Lhasa Apso Prices Australia

Thinking about bringing a Lhasa Apso into your home? Get ready for a dog that’s part watchdog, part drama queen, and 100% fabulous! These little fluffballs have a regal past and an independent streak, meaning they love attention but also enjoy doing things their own way. And, while they don’t take up much space, they do require a fair bit of upkeep, especially when it comes to grooming! But how much does it actually cost to own a Lhasa Apso? From the purchase price to maintaining their year-round needs, this guide will walk you through all the costs.

How Much Does a Lhasa Apso Cost in Australia?

The first cost you’ll need to cover is actually buying your Lhasa Apso, and this will vary depending on where you choose to get them from. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for a Lhasa Apso puppy from a registered breeder. Or, you can adopt, which comes with a much lower average price tag of $300 – $600.

You might find Lhasa Apsos being sold at prices even lower than this, but this is something to be very cautious about. In most cases, these puppies will be from unregistered breeders, where little to no health testing or responsible breeding practices have been carried out, harming both the puppy and its parents. To make sure your Lhasa Apso has been raised in the best conditions and has undergone necessary health checks, only ever buy from a registered breeder or through a rescue.

Average Price of a Lhasa Apso When Buying Through a Registered Lhasa Apso Breeder in Australia

A Lhasa Apso from a registered breeder will set you back between $3,000 and $5,000, with the price varying depending on factors like bloodline and health testing. We’ll look at the things that affect the final price in a moment, but the main thing to keep in mind is that buying through a registered breeder is often the best route if you want to know your dog’s family history or are interested in entering dog shows.

Average Price of a Lhasa Apso When Buying Through an Adoption Shelter in Australia

On the other hand, adopting a Lhasa Apso from a rescue shelter is much cheaper, with fees ranging from $300 to $600. This isn’t really a purchase price either, but a way of covering the costs of initial vet care, including vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing. However, one important thing to keep in mind is that, while it’s more affordable to adopt, it’s often a harder route compared to buying from a registered breeder, as Lhasa Aspos aren’t commonly surrendered to rescue shelters. This means you’ll have to do a bit of searching if you’ve got your heart set on this breed and be patient while you wait for one to become available.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a Lhasa Apso

So, what actually influences how much a Lhasa Apso puppy is priced? There are a few different factors, including:

Pedigree

If a Lhasa Apso has been bred from a champion bloodline, which basically means its parents and/or grandparents have won awards in shows and closely match the breed standards set by Dogs Australia, they’ll be more expensive. This is simply because they’ll be seen as having superior genetics, which reduces the likelihood of hereditary health conditions. However, pet-quality Lhasa Apsos without a pedigree bloodline are usually priced at the lower end of the $3,000 – $5,000 scale.

Coat

The Lhasa Apso’s luxurious coat is one of its defining features, and certain coat colours, like golden, particoloured, and deep red, are considered more desirable. This pushes the price up, compared to puppies with more common coat colours like white or black. It’s not just the colour that influences the price, though. Lhasa Apso puppies with thicker, silkier coats that meet show-quality standards will likely be priced higher than those with slightly different textures.

Breeder Reputation

Pricing isn’t just influenced by the dog’s coat and lineage. The breeder also plays a big role, and registered breeders who have invested in health screenings for both the parents and puppies, early socialisation, and who follow the best breeding practices will charge more for their puppies. Why? Because these are all things that come at a cost, and this needs to be reflected in the price of the puppies.

Rarity

Lhasa Aspos are not as common in Australia as some other small companion breeds like Cavoodles or Shih Tzus, which means fewer breeders are available. Demand can sometimes exceed supply, pushing the price up, especially for well-bred puppies from champion bloodlines.

Costs of Essential for Your Lhasa Apso

That’s how much you can expect to pay for your Lhasa Apso. But, before they walk their tiny paws into your home, you’ll also need to pick up some essentials for them. Here’s what to budget for:

• Dog crate: $100 – $150 for a small crate that can be used for training, travel, and as a secure resting place for your Lhasa Apso to enjoy some peace and quiet.
• Dog bed: $80 – $120 for a plush bed with a memory foam or orthopaedic layer for added joint support.
• Dog collar/lead: $40 – $60 for an adjustable collar and a matching lead, both of which need to be as durable as possible to give you control throughout lead walks.
• Feeding bowl: $25 – $40 for shallow food and water bowls that your Lhasa Apso can easily eat and drink from without straining their neck.
• Dog toothbrush: $20 – $40 for a canine-specific toothbrush and toothpaste set designed to reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum disease.
• Dog car harness: $60 – $100 for a crash-tested car harness that will protect your Lhasa Apso in case of sudden stops and stop them bouncing around the car while you drive.
• Puppy treats: $20 – $40 per month for grain-free treats that can be used during training and for positive reinforcement.
• Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for disposable or washable pads that will help you direct your Lhasa Apso where to relieve themselves in the early weeks of house training.
• Dog shampoo & conditioner: $35 – $50 for a gentle formula designed for long-haired breeds that will deep clean while preventing skin irritation.
• Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $60 – $140 for a full grooming set, including slicker brushes, detangling combs, and nail clippers.

