Description: Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small, ancient breed that originated in Tibet, where it was bred to serve as a sentinel in Buddhist monasteries. Recognized for its long, luxurious double coat and dignified demeanor, the Lhasa Apso is both charming and sturdy. Despite its petite size, this breed is remarkably robust, often surprising owners with its confidence and spirited personality. It is known for being independent and sometimes stubborn, but also displays deep loyalty to its family. Lhasa Apsos are generally alert, making them excellent watchdogs, yet they are not usually aggressive. They adapt well to apartment living, requiring only moderate exercise, but do need regular grooming due to their flowing coats. Their playful yet cautious nature makes them suited for adults and older children, and they thrive in homes where their intelligence and independence are respected.
Lhasa Apso ratings
Properties
The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy dog breed originating from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. Historically bred as sentinel dogs in Buddhist monasteries and palaces, Lhasa Apsos were valued for their keen senses, alertness, and loyalty in guarding their homes. Despite their diminutive stature, standing about 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing in the range of 12 to 18 pounds, these dogs project an air of dignity and confidence. Lhasa Apsos have a dense, heavy, and long double coat, which not only provides a distinctive appearance but also offers protection against harsh weather conditions found in their native region. Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, making coat maintenance an important consideration for potential owners.
The breed is well-known for its longevity, with many Lhasa Apsos living well into their early to mid-teens and some even reaching 18 years or older, a testament to their generally robust health. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain hereditary health issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and kidney problems, so selecting a responsible breeder who tests for such conditions is essential.
Temperamentally, Lhasa Apsos are independent, intelligent, and sometimes even stubborn, often described as possessing a "big dog attitude." While they are affectionate with family and develop strong bonds with their owners, they can be wary of strangers—a characteristic stemming from their role as alert watchdogs. Early socialization is key to preventing excessive shyness or territorialism. Lhasa Apsos do well in a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes, provided they receive enough mental and physical stimulation.
Due to their alertness, Lhasa Apsos make excellent watchdogs. However, this trait can translate into frequent barking if not properly managed. While playful and energetic, their exercise requirements are modest, and they are generally content with daily walks and indoor play sessions. Overall, the Lhasa Apso is a charming, loyal companion best suited for dedicated owners willing to meet their grooming and socialization needs.
Appearance
The Lhasa Apso is a small but robust dog breed, originally from Tibet, where it was regarded as a sentinel dog in the Buddhist monasteries high up in the Himalayas. The overall appearance of the Lhasa Apso is one of elegance and dignity, characterized by a unique, long, and flowing coat that nearly touches the ground. This long, heavy, straight coat acts as a natural insulator, helping protect the dog from the harsh mountain weather typical of its homeland. The fur is moderately dense and can be parted along the spine, falling evenly over both sides of the body. The coat comes in a wide range of colors, including gold, cream, honey, dark-grizzle, slate, smoke, white, and multi-color combinations.
The Lhasa Apso's head is distinctive, often described as having a "drunkard's moustache and beard," owing to the presence of long facial furnishings. The eyes are dark brown, oval in shape, and set well into the skull, giving the breed an alert and penetrating expression. Ears are pendant, adorned with feathered hair that blends seamlessly with the rest of the coat. Their nose is black and proportional to the head. One of the breed’s most notable features is its distinctively luxurious tail, which is set high, carried over the back, and well feathered, forming a graceful arch.
Lhasa Apsos have a balanced body, slightly longer than they are tall, giving them a compact and rectangular outline. They typically measure about 10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 cm) at the shoulder and weigh in the range of 12-18 lbs (5-8 kg). The legs are strong and straight, with good bone for their size, and the feet are round and cat-like, well-padded for surefooted movement. Despite their small stature, their gait is free, effortless, and confident, exuding a lively, self-assured presence typical of the breed. Overall, the Lhasa Apso’s rich coat, dignified bearing, and unique proportions make it instantly recognizable and highly distinctive among companion dog breeds.
History
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient dog breed that originated in Tibet, where it was highly revered for centuries. The name 'Lhasa' is derived from the capital city of Tibet, while 'Apso' is thought to mean 'bearded,' referencing its distinct long and flowing coat. The breed’s history can be traced back over a thousand years, with some experts suggesting that its forebears may date as far back as 800 A.D. During these early times, Lhasa Apsos lived primarily in Tibetan monasteries and the palaces of nobles, where they served as sentinel dogs, alerting their owners to the presence of intruders.
The Lhasa Apso’s role as a watchdog stemmed from both its keen sense of hearing and its naturally wary nature. The Tibetan climate, with its cold temperatures and harsh conditions, led to the development of the Lhasa Apso’s thick, layered coat, which not only provided warmth but also protected it from the elements. Monks and nobility valued these dogs as spiritual guardians, believing they brought good luck and acted as protectors against evil spirits. It was not only their practical skills as alert dogs that made them cherished, but also their symbolic connection to Buddhist beliefs.
For centuries, the breed was rarely seen outside of Tibet. Lhasa Apsos were not sold but were only given as highly prized gifts by the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan dignitaries, often to foreign dignitaries and visiting officials as marks of great honor. The dogs’ arrival in the Western world began in earnest in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1920s and 1930s, when a handful of Lhasa Apsos were sent to England and the United States. The breed quickly gained attention for its distinctive appearance and dignified bearing.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Lhasa Apso in 1935. Throughout the following decades, the breed has continued to win admirers worldwide, known for its bombproof temperament, loyalty, and strong-willed nature. Today, the Lhasa Apso serves primarily as a companion animal, while still retaining the watchful, dignified presence that characterized its ancient ancestors in the monasteries and palaces of Tibet.