Lhasa Apso: Your Complete Guide
The lengthy, luxurious mane of the Lhasa Apso has become a trademark of the hypoallergenic breed. An incredible alternative for those suffering from allergies who want a dander-free dog, the playful pooch is a strong-willed charmer that can fit into several lifestyles. The adaptable breed is great whether you have a small apartment or a sprawling estate.
However, they can be vocal dogs, which can put neighbors and roommates on edge. Similarly, their abundant energy may be unsuitable for laid-back households. Read on to learn if the lovable lapdog is perfect for you and your family. The next few sections will give an extensive rundown of the Lhasa Apso.
Quick Look at the Lhasa Apso
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 12 – 18 pounds, 10 – 11 inches |
| Coat Type | Long, Straight or Waxy, Hypoallergenic |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Fun-loving, Devoted, Affectionate |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train |  |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of Lhasa Apsos?
A breed that outdates most nations, the Lhasa Apso has a history that spans a millennium or more. Originating from the icy cliffs of the Himalayas, the dogs were used as sentries around the various palaces found throughout Tibet. The first batch of Lhasa Apso found in the Western world was a returning group of mixed breeds collected by the United Kingdom’s military.
While these breeds shared many similarities to the Lhasa Apso we see today, they were commonly called Lhasa Terriers. Nowadays, this breed has changed to become the Tibetan Terrier.
The first Lhasa Apso to come to the United States were gifts from the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, to Charles Suydam Cutting in 1933. Just two years later, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. Today, they are widely loved by hypoallergenic owners and Lhasa enthusiasts alike.
What Do Lhasa Apsos Look Like?
The breed is small, compact, and overflowing with thick, flowing locks of differing colors. They will typically have flowing fur if it is grown out, though some owners prefer to keep their dog’s fur groomed shorter to prevent tangles and knotting. While you won’t see any blue or silver Lhasa’s walking around, they can come in different patterns of black, brown, cream, fawn, red, or white.
Their tail will have an upward curve and usually sit along the back of the dog, and their body will feel surprisingly dense and sturdy underneath the thick, vibrant fur. Their face will have a beard and mustache that grows less than the rest of the coat, with a short, squared snout and puppy dog eyes hidden under a forest of hair.
What Size Is a Lhasa Apso?
Small, sturdy, and surprisingly dense, the Lhasa Apso is a diminutive breed in a controlled range. While outliers exist, a regular Lhasa Apso will stand ten to eleven inches at the withers, weighing between 12 to 18 pounds fully grown. Their size makes them adaptable when choosing a living arrangement, as they flourish in most homes.
What Is a Lhasa Apso’s Coat Type and Length?
With one of the prettiest coats in the animal kingdom, it can be easy to understand why so many people have fallen in love with the elegant pooches. Their flowing coat is long (unless trimmed) with short, straight hair that falls like a tapestry across its frame. Those who trim the dog’s coat will see short shocks of fur that shape the face and body of the canine.
What Is a Lhasa Apso’s Temperament?
The Lhasa Apso is a dog with a clever, mischievous streak and a built-in ability to make its owners laugh at its ridiculous antics. They are also a breed that does not know its size. While small, they are fearless and can be aggressive to strangers, dogs, and children if they are not well-trained.
Their natural independence can make it difficult for them to train and socialize. They will naturally want to be the leader of the pack unless they are taught out of it, which can make them stubborn and selectively attentive. It can also make them a difficult breed for folks who cannot put their foot down in a gentle, instructive way.
Things aren’t all bad, however. They are incredibly loving and affectionate with their family, making for great entertainment on a calm evening. Their intelligence can also be a resource for owners, as they have a natural aptitude that makes commands and tasks easy once the dog has been tuned into the training process.
Are Lhasa Apsos Good With Kids?
While they can make an excellent dog for an older child with more experience around canines, they are not overly enthused about younger kids. They can be defensive around unfamiliar children, and if the kid invades their personal space, a Lhasa Apso can nip at the child. If a Lhasa Apso is going to be around kids, it needs to be socialized diligently.
