The Lhasa Apso is a small, ancient breed from Tibet. They have a heavy coat that requires regular grooming.

Physical Characteristics

• Long, heavy double coat drapes to the ground
• Comes in all colors
• Coat: straight, hard and heavy hair
• Oval, medium-sized eyes
• Heavy, feathered ears are covered with hair
• Height: 10-11 inches
• Weight: 13-15 pounds
• Average lifespan: 15-18 years, sometimes more

Temperament

• Smart, bold, spirited, independent, strong, devoted
• Interaction with people: Can be uneasy around children and strangers
• Interaction with animals: Needs early socialization 
• Training: Responds best to incentive training
• Protection: Excellent watchdog; generates loud, constant barking when strangers are detected

At Home

• OK for apartments
• Needs a daily walk

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Needs daily brushing to prevent matting
• Dry shampoo when needed
• Check feet regularly for matted hair
• Clean eyes and ears often to prevent infection and tearing
• OK to cut coat short

Brief History

• Native to Himalayan Mountains of Tibet
• Name is taken from Tibetan city of Lhasa
• Bred solely by holy men and nobles for 2,000 years
• Used as watchdogs in sacred temples and monasteries
• Popular belief held that after death the soul of a Lhasa Apso owner entered the body of the dog

Fido's Facts

• The Dalai Lama often presented this breed as a gift to visiting dignitaries; attributing to the Lhasa Apso's presence around the world
• Known as "abso seng kye" and the "bark lion sentinel dog" in Tibet
• Powerful instinct for determining friend from foe
• Slow to mature; reaches fully maturity in third or fourth year