Key Facts:
Size: Small
Height: 22.5 - 25.4 cm (9 - 10 inches)
Weight: 6 - 7 kg (13 - 15 lb)
Life Span: 14 years
Grooming: Demanding
Exercise: Undemanding
Feeding: Undemanding
Temperament: Independent & busy
Country of Origin: Tibet
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Other Names: Apso Seng Kyi
Temperament:
The Lhasa Apso is assertive, busy, devoted and independent. These small dogs are affectionate and loyal family companions. The Lhasa Apso enjoys human company but does not cling to their handler or family. They are usually good with children and other household pets but may be aggressive towards unknown dogs. Lhasa Apsos are good watchdogs with their cautious nature towards strangers. The Lhasa Apso can be difficult to train with their obstinate behavior and the owner shouldn't expect any tricks from them.
Grooming:
Lhasa Apsos need regular and thorough grooming with their long coats. Weekly brushing is needed to remove knots from both the topcoat and the undercoat. If the hair becomes too brittle a special lotion can be used to help prevent the hairs from breaking. Some owners choose to have their Lhasa Apsos clipped short if they are only household pets and are not being shown. The eyes should be checked regularly for any irritant hairs and the ear canals need to be kept clean. The excess hair between the pads of the feet should also be trimmed.
Exercise:
Lhasa Apsos don't need a great deal of exercise and are quite happy being indoors.
History:
The Lhasa Apso is also known as the Tibetan Temple Dog. They got their name from the capital Lhasa and the word 'apso' is derived from 'rapso' which means goat-like in Tibetan. In Tibet the duty of these small dogs was to sound the alarm when intruders approached, while the Tibetan Mastiff was chained outside the building acting as a guard dog. The Lhasa Apso evolved from Tibetan Spaniels and the Tibetan Terrier. This breed was not discovered by Westerners until the 20th century due to the remoteness of Tibet and the difficulty of purchasing them.
Physical Characteristics:
General Appearance: Compact, long-coated and assertive.
Color: Sandy, honey, golden, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, particolor black, brown or white.
Coat: The outercoat is hard, straight, rough and long. The undercoat is dense.
Tail: Set high, well feathered, carried over the back and often ending in a kink.
Ears: Pendant, heavily feathered and hanging.
Body: The body is long for its height and is well-balanced and compact. The loin is strong and the ribs are well sprung.
Additional Comments:
The Lhasa Apso has an acute sense of hearing and is sometimes used as a hearing dog for the deaf.
Lhasa Apso - Dog Breed Profile
by Dooziedog.com
This article provided courtesy of Dooziedog.com, for more pictures visit www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/lhasa_apso/. |
