Lhasa Apso

Apso, Apso Seng Kyi (Tibetan), Bearded Lion Dog, Hairy Lion Dog, Lhasa, Shantung Terrier, Sheng Trou, Talisman Dog, Tibetan Apso

Purpose
companion
temple and monastery guardians
Breed Type : Pure Breeds
Breed Size: Small

These small but impressive dogs were initially bred to act as guardians in the temples and monasteries located in the Tibetan mountains thousands of years ago. Their popularity in the United States, however, only began in 1933 when the Dalai Lama presented several of these dogs to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting from New Jersey. Renowned for their joyful nature, these dogs are often playful and even a bit goofy at home, although they tend to be more reserved with unfamiliar faces and may display protective behaviors over their food and toys. Their beautiful, flowing coats require considerable maintenance, necessitating daily brushing and combing, even if kept relatively short.

Breed Origin

Breed Origin

The Lhasa Apso breed was developed by Buddhist monks in the Tibetan mountains thousands of years ago to act as protectors of temples and monasteries, although the details of their early ancestry remain largely unclear. Some experts believe they may have originated from larger Tibetan Terriers, while others suggest a potential northern lineage. Recent genetic studies indicate that this small breed shares a close relationship with its wolf-like ancestors, leading to theories that the Lhasa Apso could have evolved from various mountain wolves. The monks selectively bred these dogs for their ability to withstand cold climates, their keen hearing, and their skill in distinguishing between allies and threats. They were carefully shielded from outside influences and were never sold; however, the Dalai Lamas occasionally bestowed pairs of these elegant dogs upon imperial families and notable guests. Such exchanges likely contributed to the emergence of several smaller Chinese dog breeds, including the Shih Tzu. The Lhasa Apso made its first appearance in the United States in 1933 when the 13th Dalai Lama gifted a group of these dogs to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting from New Jersey. The Cuttings' dogs became the cornerstone of the Lhasa Apso population in America, and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Breed Appearance

The Lhasa Apso is distinguished by its elongated physique, featuring a slender, rounded skull and a muzzle that is medium to short in length, ending in a petite black nose. Its fur often drapes over the face, frequently obscuring its small, alert eyes. The ears hang down like pendants, typically embellished with lush feathering, while the tail curls in a spiral over the back, also covered in long fur that flows over the dog's hindquarters. This breed is recognized for its traditional show coat, which is long, heavy, and straight, often veiling the face and reaching the ground. Lhasa Apsos are available in a wide array of colors, from black to white and various shades in between, with several acceptable markings acknowledged within the breed standard. To maintain their graceful coat, extensive grooming is essential to prevent severe tangling, prompting many owners to choose trims. Nevertheless, even those with shorter coats still require regular bathing, brushing, and combing to ensure they remain in optimal condition.

Breed Appearance
Care Routine

Care Routine

The Lhasa Apso is distinguished by its beautifully long and elegant coat, which requires considerable care and attention. It is advisable to bathe them every one to two weeks, and daily brushing and combing are essential to maintain the coat's health. Starting grooming training early with your Lhasa puppy is important to help them adjust to the routine as they mature. When brushing, work through the coat in sections, and consider using an anti-static spray or detangler to facilitate the process. While many owners choose to use professional grooming services to ease the burden of coat maintenance, this does not eliminate the need for daily grooming, although it can reduce the time spent on it. Regular exercise or walks are crucial for their overall well-being, but these dogs are typically not very high-energy, making them well-suited for smaller living spaces. Furthermore, consistent dental care is essential, as their brachycephalic facial structure and small size can heighten the risk of dental problems.

Behavior & Temperament

Lhasa Apsos exhibit a complex personality that can shift between being dignified and playful, depending on the context. They take their role as guardians seriously, often showing a possessive streak towards what they consider valuable, and they approach this responsibility with a bold and assertive demeanor. These characteristics, combined with their occasional moodiness, may render them less ideal for families with very young or highly active children. While they generally display affection towards their family members, they can be naturally suspicious of strangers if they haven't been adequately socialized during their early developmental stages. This suspicion can manifest as loud and aggressive behavior, which can be difficult to modify later on. Even with proper socialization, barking remains an instinctive behavior for these dogs; they will bark at any unfamiliar or perceived threat in their environment, and this instinct is challenging to suppress.

Behavior & Temperament
Play & Exercise

Play & Exercise

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

1.3 Cups

Daily Activity

60 Minutes

Average Lifespan

14 Years

Origin

ancient times

Type

Pure Breeds

Size

Small

Origin Country

Tibet

Brush Frequency

Daily

Coat Texture

Straight

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Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?

Member Clubs

PETINNATE

PETINNATE

Companion Dog

AKC

AKC

Non-Sporting Group

UKC

UKC

Companion Dog

Height & Weight

Weight

15 lbs (7 kg)

Male: 16 lbs (7 kg) , Female: 13 lbs (6 kg)

Height

11 inches (28 sm)

Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)

6 Months

10 lbs
8 inches

10 lbs ( m 10 lbs, f 10 lbs )

8 inches ( m 8 inches, f 8 inches )

12 Months

11 lbs
9 inches

11 lbs ( m 11 lbs, f 11 lbs )

9 inches ( m 9 inches, f 9 inches )

18 Months

13 lbs
10 inches

13 lbs ( m 13 lbs, f 13 lbs )

10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Black

Coat Colors

Black

Gray

Brown

Red

Cream

Fawn

Silver

White

Sable

Brindle

Mixes

Chi Apso
Chi Apso

The Chi Apso, resembling an adorable teddy bear, is a wonderful and loyal pet, making it a fantastic option for novice pet owners or families with a busy lifestyle. This endearing breed is a mix of the Chihuahua and the Lhasa Apso, both celebrated for their friendly and lively personalities. With their stunning, long fur, Chi Apsos usually fall on the heavier end of the small dog category, weighing around 10 to 20 pounds. Given their dense, double coats, it is recommended to keep Chi Apsos in cooler or temperate environments to ensure their comfort.

