Lhasa Apso
Summary
The Lhasa Apso is one of the oldest companion dogs in the world, bred for over a thousand years in the monasteries and palaces of the sacred city of Lhasa. Its name roughly translates as "bearded lion dog of Lhasa." It was considered a good luck charm and was believed to guard the Tibetan temples, being treated with deep veneration. Its dense, long coat protects it from the extreme temperatures of the Tibetan plateau at 4,000 meters altitude.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Small
- Height (male)
- 25–28 cm
- Height (female)
- 23–25 cm
- Weight (male)
- 6–8 kg
- Weight (female)
- 5–7 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Long, dense, straight, and thick; moderate undercoat; hair falls over the face
- Common Colors
- Gold, honey, cream, white, brown, grey, black, parti-color, and sable
Temperament & Personality
The Lhasa Apso is a dog with a complex and independent personality — loyal and affectionate with its family, but reserved and distrustful of strangers, a direct reflection of its historical role as a temple guardian. It is intelligent but stubborn, which requires patience and consistency in training. It can be surprisingly energetic and playful at home. It is not the type of dog that obeys unconditionally; it has a strong will of its own.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- Moderate
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 30–45 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- High
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 2–4 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (mild)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Renal dysplasia (hereditary familial nephropathy)
- Recommended Health Tests
- Airway evaluation
- Eye examination
- Kidney exam
- Orthopedic evaluation
Compatibility
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
