones (calculi)
- Kidney (renal) problems
Health Testing
It’s now known that some of the commonly reported health issues seen in purebred Lhasa Apso dogs are genetic (hereditary). Unfortunately, there are no pre-screening health tests to ensure these will not be passed on to your puppy.
The best way to ensure you pick out a healthy Lhasa Apso puppy is to work with a breeder whose lineage of breeding stock is known to be free from health issues.
Many reputable purebred breeders will require you to schedule a veterinarian examination for your new Lhasa puppy within 24 to 48 hours after the rehoming. This won’t guarantee there will be no future health issues. But it can be a good way to ensure that your new puppy is healthy overall. It also establishes a health benchmark that you can refer to later.
Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy
The Lhasa Apso lifespan is typically 12 to 15 years. You can help maximize your Lhasa Apso life expectancy by making sure your pup eats a healthy diet. In addition, they should get plenty of daily exercise and enrichment and regular preventative veterinary checkups.
Is the Lhasa Apso a Good Family Dog?
The Lhasa Apso is not recommended for families with young children under the age of 12. The Lhasa Apso is a great dog for adults and seniors. But the breed’s temperament and personality, as well as their small size, can be a poor mix with young children.
The Lhasa simply doesn’t tolerate rough or immature handling. They may instinctively bite if stepped on or irritated by rough play.
Adopting a Lhasa Apso
Rescuing an adult dog rather than buying a puppy is a wonderful thing to do. It gives a dog a second chance. But if you are going to bring home an adult Lhasa Apso, you need to be very confident that you can give them what they need.
For experienced positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorists, adopting an adult Lhasa Apso is a wonderful thing to do. But if you are a novice owner than a puppy might be an easier option for you.
Breeders
Picking out your Lhasa Apso puppy is not going to be easy—this is is one fact you can count on! These pint-sized pups tend to come out cute and confident and just stay that way. In general, you should only work with a breeder that offers you each of the following:
- An initial guarantee of a healthy puppy (usually 12 to 24 months duration).
- Verification of all required and recommended vaccinations.
- Proof of parent dog pre-screening for any known genetic health issues (this ensures the healthiest possible litter of puppies).
- Meeting the parents
- Recommendations for daily feedings, including food brands and portion sizes.
- A take-back guarantee if your new puppy doesn’t work out.
Lhasa Apso Puppies
When you have chosen a breeder that you are confident in, you might have to wait for a while for a litter of puppies. Good breeders have long waiting lists, and often they will choose which puppy to give to which new home. Based on their experience with their own dogs, and your own home environment.
Make sure that you meet your puppy’s parents, both of them if possible. They should be affectionate and loving to their owner, and confident in your presence. They should seem relaxed around strangers and not show any signs of fear or aggression.
Betzy Day says
I rescued an adorable one-eyed female Lhasa Apso quite a few years ago. I also
had an elderly Shih Tzu. They loved each other and were always together. The Shih Tzu was 16 and I had to have him put to sleep. My groomer called one day to see if I would rescue a 9 month old Yorkie that had been raised in a kennel only. He had not had shots or been groomed. Of course my Lhasa took him in and is so patient with him. I would recommend a Lhasa Apso to anyone looking for a loving companion.
Lynn says
HI! I need advice on how to find a reputable breeder. I’ve been searching online but am having a hard time. I keep coming across the ones to stay away from. Please advise.
Geri says
I have just paid a breeder for an Apso Puppy. Will pick him up in a few days. People are now telling me i picked the wrong type of dog because i have young grandchildren. Are they correct. Puppy is 9 weeks old. Advice please
Valerie Latimore says
I have 2 Lhasas one male and one female and they are both absolutely wonderful with all children.
MJ says
When we had our Lhasa Apso she would bark at little children. She liked adults and was so loveable.
natasha says
I need a puppy of lhasa apso of white and brown colour
Charles Burns says
I am 75! I had a Lhasa for 8 years than my son lost her. I said I would not have another dog because I loved that girl so much. But after 5 more years I had to have something to fill my life so there I went again . Remembering my good luck with a lhasa also I decided to again invest in a little lhasa girl. My life has been filled with a fun loving dog. I or little girl as she is more human than most humans . Her name is MUFFIN ! As of April 1st 2020 she is 18 years old ! Yes 18 and still full of life. I thank God every dog for her as you can’t find a more loving and loyal dog ( or human) like my Lhasa Apso – Muffin . If I was younger , when time came and went , I would not hesitate to reinvest in another little human like my Muffin.
Cora says
We have 2 l hasas aboy and a girl. They were 6 when we got them and whoever has them before us did a great job. they are wonderful different personalities but just great. We had 2 elderly vocalist and they passed on I didn’t know if I wanted more dogs but when these 2 became available I changed my mind and I am really glad I did
Cora says
Elderly poodles not vocalists. Thatcher spellcheck
Chelley says
Such a loving muffin, you told your story very well and my heart ❤️ was moved by it.thank you for sharing!
PHAITH says
THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN HELPFUL. I AM GETTING A LAHSA NEXT MONTH AND SINCE THE NEWS I HAVE HAD JOY RUSH LIKE AN EXPECTANT MOTHER. I WOULD LOVE MORE TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE MY PET FEEL REALLY WELCOME AMD LOVED. FEEL FREE TO SEND IN YOUR SUGGESTIONS.
Aleah says
well just give it love and it is going to be rough the first couple of nights but it gets better
Gayen says
My Lahso Apso is five years old I have found that this breed require a constant supply of affection. I am his security blanket he sleeps right beside me and is a wonderful guard dog.
Untimely interaction with a bull arab/ridgeback cross has really upset him and I am concerned about his reactions. Two courses of tablets to calm him have not worked I am now going to try a felloway diffuser in the house,
I would not change my little boy he is a joy to have and much loved by adult family members.
ellaine says
im just wondering what is the true breed of my puppy.the seller said he is pure shihtzu but when everyone sees him they said that he looks like shihtzu x pomeranian.others said he is lhasa apso.im really confused.
Shannon says
Shitzu’s are the cousins to Lhasa Apso’s. They do look very similar to one another and many mistake one for the other.
The only real guarantee for you to know the true breed of your dog would be from the breeder or have your vet run tests.
Donna says
I had a llapsa apso/Chinese crested She was wonderful personality very dainty and very sweet and cute like s little dustmop with huge beautiful eyes and a bubblegum tongue
Janice Kane says
Where can I get ore information on my Lhasa Apso? He is 4 years old and I just got him. He is definitely stubborn so need to know more on how to train him, how much to feed him etc.
William says
I’m interested in buying a puppy