Lhasa Apso Dog Breed - Facts and Information

Appearance
Lets start the video with the breeds appearance. The Lhasa Apso is a sturdy and well balanced dog breed, with body slightly longer than tall. The average height should be between 25-28 cm, which is 10-11 inch and weight is typically between 7-8 kg, which is 15-18 pounds.

The Lhasa Apso is heavily coated. The traditional show coat seen on Lhasa Apso dogs is long, heavy and straight, and it hangs down, covering their face and often reaching down to the ground. You can find them in almost all colors. The most common are shades of wheaten, honey or golden with black on the tips of the ears, tail and beard hair.

Lhasa Apso has short muzzle and cute small nose. The hair is typically hangs over the face and often over their small eyes. They also has highly feathered ears that hangs down and the tail should be carried well over the dog's back.

Personality
To understand Lhasa Apso personality, it is important to know the breeds history. I will talk about the breeds history more in details later in the video, but for now, you should know, that this breed was bred in Tibetan palaces and monasteries as alert watchdog and guard. And indeed, i would say, that this is one of the best watchdogs of all small breeds. They will definitely let you know every time something suspicious is going on around your home.

Because of their guarding history, it is only logical that they are aloof and alert around strangers. But Lhasa Apso was also bred as companion, which is why they typically are affectionate and friendly family companions.

Lhasa Apso tends to be independent and bossy dog, which is why they are not the best choice for first time dog owners. On the other hand, they are very loyal and eager to please dogs. Because of the independence, they are not total pushovers to train and they need firm and patient trainer to become obedient.

With proper early socialization, the Lhasa Apso can get along with other dogs and pets, but very often they want to be top dog. It seems that Lhasa Apso thinks about itself that it is a large dog.

Interesting fact
The Lhasa Apso typically live for lets say 14 years, but it is not uncommon for them to live well into their twenties. The oldest recorded Lhasa lived to be a whopping 29 years old.

History
As i already mentioned earlier in the video, the Lhasa Apso was bred in Tibet as watchdogs and guards. It is believed that they were domesticated as long ago as 800 BC, which makes them one of the oldest of all domesticated dogs. Because of that, it is also impossible to track down the breeds ancestry.

The Tibet is a place in high altitude with harsh and sever climate, which is why the Lhasa Apso must be a hardy dog to withstand these conditions. It is also a reason why they have such a long coat. The coat supposed to protect the dog during the cold winters and the fur in the face should protect them from wind, dust and glare.

The Lhasa Apso was highly valued by Tibetan monks, who believed that Tibetan priests will be reincarnated as Lhasa Apsos if they do not reach Nirvana. The Lhasa Apso was also used as gifts for important visits and guests and they were considered as good luck charms. Actually, Lhasas in Tibet were never sold. The only way a person could get one was as a gift.

Health and grooming
Just look at the coat, of course the Lhasa Apso requires a lot of grooming. Routine brushing and bathing are necessary, not only to keep up on the slow continuous shedding but also to remove any dirt and debris that may get caught within the hair strands.

This is not a total coach potatoe, but definitely not a hyperactive dog neither. Lhasa Apsos should be walked or exercised daily to maintain their fitness, but they aren’t overly active even in small living spaces.

The Lhasa Apso is prone to a few health problems but is still a very healthy breed. They are prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease, cheery eye, patellar luxation, Hydrocephalus or brachycaphelic syndrome. I already told you that one Lhasa Apso lived up to 29 years, but the average lifespan is between 12-15 years.