Lhasa Apso: temperament, size, care and health

About the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog with a long, straight coat that hangs to the ground and a head covered in hair that falls over the eyes. It stands about 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and is slightly longer than it is tall. Colors range from gold and cream to slate, black, parti-color and grizzle, and the tail curls over the back with a feathered plume.

The breed was kept as an indoor sentinel in Tibetan homes and monasteries, and it still carries that job in its character. Today it is a companion for people who like a dog with presence rather than one that fawns, and who do not mind spending time on its coat.

Temperament and family life

A Lhasa is self-assured and often stubborn, with a sharp ear for sounds that do not belong. It attaches strongly to its family and is playful in a quiet way, but it is cautious with strangers and quick to announce them. Barking is a trait to plan for, especially in apartments with thin walls.

The breed is best suited to adults and to older children who handle a dog gently. A Lhasa has little patience for grabbing, noisy toddlers or rough play and may snap when pushed. With other dogs it is usually fine if raised with them, though it can be bossy. Early and repeated socialization matters, because an unsocialized Lhasa tends toward suspicion and guarding.

Exercise and training

Exercise needs are modest. A daily walk, a few play sessions in the house or a small yard, and some games satisfy most adults. The breed does best with consistent routines, and it should still be kept on a leash outdoors, since it may follow its nose.

Training requires patience and good humor. A Lhasa understands what is wanted well enough and then weighs whether to comply. Treats, short sessions and a calm tone produce better results than repetition or scolding. House training can be slow in some individuals and benefits from a firm schedule. Teach quiet on cue early, and reward the dog for greeting visitors without a long alarm.

Grooming and shedding

A full coat is a daily project. Brush and comb to the skin at least every few days, with a conditioning spray to prevent breakage, and plan to bathe every few weeks. Many pet owners choose a short puppy clip, which reduces time without changing the dog's nature. Wipe the face and beard, and keep the hair out of the eyes with a topknot or trim. Hair mats easily behind the ears and under the legs.

Shedding is low because loose hair stays caught in the coat until it is brushed out. Check the ears, nails and teeth regularly.

Health

The breed is known for eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and dry eye, along with sebaceous adenitis, kidney disease that can appear in young dogs, patellar luxation and dental crowding. Responsible breeders test eyes and knees and use DNA tests that are available for inherited conditions.

This is general information about the breed. A veterinarian is the person to ask about any particular dog.

History

The Lhasa Apso is generally traced to Tibet, where small dogs served as sentinels in palaces and monasteries. Dogs were sometimes presented as gifts, and the first pair to reach the United States, in 1933, came as a gift from the thirteenth Dalai Lama. Some reached the West in the early twentieth century. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935.

Is the Lhasa Apso right for you?

The Lhasa suits a quiet adult household, a person who enjoys the grooming routine and one who values an alert, independent small dog. It fits apartments well if barking is managed. It is a poor choice for homes with young children, for owners who want an easy-to-train dog or for anyone unwilling to maintain a long coat.

Comparable breeds include the friendlier Shih Tzu, the more athletic Tibetan Terrier and the shorter-coated Tibetan Spaniel.