small Breed Dogs
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Lhasa Apso
Average Weight: 13-18 pounds (5.90 to 8.16 kg)
Average Height: 10-12 inches (25.4 - 30.48 cm)
Pronounced: LAH-suh  AHP-so  (The "h" is silent)
Group:  Non-sporting
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: Tibet

Description

 The beautiful Lhasa Apso, commonly misspelled lapsa apso or lasa apso,  is longer that he is high and is distinguished by the long, straight coat this is hard in texture with an undercoat, the two combining to give this dog the protection needed to live in the harsh geographic climate of Tibet (where this small dog breed originated from).

While a Lhasa Apso puppy has a short coat,  and it can take several years for the coat to grow long.  Show dogs have long graceful coats that just whisp the floor.  The hair falls over the eyes, which are protected by long eyelashes, preventing the hair from falling into them, instead creating a curtain type look.  This protects the eyes from the glare of the white snow and strong sunlight.

Many owners choose to hold the hair above the eyes back with bows or braids, however, the coat should naturally fall in the way stated above.

In the United States, the accepted bite is slightly undershot or level, but in the majority of countries the only acceptable bite is a reverse scissors (where the lower incisors are in front of the upper incisors).

This small breed dog has good whiskers and a beard. The pendant (hanging down) ears are heavily feathered. The high set tail is carried over the back and there may be a kink at the end; if there is this is a highly typical feature.
Colors

All colors are equally acceptable, with or without dark tips to ears and beard.  However, because the breed standards require a black nose, liver and chocolate pigmentation is not an option in the States, although it is perfectly acceptable in Tibet.

Colors include: Black, tan, cream, golden, grizzle, red, gold, white, blue, charcoal, gray, liver and silver.

Markings may be: black mask, black tips, brindle, sable, white markings.

Personality

The Lhasa Apso's personality is happy and assertive, but with strangers this dog is rather aloof.  Visitors to the home must allow this dog to make friends in his own time he will probably sit at a distance for a while and then make his own approach if he feels it is the right time.

This small dog has a very keen sense of hearing and an uncanny ability to distinguish friend from foe.  They enjoy the company of their own kind, but can be rather dominant, and males do not always live in harmony with each other.

Origin & History

 Historically, in Tibet the Lhasa Apso was kept inside the monasteries to give a warning bark if intruders managed to get passed the Tibetan Mastiffs that were tethered outside. In fact, in Tibet, the breed is also called "Abso Seng Kyi" which means "bark sentinel lion dog".  However, this dog was also the favorite pet of royalty and the upper class.  The Lhasa Apso was never sold to any one. This dog was only presented as a gift.  This dog is still considered  by Tibetans to be the reincarnation of a monk.  The breed arrived in Britain in the mid 1800's.  The AKC made official recognition in 1935.
 
Health

Lhasa Apsos are generally very hardy, however there are some issues that can occur, including:
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Breeders must test for this inherited disease
  • Kidney problems
  • Dry eye
  • Cherry eye
Exercise

The Lhasa Apso enjoys a walk on the leash and a good romp, but if they have canine companions of the same breed, or at least of similar size, they are always happy to create their own exercise in play.  Playing may affect the coat, so it is important to check for tangles afterward.

 Grooming

The coat, which is non-shedding and therefore knots easily, is rather demanding. It must be carefully combed and brushed at least 3 times per week and ideally should be bathed every 7 days. 

A young Lhasa Apso puppy does not require a lot of grooming, however he need sto understand it before his coat starts getting mats and tangles. Always be friendly to the puppy, dogs accept better teaching when done with a happy, positive attitude.

Brush your Lhasa Apso coat in layers. Lay the dog on his back or side, "do this with the use of your arms around the body so he feels safe"  push the coat the wrong " reverse" way and, starting with the undercoat, brush down one layer at a time as you work your way to the top.

Lightly mist each layer before you brush each section with a solution of water and conditioner.   You will notice that the grooming goes smoother then grooming a dry coat, it also protects breaking hair.

Begin with the tail, move to the insides of the back legs, the insides of the front legs, then the outsides of the legs, working your way to the top. Turn the dog over and repeat the process on the other side. Don't forget the chest, neck, ears (and behind the ears). Finish with the top of the head and face.

Very important is the care for the paws and especially the hair between the pads. Use a proper scissor to trim the hair between the pads and be very careful do not cut in the pads themselves.

Check the nail's length and cut them shorter if they are too long, good length is ground level with the pads bottom.  If you cut them to short, reaching the "Quik" (the vein that runs down the middle of each nail), it will bleed.  You can use Quik-Stop in case this happens.

Clean the paws when you arrived home after walking in any dirt or soil outside.    Also clean the paws after you have been out with your Lhasa Apso in winter time, it is possible for ice and road solutions to become frozen between the pads.


Shedding

These dogs do shed their undercoat twice a year, but the rest of the time shedding is minimal if the dog receives good grooming care.

Care & Training

Grooming, as you may have quessed, is an important aspect of owning a Lhasa Apso and proper training for commands, housebreaking and any possible behavioral quirks will be needed as well.    Owners - Click Here for More Detailed Information




                 
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