Lhasa Apso
Group 7: Non Sporting
Height: 25cm for males & females slightly smaller (to the shoulder).
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Companion, guarding
Lifespan: 12 – 18 yrs
Recommended for: All people of all ages, allergy sufferers.
About This Breed
The Lhasa Apso is a non-sporting breed originating in Tibet. It was bred as a guard dog in the Buddhist monasteries to alert the monks to any intruders. The breed was admitted into the AKC Terrier Group in 1935, but it was reassigned to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959.
Fearless, spirited, and alert. With adequate exercise and socialization makes an affectionate companion. They expect kindness, they do not bark unless there is a reason, they are a calm and strong dog, loyal and competent watch dogs. They respect humans and expect the same in return.
General Characteristics
Appearance: Small sized body, slightly longer in length than height to shoulders. Long coated ears that hang to the side of the head, but prick up when alert. Eyes must be black and almond shaped with no white showing at top or bottom. Tail curled up and carried over on to the back.
Temperament: Playful, Alert, Devoted. Highly intelligent.
Colour: Gold, sandy, silver, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, brown, red or white. Many of the original style have black masks and ear tips.
Coat: Topcoat – Straight and coarse, making grooming easy. Undercoat – Finer than topcoat, but should not mat easily.
Grooming: LONG COAT: daily combing is needed to keep the coat tangle free, a neglected coat will become a matted mess.
SHORT COAT: They can be clipped to keep the maintenance lower. Bath when needed, about every fortnight.
Exercise: regular playtimes and walks are all that is needed to keep them fit and happy. They are a self-exercising dog and love to run around the garden for exercise.
Health: Generally speaking, they are one of the healthiest of any breed. Although recently some Lhasa’s have suffered from PRA (eye), luxating patella and kidney problems.