Is the Lhasa Apso Right for You?
- 1The Lhasa Apso dog breed is a small dog with a big personality.
- 2Lhasa Apsos are known to be mistrustful of strangers and fiercely loyal to those they know and love.
- 3Adopting Lhasa Apso puppies requires patience during training and socialization which will pay off in the long run.
HISTORY
Tracing their origin back to the Himalayan Mountains of Tibet hundreds of years ago, Lhasa Apsos have been considered sacred for centuries. They were used as watchdogs over the various temples of Tibet, and were also thought to be tokens of good fortune. Having not made their way to the United States until 1933, they were not recognized by the AKC until 1935.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
12 to 18 years
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
10 to 11 inches at the shoulders
Male Weight
14 and 16 pounds
Female Height
9 to 10 inches at the shoulders
Female Weight
12 and 14 pounds
Litter Size
Average is 4-5 puppies
Personality
An intelligent, confident, companionable, and determined dog, the Lhasa Apso is a very loving, responsive dog that enjoys pleasing their master. Having superb auditory skills, the Lhasa Apso makes for a great watchdog. They are also very versatile in terms of acceptable climate. The only thing to look out for is that they dont develop a condition known as small dog syndrome, which is when a small dog is not given the necessary boundaries and begins to view themself as the leader of the pack. This can cause your Lhasa to bark uncontrollably, as well as become violent with strangers and other pets. .
Color
The Lhasa Apso can be seen in solid golden, sandy, honey, red, dark grizzle, slate or smoke, black, parti color, white, brown, and combinations of these colors.
Health Concerns
The average life expectancy of the Lhasa Apso is between 15 and 18 years. Some of the most common health problems that affect the Lhasa Apso are:
- hip dysplasia
- Kidney disease
- skin diseases
- eye problems
- bleeding ulcers
- respiratory problems (brachycephalic)
Appearance
The Lhasa Apso is a tiny, sturdy dog with a long, thick double coat that covers their body. Their hair grows long, but is often kept short for ease of grooming. Their muzzle is relatively short, with a dark mustache and beard encompassing their little mouth. Their ears are long and run down the side of their head, with dense, feathered fur covering them. On average, the Lhasa Apso is no more than 11 inches tall and they weigh around 14 pounds.