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English Lhasa Bull
English Lhasa Bull

The English Lhasa Bull is a thoughtfully designed hybrid breed, created through the deliberate pairing of the Bulldog—historically bred for bull-baiting and recognized for its friendly nature—and the ancient Lhasa Apso, a small dog esteemed as a guardian of temples. This mix is anticipated to display a more relaxed temperament and be quieter than the Lhasa Apso. Unlike the typical English Bulldog, the English Lhasa Bull is likely to retain its playful and lively spirit well into its adult years. Generally, these dogs are gentle in nature, although they may feel apprehensive around strangers. In summary, they can make wonderful, enduring companions, fitting for households of any size.

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Kimola
Kimola

The Kimola is a hybrid breed that merges the fox-like characteristics of the American Eskimo with the unique beard of the Lhasa Apso. This fascinating combination creates an intelligent dog known for its bravery and protective nature towards its family, while also being cheerful, playful, and sociable. As an engaging companion, the Kimola flourishes through interaction with other pets, children, and new acquaintances, contributing to its development as a well-rounded dog. Expect a grooming routine that can be moderate to high; starting this early in your puppy's life will aid in their adjustment. Building a connection with your Kimola is a breeze, as they are affectionate and eager to please.

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Lha-Basset
Lha-Basset

The Lha-Basset is a mixed breed resulting from the combination of the Basset Hound and the Lhasa Apso. Typically, these dogs reach a height of about 13 inches and weigh around 40 pounds. Despite their compact stature, which mirrors the solid build of the Basset Hound, their coat can range from short and coarse to long and silky, featuring a medium thickness. They are distinguished by their long, droopy ears, robust bodies, and short legs, with a tail that gracefully curls over their back. Renowned for their loyalty and intelligence, Lha-Bassets are eager to please, which generally makes them quite trainable.

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Lha-Cocker
Lha-Cocker

The Lha Cocker is an endearing hybrid breed that emerges from the crossbreeding of the American Cocker Spaniel and the Lhasa Apso, both of which are small-sized dogs. Typically, these dogs reach a height of about 12 inches and weigh around 20 pounds. They tend to inherit many characteristics from the Cocker Spaniel, including long, silky hair, a thick undercoat, a square-shaped head, and floppy ears, all of which enhance their cheerful personality. Renowned for their friendly disposition, Lha Cockers usually coexist well with other pets; however, they might not be the best fit for families with very young children. Their intelligence facilitates training, as they are eager to please and quick learners.

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Lhasa-Coton
Lhasa-Coton

The Lhasa Coton is a charming hybrid created by crossing the Coton de Tulear with the Lhasa Apso. Both parent breeds fall into the toy category, which means this mix usually stays small, weighing about 10 pounds and standing around 11 inches tall. They feature a long, thick coat that is straight and comes in various colors and patterns. Lhasa Cotons are known for their spirited and courageous personalities; they are loving towards humans and generally get along well with other animals. However, it's crucial to keep an eye on them when they are around young children, as they might become defensive if they feel threatened. Training this breed can take some time and patience, so be prepared to dedicate extra effort to their learning process.

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Lhasalier
Lhasalier

The Lhasalier is a delightful hybrid breed, born from the union of the Lhasa Apso and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Known for its spirited and joyful demeanor, this dog is especially great with kids and is recognized for its trainability. The Lhasalier is attentive to its owner's commands and possesses a strong inclination to please its family. This affectionate breed enjoys the company of all household members and thrives on social interaction. While it doesn't require excessive exercise, regular physical activity is important for its well-being. Grooming is necessary, but the Lhasalier is not overly demanding in terms of maintenance. Generally, this small breed stands at a maximum height of eighteen inches.

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Lhatese
Lhatese

The Lhatese is a charming hybrid breed that results from the combination of the Lhasa Apso and the Maltese. This small dog is known for its affectionate demeanor, though it can pose some training challenges. The Lhatese forms deep connections with its family, including children of all ages, making it a devoted companion. However, it is ideally suited for seasoned dog owners who can offer the necessary guidance. Weighing up to fifteen pounds at full maturity, this compact breed thrives on companionship and enjoys being near its human family. While it generally interacts well with others, including other dogs, the Lhatese has a strong desire to stay close to its loved ones, preferring to be in their presence without experiencing significant separation anxiety.

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Schapso
Schapso

The Schapso, a delightful hybrid of the Lhasa Apso and Miniature Schnauzer, is an ideal choice for those living in apartments or smaller homes, thanks to its compact size and vibrant personality. This breed is generally sturdy, with a lifespan of approximately 15 years, and it faces only a few health issues related to its ancestry. Schapsos are loving and entertaining companions, enjoying both playful activities and cozy moments in your lap. They are known for their strong attachment to their owners, earning them the affectionate title of "Velcro dog." However, they may struggle with same-gender dogs, making early socialization crucial for a harmonious environment.

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Yorkie-Apso
Yorkie-Apso

The Yorkie-Apso is an endearing designer breed, created by crossing the Lhasa Apso with the Yorkshire Terrier. This small dog makes an excellent companion and is a joy to have as a family pet. Its compact size makes it ideal for apartment living or smaller residences. Typically, the Yorkie-Apso stands between 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 7 to 15 pounds. Unlike many other small breeds, this dog is known for its calm temperament and rarely barks. It thrives on daily attention, often leading to a pampered lifestyle where it feels like the ruler of the household.

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