Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso Dog Breed Information



Breed Name:	Lhasa Apso

Country of Origin:	Tibet

Average Lifespan:	15 - 18 years

Size:	Small (10–11 inches, 14–18 lbs)

Breed Classification:	Non-Sporting

Coat:	Long, flowing, straight coat that is dense and heavy. Coat can come in almost any colour, most commonly light colours, such as tan, fawn and even white. Requires frequent bathing and grooming.

Characteristics:	Keen and alert Fearless and energetic Loving and loyal

Breed Standards:	The Lhasa Apso must have dark brown eyes and a fully black nose. The tail is a corkscrew covered in long hairs that rests on the back.

History:	The Lhasa Apso was originally bred in mountainous Tibet and named after the city of Lhasa. It is believed they originated as early as 800 BC, as the guard dogs of Tibetan monasteries. Although the breed is fairly small, they are protective, and were used as watchdogs. They were not bred to attack intruders, but rather to alarm them and warn the monks of their presence. Many monks are elderly and hard of hearing, therefore the Lhasa Apso has a very loud, high pitched bark, which almost sounds like a song or a whistle. The dogs were believed to be reincarnated lamas, and were often immaculately groomed and placed on a cushion to participate in religious ceremonies. The dogs were so highly esteemed, only lamas, dignitaries and high-ranking military officers were allowed to own one. Tibetan winters can reach extremely low temperatures, which is why the Lhasa Apso was bred to have an very long, thick coat. Today’s owners must keep their dogs clipped to avoid matting, especially during the summer months. With an unclipped Lhasa Apso, it is difficult to tell which end of the dog is the head and which is the tail. A British aristocrat brought the first Lhasa Apso to the United Kingdom in 1901. The first two Lhasa Apsos to come to America were sent in 1932 by the 13^th Dalai Lama as a gift.

Fun Facts:	The Lhasa Apso is a very popular breed in Brazil, where the hit comedy Monica’s Gang features a Lhasa Apso named Fluffy.

Recommendations:	The Lhasa Apso's long, flowing coat needs a dog collar that will be compatible with all that hair. Try a Rolled Dog Collar to avoid matting and tangles.