A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small Tibetan companion with a long coat and a history of watchful work around palaces and monasteries. Both long and shorter coat styles need maintenance; respect the individual dog's preferences about handling and strangers.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Coat care is a meaningful part of the weekly commitment. Agree on a manageable trim or coat-care method with an experienced groomer and keep up with maintenance between appointments.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Lhasa Apso questions
Do Lhasa Apsos shed?
Very little. The hair grows all the time rather than shedding. The trade is grooming. Every Lhasa needs a regular coat routine, even one kept in a short trim.
How big does a full-grown Lhasa Apso get?
Males stand 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder, with females slightly smaller, and weigh 12 to 18 pounds. The breed is slow to mature, with dogs not reaching their prime until well into their third or fourth year.
How long do Lhasa Apsos live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and many Lhasas have reached 17 or 18. These are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
What is the difference between a Lhasa Apso and a Shih Tzu?
They are separate breeds that look alike under a long coat. The Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan breed in the Non-Sporting Group, 10 to 11 inches tall and 12 to 18 pounds. The Shih Tzu is a Chinese breed in the Toy Group, 9 to 10.5 inches and 9 to 16 pounds. They differ in character too. The Lhasa is confident and aloof with strangers, while the Shih Tzu is outgoing.
What were Lhasa Apsos bred for?
They were indoor watchdogs. Lhasas guarded the homes of Tibetan nobility and Buddhist monasteries from the inside, while large Tibetan Mastiffs watched the entrances, and their keen hearing and sharp bark warned the household if someone got past. Lhasa is the name of Tibet's sacred city, and apso means longhaired dog.
Do Lhasa Apsos bark a lot?
They are alert dogs with a watchdog history, very watchful and moderate barkers. As Lhasas mature they learn to tell everyday sounds from unusual ones and tend to bark only when they have a reason. Early socialization helps with the breed's natural wariness of strangers.
Are Lhasa Apsos good with children?
It depends on the dog and the household. Lhasas tend to attach themselves to the adults in a family and, like many small dogs, can be cautious around preschoolers who move quickly and unpredictably. Puppies raised with children under close adult supervision can settle into family life well.
Are Lhasa Apsos hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic. Many people with allergies can live with a Lhasa because the breed does not shed the way shorthaired dogs do, and regular grooming is essential in an allergic household. Anyone with allergies or asthma should check with their doctor before bringing any dog home.
