Lhasa Apso Dog Breed Information

Group

Non-sporting

Weight

5.5-6.8kg

Height

23-28cm tall

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Lhasa Apso

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Lhasa Apso dog breed has been around for centuries at this point and was a common fixture in Tibetan palaces. Now you are more likely to find one cuddled up on your couch.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this once-royal breed, you’ve come to the right place, as our comprehensive Lhasa Apso breed guide has all of the information you may need, including its royal origins, temperament, and grooming needs.

What is the history & origin of the Lhasa Apso?

As previously mentioned, the breed hails from Tibet and came about through the Tibetan Terrier being selectively bred. In China and Tibet, the breed is known as Abso Seng Kye, which translates to Bark Lion Sentinel Dog in English.

The reason for their obscure name is due to what they were primarily used for in Tibet, as Lhasa Apsos formerly acted as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries and palaces. The lion part of their name stems from Buddha being said to have power over lions, and many called the Lhasa Apso a lion dog owing to its bushy head of hair that looked like a mane.

Both the Shih Tzu and Pekingese dog breeds were mixed with Lhasa Apsos, as the dogs were frequently given as gifts to honoured guests, which allowed them to spread throughout China.

Tibetan priests known as Lamas also believed that they would be reincarnated as one of the dogs if they were unable to achieve Nirvana in their current lifetime. This belief is what caused them to treat the dogs as sacred.

The breed arrived in the U.S. back in 1933 after the Dalai Lama gifted a pair of Lhasa Apsos to an American world traveller and naturalist. He began to breed the pair, which led to the American Kennel Club accepting it as a breed in 1935.

What is a Lhasa Apso breed?

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed that has a long, thick, and dense coat.

As previously mentioned, the breed’s primary use was as a watchdog in palaces and monasteries, but it has since become a companion dog.

The breed’s full coat comes in many different colours, such as black, honey, slate, and parti-color.

Who is a Lhasa Apso best for?

Lhasa Apsos are excellent dogs for those who live in apartments as they are not very active, which also means that their exercise requirements are low.

While your Lhasa Apso would like nothing more than to be a couch potato, they can be prone to obesity, so owners should still take them for short walks once a day.

The breed’s history as a watchdog means that they can sometimes be a bit apprehensive around strangers at first but are known for being lovable and affectionate towards their owners.

The breed gets on with other dogs, so you should not have any issues introducing one to your pack of other canine companions. Lhasa Apsos do; however, seem to think that they are much larger than they are and will attempt to claim the role of top dog regardless of how big your other dogs are.

The Lhasa Apso can become nippy if teased excessively or mishandled, so they are better for families with older children. They can also get along with other pets like cats if they are well socialised from a young age.

Lhasa Apsos also live exceptionally long for dogs, so prospective owners should know that they will need to be ready to commit to having a dog for a good number of years!

Lhasa Apso Grooming & Shedding

While the breed does not need much exercise, they do need regular grooming. The Lhasa Apsos thick and long coat will need to be maintained through daily brushing and combing.

They will also need to be bathed once or twice a month, which is more than most other dogs. Prospective owners should know that they will likely need to dedicate some time every day to keep their dog’s coat in check.

If this is not possible, then owners should consider using a professional groomer until they can manage the breed’s grooming needs on their own.

Many owners often opt to cut their Lhasa Apso’s coat short as this can greatly reduce the extensive grooming needs of the breed.

The breed does not shed all that much, which means those with allergies will generally do well with a Lhasa Apso.

Do Lhasa Apsos bark a lot?

Lhasa Apsos can be prone to barking based on their watchdog backgrounds, and they will often let out a shrill alarm bark if they feel uneasy around a stranger or notice an intruder in your home.

The breed, therefore, requires training early on to show them when it is appropriate to bark or not; otherwise, they will bark at everything from other animals to any other random noise in your neighbourhood.

What is the average weight & height of a Lhasa Apso dog?

The Lhasa Apso is one of the smaller dog breeds around as they only stand between 23 and 28cm tall. They also only weigh between 5.5 to 6.8kg when they are full-grown.

Are Lhasa Apsos easy to train?

Lhasa Apsos can be very independent as a result of them being bred as watchdogs. This means that they are not as easy to train or as obedient as some other breeds.

Novice owners should be aware of this, as potty training may take more time than with other breeds. This also means that those interested in competing in dog sports should probably look elsewhere, as the Lhasa Apso has a mind of its own.

The breed should begin training as early as possible as this will provide owners with the most success.

How do Lhasa Apsos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Lhasa Apso has become a couch potato in the last 100 years that the breed has been around and will often love having human company.

They are generally playful, happy dogs that can remain puppylike until they are almost three years old, while some are almost perpetual puppies. They get on with other animals and dogs quite well but can be wary of strangers at first.

While they love human company, the breed is still very independent, and most of them don’t mind being left alone for reasonably long amounts of time.

Does the Lhasa Apso have any common health issues?

The Lhasa Apso is generally a healthy dog breed, but like many other dogs, it is predisposed to some specific health conditions such as:

Cherry Eye: A condition where the gland in the eye protrudes, requiring surgical correction to prevent irritation.
Patellar Luxation: This knee issue can cause pain and lameness as the kneecap slips out of place.
Allergies: Lhasa Apsos can be prone to various allergies, leading to skin irritations and discomfort.
Sebaceous Adenitis: An autoimmune condition affecting skin glands, resulting in dry skin and hair loss.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Also known as dry eye, this condition affects tear production, leading to discomfort and potential vision issues.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness over time.
Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia: A genetic kidney disorder that can affect the dog’s overall health and function.

What is the lifespan of a Lhasa Apso?

Lhasa Apsos generally live for a very long time. The current record for the oldest living example was 29 years old!

Most Lhasa Apsos will normally live anywhere from 12 to 14 years, which is an incredibly long time for a dog. It is also something prospective owners should consider as you may end up having your dog around a lot longer than you expected to.

How much does a Lhasa Apso need to be fed?

Lhasa Apsos are small dogs and therefore only need around three-quarters to one cup of dry dog food per day. This should also be split into two meals to discourage them from gobbling it all up in one go!

The breed can be prone to becoming obese, so owners should watch how much food they give them and also provide them with some light exercise a few times a week.

How much can you expect to pay for a Lhasa Apso in Australia?

A Lhasa Apso puppy will normally cost you between $2500 to $3500. It is important to make sure that the breed you choose is registered with a national breed club to make sure the dog is not from a puppy farm. Responsible breeders will screen for hip dysplasia.

You could also opt to rescue an adult dog for much cheaper at a rescue organisation – you can still find purebred dogs in this way.

Lhasa Apso FAQs

Can a Lhasa Apso be left alone at home?

Lhasa Apsos are very independent and do not suffer from separation anxiety easily. This means you should be able to leave your dog alone at home for a reasonable amount of time without them becoming distressed.

Is a Lhasa Apso ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The breed is generally not ideal for first-time owners as they can be quite difficult to train and require grooming on a near-daily basis.

Are Lhasa Apsos hypoallergenic dogs?

No dog is entirely hypoallergenic, but Lhasa Apsos do tend to shed very little, which means they might be a good choice for prospective owners that suffer from allergies.