Lhasa Apso

also known as Lion Dog, Lhasa

Pros History


The Lhasa Apso is a small, long-haired dog breed that originated in Tibet. They were first registered by kennel clubs in the early 20th century, with the American Kennel Club officially recognizing the breed in 1935.

The breed's name, "Lhasa Apso," is derived from the Tibetan capital city of Lhasa, where the breed was primarily kept as a watchdog in Buddhist monasteries and noble homes. "Apso" means "bearded" in Tibetan, referring to the Lhasa Apso's long, shaggy coat.

The Lhasa Apso was developed as a companion and watchdog breed. They are known for being loyal and protective of their owners, and make great watchdogs as they are quick to bark at any unfamiliar sounds or movements. They are also known for being hardy and adaptable, making them well suited for life in the harsh Tibetan climate.

While the exact origins of the breed are not known, it is believed that the Lhasa Apso was created by Tibetan monks, who carefully bred the dogs to be small, hardy, and able to withstand the harsh conditions of the Tibetan plateau.

The breed was first brought to the West in the early 20th century by British explorers and political figures who were visiting Tibet. The first Lhasa Apsos were brought to the United States in the 1920s, and the breed quickly gained popularity as a companion dog.

Breed Information


Type

Is Lhasa Apso a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Lhasa Apso name? How do you say Lhasa Apsos?

LAH-sa AHP-so

Purpose

What were Lhasa Apsos originally used for?

Companion, Temple and Monastery Guardians

Lifespan

How Long Do Lhasa Apsos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Lhasa Apso? How long can Lhasa Apsos live?

12-15 years

The average Lhasa Apso lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Lhasa Apso Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Lhasa Apso?

What is the average height of a Lhasa Apso? How big is a Purebred Lhasa Apso height? Lhasa Apso dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Female 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Lhasa Apso? How much should Lhasa Apsos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 14-18 pounds (6 - 8 kg) 12.0 pounds (5 kg) 13.5 pounds (6 kg) 16.0 pounds (7 kg)
Female 12-14 pounds (5 - 6 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 13.0 pounds (6 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Lhasa Apsos get fat easily?

The Lhasa Apso is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Lhasa Apsos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Lhasa Apso is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Lhasa Apso personality? What are Lhasa Apso dogs best known for?

Alert
Devoted
Intelligent
Obedient
Spirited
Assertive
Friendly
Lively
Playful
Steady

Shedding Level

Are Lhasa Apsos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Lhasa Apso Shed?

Lhasa Apso dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Lhasa Apso. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Lhasa Apso dog?

The Lhasa Apso dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Lhasa Apsos come from?

Tibet

Ancestry

What are Lhasa Apsos descended from?

Terrier, Wolf-like Dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Lhasa Apso breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Lhasa Apsos first bred? How old is the Lhasa Apso breed?

Ancient Times

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Lhasa Apso?

Non Sporting (AKC:1935)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Lhasa Apso Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Lhasa Apso eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Lhasa Apso nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Lhasa Apso coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Brown
Red
Cream
Fawn
Silver
White
Sable
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Lhasa Apsos coat?

The coat of a Lhasa Apso dog is generally known for its length.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Lhasa Apso Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Lhasa Apso?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Lhasa Apso have in a litter? How many puppies can a Lhasa Apso have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Lhasa Apso can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Lhasa Apsos are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Lhasa Apso Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Lhasa Apsos have a lot of health problems?

The Lhasa Apso is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Lhasa Apso?

Intervertebral Disc Disease
Urolithiasis
Eye Problems

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Lhasa Apsos?

Hydrocephalus
Eye Problems
Brachycephalic Syndrome

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Lhasa Apso breed?

Eye
Skeletal
X-Rays
Physical Examination
Respiratory Tests

Lhasa Apso Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Lhasa Apsos have a lot of energy?

Lhasa Apsos are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Lhasa Apsos need socialization? How social are Lhasa Apsos?

Lhasa Apsos have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Lhasa Apsos get?

The Lhasa Apsos a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Lhasa Apso have? Do Lhasa Apsos sleep a lot?

Lhasa Apsos dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Lhasa Apso drool a lot?

The Lhasa Apso is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Lhasa Apso dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

Territorial

Do Lhasa Apsos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Lhasa Apso dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Lhasa Apsos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Lhasa Apso running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Lhasa Apso dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Lhasa Apsos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Lhasa Apso busy?

Chasing, Being chased, Tug-of-war, Ear scratches, Chasing Cats, Hiking, Being groomed, Dog Parks, Eating Snacks, Walkign, Barking, Sniffing, Groomed, Catch treats, Walk, Fetch, Cuddling, Arguing, Naps, Food, Play, Cuddle, Talking, Kisses, Run, Toy, Socks, Bath time, Eating, Swimming

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Lhasa Apso? How much energy does a Lhasa Apso have?

Medium

Lhasa Apsos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Lhasa Apso walk each week? How many miles should a Lhasa Apso walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Lhasa Apso, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Lhasa Apso should exercise a day? How much activity does a Lhasa Apso need?

60 minutes

In general most Lhasa Apsos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Lhasa Apso?

This breed is known for having high grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Lhasa Apso?

Daily

Ideally, Lhasa Apso should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Lhasa Apsos?

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Lhasa Apso eat?

1.3 cups

For an average 14-18 pound (6 - 8 kg) Lhasa Apso feed 1.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Lhasa Apso Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $1.80 / day

The average cost of a Lhasa Apso is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Lhasa Apso Cost Per Month?

$42 - $53 / month

The average per month expenses of a Lhasa Apso is between $42 - $53. This makes an average of $504 - $636 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Lhasa Apso Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Lhasa Apso?

The Lhasa Apso have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Lhasa Apsos lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Lhasa Apso dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Lhasa Apso dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Lhasa Apso do well in apartments? Are Lhasa Apsos good indoor dogs?

Lhasa Apsos are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Lhasa Apsos good with kids? Are Lhasa Apsos good around children?

A Lhasa Apsos typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Lhasa Apsos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Lhasa Apsos good with cats? How friendly Lhasa Apsos are toward cats?

Lhasa Apsos are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Lhasa Apso dogs get along with other dogs? Are Lhasa Apsos OK with other dogs?

Lhasa Apsos are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Lhasa Apso dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Lhasa Apsos friendly with strangers?

Lhasa Apsos are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Lhasa Apsos like to play? Are Lhasa Apsos playful?

Lhasa Apsos have an average level of playfulness. The Lhasa Apsos, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Lhasa Apso easily trained?

Lhasa Apso dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Cat Friendly
    Lhasa Apsos are inclined to be accepting of cats.
  • Good with children
    Known to be good with children and make great family pets
  • Apartment Friendly
    Lhasa Apso dogs are well-suited to apartment life.
  • Friendliness
    Friendly and outgoing, making them a good option for those looking for a sociable dog

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Keeping a Lhasa Apso in an office may not be ideal
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Lhasa Apsos may not be the best choice for those with allergies, as they may cause allergic reactions.
  • Shedding
    Lhasa Apsos are a type of dog that shed a lot.
  • Barking
    A distinctive trait of the Lhasa Apso breed is their loudness.