If you are a family with babies or toddlers, look for breeds of similar size that are better for kids. If you are deadset on a Lhasa, you must start socializing the dog and training it immediately. For a headstart on training a new Lhasa, check out Dog Academy’s list of courses and classes.
Are Lhasa Apsos Good With Other Animals?
As we previously discussed, for a smaller breed, the Lhasa apso is adamant about being the ringleader. Because of this, they can be territorial and possessive around other dogs, though this can be trained out of them through regular exposure to other animals. While they are not the best around other canines, they are far from a lost cause in a house with other pooches.
For smaller pets, the Lhasa apso will be an issue. They have a reasonably strong prey response, and skittish animals will be terrified of the bouncing ball of fluff sprinting after them through your kitchen. They can be trained out of this behavior, though your other pets may hold a grudge against you until this breed stops the daily chases.
Are Lhasa Apsos Aggressive?
Depending on how they are treated, handled, and raised, a Lhasa can be aggressive, though it is uncommon. It is important for kids, dogs, and other pets to give each other appropriate space and time to acclimate so neither feels threatened. A well-trained Lhasa apso will not be a threat to bite anyone or anything unless it feels it has to.
Regrettably, their lack of physical aggression does not mean the breed will not bark and howl whenever it hears the doorbell ring.
Do Lhasa Apsos Bark?
The Lhasa apso is a notable risk for frequent barking. Like many smaller breeds, the dog loves to inform its owners of the various people, plants, and other items in and around the house, and they will be vocal when strangers arrive. Thankfully, this tendency to bark can be trained down through diligent effort by the owner.
An excellent course on Dog Academy goes into detail about how to curb barking in your dog. So, even though their barking can be an issue, it comes with an easy, affordable solution.
Are Lhasa Apsos Affectionate?
These dogs are deeply affectionate and will find a member of the house and follow them around for minutes. The Lhasa apso adores spending time with its family, from playing outside to cuddling up and watching a movie. If you are allergic to dogs and want a fluffy companion that you can soften up and spoil, the Lhasa apso is a phenomenal choice.
Are Lhasa Apsos Intelligent?
They are very sharp pooches with excellent potential for training, commands, and even service dog positions. Despite their potential, their personality can sometimes clash with the breed’s natural gifts and aptitude. They can be independent, stubborn, and even defiant if feeling a bit rebellious, though this will fade over time as they become fonder of training and their owners.
There is a very clever critter hiding underneath its jungle of fur, and owners will be surprised at how many things it can pick up on, whether they are training it or being trained by it. Don’t be alarmed when your Lhasa apso instinctively waits by the door when you put your coat on or sit and spins whenever a bag of treats is within reach.
Are Lhasa Apsos Energetic?
While many may feel that the energy level of the Lhasa apso is more than they can contend with, it is not as bad as other breeds. It has a decent bit of battery underneath the layers of fur, though its smaller size and calmer demeanor make it less chaotic when rain delays postpone park visits.
Give the dog a decent walk, or allow it an hour or two of playtime a day, and the canine will be calm, cool, and cuddly for the rest of the evening. A small fenced-in backyard or a public dog park are great ways to exercise the Lhasa apso without hiking up the Appalachians. Failure to get their energy out may result in bad habits or destructive tendencies going forward.
Are Lhasa Apsos Easy to Train?
If you or a trainer can devote the time and patience needed to get a Lhasa apso focused, they will be an impressive specimen by the end of the process. They are far brighter than their goofy, carefree looks give them credit for and are as capable as any dog of understanding and mastering advanced commands.
If your dog has more energy than the average Lhasa apso, consider enrolling them in agility training where their energetic nature and sharp minds can be stimulated. Not only will it help improve the dog’s overall health, but they will also be ecstatic about the chance to play with their owner.
Are Lhasa Apsos Good Watchdogs?
