Lhasa Apso Profile

Other Names:  Apso Seng Kyi

Country of origin: Tibet

Dog Group Kennel Club:  Utility

General appearance:

Llasa Apsos are well balanced, small and sturdy dogs originally from Tibet.  They have a dense straight coat of good length with their tail carried slightly over the back.The Lhasa Apso has a heavy double-coat that is draped over the entire body. Their long coat serves as an insulation barrier, keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The coat grows to floor length, even covering the eyes, which are protected by long eyelashes. The texture of the coat is neither soft nor silky. They move in quite a jaunty manner with their tails carried over their backs. They are slightly longer than they are tall.

Colours:

A variety of colours including brown, black, white, golden, sandy, honey, smoke, slate, parti-colour and dark grizzle. 

Size:

Bitch               25 - 28 cms

Dog                 25 - 28 cms

Weight:

                               Min             Max
 
Bitch               5kg (11lbs)  6kg (13lbs)
 
Dog                 6kg (13lbs)   7kg (15lbs)

Temperament:

Lhasa Apsos were bred as watchdogs and as such have sharp hearing and an alert disposition. They are intelligent dogs and are generally affectionate and independent.  Their coat is low shedding and they do not require vast amounts of exercise. The Lhasa Apso displays a dual temperament, they are highly expressive of their love and devotion, but have a mind of their own and want everything their way. They are lively and spirited with spontaneous gaiety. The Lhasa is not recommended for families with small children, or in homes where there are rough or ill behaved children.As a breed they can be independent and are wary of strangers.

Movement:

A Lhasa Apso's movement is described as jaunty and free.

Care and training:

The Lhasa Apso requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Their coat, if grown long, is extremely high maintenance. They may be bathed or dry shampooed on a regular basis or as necessary. They are very prone to ear infections and eye problems, so check-ups and regular cleaning are important.

They are intelligent little dogs that can be obstinate. They need to be trained from an early age. With patience and consistency they can become relatively obedient. They are quite sensitive and so do not respond well to raised voices, they can become withdrawn and depressed if subjected to excessively loud voices. They must not be overly spoiled as they may develop behavioural problems. The Lhasa will take charge if they are not trained clearly as to who is master.

Overall Exercise: 0 - 20 minutes per day.
They do require exercise as they have plenty of energy, but are as happy to stay at home and play as they are to walk for miles and miles. They are perfectly content with several short walks every day.

Feeding requirements:

The Lhasa is a fairly undemanding dog feeding wise. This dog is prone to back problems if overweight so do watch the diet.

 
Exercise: Low

Grooming: High

Noise:  Low

Personal Protection: Low

Suitability As Guard Dog: Low

Level of Aggression: Medium

Compatibility With Other Animals: High

Suitablity for Children: High

Often docked?  No

Average litter size: 4 - 5

Life expectancy (yrs): 13 - 14

Health issues: May suffer from genetic kidney problems or ear infections. Other health concerns include cherry eye and skin conditions.

History:  The Lhasa Apso are the most popular of the breeds indigenous to Tibet. The Tibetan Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel and Lhasa Apso all share common ancestors. Sometimes they are known as the Tibetan Apso. The name of the Apso may have come from the word "rapso", meaning goat-like, as their coat resembles that of the goats kept by Tibetan herders. Still in debate, another theory of the name may have come from where the breed was most present: Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. In combination, the Tibetans called the breed Abso Seng Kye, which means "barking, sentinel lion dog". Lions in the Tibetan culture were traditional symbols of  oyalty, with strength and power. It was said that Buddha had dominion over all the animals, and kept a pet lion who would follow him all around like a pet dog. Therefore the Lhasa Apso became so popular because of its similar appearance to a "small lion", and it would follow its owner  everywhere they went. It was known as a "lion dog", and therefore kept in palaces of the Dalai Lama and other royalty. In Tibet, Lhasa Apsos were a treasured dog of the privileged classes. They were supposed to warn their owners of intruders at the front of the palaces. It was said that a Dalai Lama who did not reach the state of Nirvana was reincarnated as a Lhasa Apso. They are truly an aristocrat, having been bred in a domestic environment for generations.