Lhasa Apso Maintenace Costs

Along with these essentials, you’ll also need to budget for a Lhasa Apso’s ongoing care needs. From food to training, everything comes at a cost, and to give you a clearer picture of how much, let’s look at these in more detail.

How Much Does it Cost to Feed a Lhasa Apso?

First of all, you’ll need to budget for dog food. An adult Lhasa Apso should weigh between 5kg and 8kg (depending on their age and sex), and they need around 120g – 200g of food every day. Across the different types of diets to choose from, this means your monthly spend could be from $60 to $240.

• Cost per day on a dry kibble diet: $2 – $4 for a small-breed kibble rich in protein and omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
• Cost per day on a wet food diet: $3 – $6 for a grain-free, all-natural wet food packed with real meats and vegetables.
• Cost per day on a raw diet: $5 – $8 for a balanced mix of raw meats, organs, and vegetables that have been tailored to your Lhasa Apso’s individual needs.

It’s important to stress here that the actual amount of money you spend will vary based on your dog’s age and overall health, as well as the diet and brand of food you choose. We highly recommend speaking with your vet about food plans and portion sizes.

How Much Will Veterinary Care Typically Cost for a Lhasa Apso?

Another big ongoing expense you should be prepared for is vet care. You won’t only need to take your Lhasa Apso to the vet if they get sick or injured, but throughout their lives to get the preventative care they need to stay healthy. These are the average costs:

Cost of Routine Preventative Care

• Annual vet checkups: $100 – $150 for a through exam, looking for early signs of illness, a weight assessment, and general wellness advice.
• Vaccinations: $120 – $200 per year to protect your Lhasa Apso from diseases like parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis, and kennel cough.
• Worming and parasite treatments: $20 – $50 per month to stop fleas and ticks from latching onto your Lhasa Apso’s long fur and catching various nasty worms.
• Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 every few years for a full examination and cleaning under anaesthetic.
• Pet insurance: $40 – $100 per month to help towards unexpected vet bills, with higher coverage levels and pre-existing condition policies sitting at the more expensive end of the price range.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Lhasa Apso’s Grooming?

Grooming is going to be one of the biggest expenses you’ll need to cover as a proud Lhasa Apso owner, given their long, thick coats need constant maintenance to prevent tangling and matting. Here’s what you should be prepared to spend across various grooming services:

• Hydrobath prices: $40 – $60 for a deep-cleaning bath that will remove dirt and excess oils from their coat without irritating the skin.
• Full groom prices: $100 – $180 every 4-6 weeks, which includes a bath, blow-dry, coat trim, hand-strip, nail clipping, and ear cleaning.
• Face, feet, and tail groom prices: $30 – $50 in between full grooms to stop facial hair growing into their eyes and waste from matting around their rear end.

Lhasa Apso Training Costs

Unlike some breeds who are eager to please, Lhasa Apsos are naturally independent and stubborn, and this means training is needed from an early age to make sure they’re well-behaved. Different classes come with different price tags, but here’s an overview of your potential spend:

• Basic obedience training: $200 – $300 for a multi-week group class that covers all basic obedience, including commands, recall, and lead walking.
• Puppy training class prices: $150 – $200 for a multi-week group class focusing on early socialisation, confidence-building, and good manners.
• Specialised training prices: $120 – $150 per session for a private training session focused on dealing with issues like territorial behaviour, stubbornness, and excessive barking.

Understanding the Full Costs of Owning a Lhasa Apso

While Lhasa Apsos are undeniably adorable dogs, they do come with ongoing costs that you shouldn’t overlook. From regular grooming to vet care, the expenses soon start adding up, and over their average 12 – 17-year lifespan, you could end up spending thousands of dollars looking after your furry friend. That being said, if you’re confident you’ve got the finances and you’re looking for a loyal companion who will keep you entertained for many years to come, the Lhasa Apso is a breed definitely worth bringing into your life.