No one would look at a Lhasa apso and think that the breed would protect their house well. However, the Lhasa apso, never to be underestimated, is an incredible watchdog and is shockingly fearless for its size. They have keen senses, an attentive personality, and a loyalty to look after their family despite weighing fifteen pounds.
While they will not be able to fight off a home invasion, they can alert the entire house of any potential threat and will detect any new noises or scents well before you can. For a smaller breed, they can be excellent watchdogs and excel at the role.
Are Lhasa Apsos Good Service Dogs?
Your dog’s individual personality will greatly influence how good the Lhasa apso can be at fulfilling service tasks. Their playful personality and stubborn streak make some unqualified for the role, while others have a devoted demeanor that makes them perfect fits for certain roles. Due to their size, they will be unfit for tasks requiring physical assistance or balance support.
In emotional support assistance, they will need to be doting and diligent to their owner and less likely to wander off to do their own thing. If you have a Lhasa that likes to trot around and do whatever you are doing, it may be a great companion for those with mental or emotional ailments.
How to Care for a Lhasa Apso?
The Lhasa apso can confidently check off several boxes that would make dog ownership otherwise impossible for most. They are hypoallergenic, great for smaller homes, and content with mild exercise. However, they are not the lowest maintenance dogs around, and they will require some sacrifice from their owner, which will include time and money.
Training can be difficult at first, though it must be done. If you are unfamiliar with dog training, it is heavily recommended you rely on courses or trainers to smooth out the experience. Grooming will be lengthy, and some folks may choose to leave bathtime to a professional. Despite minimal shedding, frequent brushing is recommended to avoid tangles.
Do You Need to Groom a Lhasa Apso?
The biggest hurdle to overcome with the Lhasa is one of its most significant selling points: the luxurious, lengthy coat that covers the animal. Owners will need to brush the dog daily or close to it, and baths will need to be once or twice a month. Because of the difficulty of washing their hair, getting a professional to handle the more in-depth grooming is not uncommon.
Like all dogs, their nails must be cut and trimmed when they become too long to avoid tearing or discomfort. If you hear the dog clicking across the floor before you can see it, it is time to trim their nails. Dental hygiene should be maintained, and dogs’ teeth should be brushed as often a week as an owner can manage.
Do Lhasa Apsos Shed?
While they mildly shed, it is infrequent and free of most dog dander. Because they are hypoallergenic, they are an excellent option for a fluffy friend for people who otherwise have to avoid canines altogether. This does not mean they should not be brushed, and their minimal shedding can turn into knots and tangles on the dog if owners relax on coat care.
What Health Problems Do Lhasa Apsos Have?
The Lhasa apso are healthy and tend to live longer lives than the average pooch, though they do have a list of common medical problems to be aware of.
The usual health problems of a Lhasa apso are:
- Allergies
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Syringomyelia
- Sebaceous Adenitis
- Patellar Luxation
- Cherry Eye
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca
How Long Do Lhasa Apsos Live?
A healthy, happy Lhasa apso will live between 12 to 15 years on average. Like many small dog breeds, certain outliers can surprise owners and live well past their expected lifespan.
What Should a Lhasa Apso Eat?
This dog should be given around one cup of nutrient-rich food split across two meals throughout the day. If your dog is a bit more passive, you can move the intake to ¾’s of a cup. For specific diet requirements, reach out to a local veterinarian.
Is a Lhasa Apso the Right Dog for Me?
If you have canine allergies and want a small ball of fluff to brighten your day, then the Lhasa apso is perfect. The breed is whip-smart and uniquely hilarious, with playful dispositions that regularly make them a favorite canine among dog lovers. They can also adapt to most living situations and do well when left alone for short periods.
Unfortunately, this breed can also be mischievous and stubborn. They are very vocal dogs who are self-confident and capable of overwhelming unprepared owners. If their personality doesn’t stress you out, looking after the brilliant coat of a Lhasa apso might. They are fantastic dogs, though some owners will prefer an easier roommate with fewer haircare needs.