The Lhasa Apso, bred and honored by the Dalai Lama, is one of the oldest of the three breeds of dogs from Tibet.Please join us on a short journey as we unravel the fascinating history of the incredible Lhasa Apso.There are references to the Lhasa Apso breed in art and literature tht go back at least two thousand years. They were given to monks and nobility in China to guard and protect.For many generations it was not possible to get a Lhasa Apso unless given as a gift by the Dalai Lama!They were valued both as a good luck symbol and as a sacred animal in the Buddhist religion.Many holy men believed that the spirits of monks who were unable to reach Nirvana were reincarnated into the bodies of Lhasa Apso dogs.The strong watchful and protective nature of the Lhasa Apso, combined with their beautiful coats and loyal nature, make them a true companion dog and loving pet.THE TIBET CONNECTIONThe Lhasa Apso breed originated over two thousand years ago in the high, mountainous country of Tibet.These small sized dogs were bred and kept in the Potala, the palace and monastery of the Dalai Lama, as well as surrounding monasteries.The dogs were kept exclusively for holy men and nobility. Lhasa Apsos were prized for their temperament, beautiful coats, and their loyal and loving disposition.The Lhasa Apso was not only prized as a companion dog but also as a watchdog.The nobility valued the small dogs for their intelligence and regarded them not just as pets but more importantly as protectors and watchers for their castles and homes. They were also valued as a good luck talisman to keep evil away from the home. When the nobleman or holy man died, it was believed that his soul entered the body of the Lhasa Apso if it was not destined for Nirvana.The Dalai Lama and other holy men carefully managed the Lhasa Apso breed, and it was not possible to buy a Llasa Apso dog in Tibet, rather they had to be received as a gift from the Dalai Lama.This ritual began as early as 1583 in the Manchurian Dynasty and was honored up to the early 1900’s. The dogs were sent as a blessing from the Dalai Lama to the Emperors of China and other nobility.Lhasa Apso dogs were never given as individual dogs. The Dalai Lama presented pairs of dogs to visiting foreign diplomats and leaders. These dogs were then taken around the world and their popularity grew.Lhasa Apsos are seen as a sacred blessing and are believed to bring luck and good fortune to the owner.The first Lhasa Apso pair was seen in Britain in the 1920’s and the first pair in the United States was in 1935. The first Lhasa Apsos according to Australia records arrived in the 1960’s.THE NAMEMost historiansagree that the name, Lhasa, comes from the area of the Potala, near the sacred city of Lhasa.Apso, The second part of the name, is a bit less clear. One group believes that the name is actually a misinterpretation of the word “raspo” that means goat-like. The coat of the Apso, if not groomed, begins to look like the hair found on Tibetan goats. Another group believes that the term Apso comes from the term “Abso Seng kye” that translates into “Barking Lion Sentinel Dog”.Since the long hair of the breed does closely resemble the mane of the lion, and the strong protective instinct is there, it may be that the Apso is simply a mispronunciation of “Abso”.Lhasa Apso dogs also have the distinctly lionish habit of pawing the ground with their front feet and taking a square stance when feeling threatened. They truly do resemble little lions and are excellent watchdogs and guardians.The Manjuri Buddha, the God of Learning, is often presented in art and literature in the company of a Lhasa Apso, which changes into a lion when danger threatens the Manjuri Buddha.Take the time to find out more about Lhasa Apso Breeders. The investment in time you make will be extremely worthwhile.That’s all on the amazing history of the Lhasa Apso.

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All dogs have a natural instinct to keep their fur clean, rolling around on their backs, licking or chewing at matted hair, etc., etc. However, for the best possible cleaning, your Lhasa Apso will need some additional human assistance.

When you perform regular grooming for your dog, you help them stay clean and assist them in staying healthy. Ignoring matted hair in the coat can be a breeding ground for yeast infections, and neglected teeth can cause periodontal diseases; dirty ears can lead to a build up of wax that can keep dirt trapped and lead to ear infections due to the build-up of bacteria.

Regular grooming is a serious commitment and it should be approached as being an enjoyable, bonding experience for you and your dog. It can and will be, if you keep the follow information in mind:

If you do not have the amount of time needed to completely groom your Lhasa Aspo, do not feel bad, simply take them to a professional dog groomer.

If you intend on doing the grooming yourself, establish a ritual and schedule, and if the animal is young, make sure you do everything you can to relax the dog. Begin by keeping the initial sessions short and easy, approximately 5-10 minutes is sufficient. Gradually increase the duration of each session so that your dog can become accustomed to being handled and touched. Then gently extend the areas you groom, gradually moving into the sensitive areas such as the ears, feet, stomach and around the mouth and eyes.

Brushing is important because the dogs coat can be quite long. It is best to begin brushing the undercoat first and work towards the top. Train the dog to lay on its side and this will allow grooming to be carried out as easily as possible. Use a warm anti-static solution, a detangler or crème rinse with water and spray on the area before you start to groom. Begin with the tail, proceed to the back legs and then the front, ending with the stomach area.

Turn the dog over and repeat these steps again. Finish up the grooming session with the neck, face, ears and top of the head. Once you have concluded the brushing session, you can bathe the dog. First completely wet the dog down and apply shampoo in a downward motion, never in circles, because it may result in tangling of the coat.

When you are finished shampooing, remove the extra water and squeeze and press the coat between towels, never using a rubbing motion. Once the extra water has been removed, end the session by completely drying the dog by hand or using a hair dryer set at a warm temperature.

Other areas that require extra attention would be the toenails, ears, teeth and gums. These areas are a bit tricky and require you and the dog to remain calm. Use only specially designed dog nail clippers and clip off only the very tips of the nail and be careful to avoid any veins. Brush the dogs teeth and gums using specially designed dog toothpaste. Use a Q-tip to clean the inner flap of the ear and never insert it into the ear canal. If you are not confident enough to do this part of grooming, or you do not have the time, use the services of a professional dog groomer.

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Because a Lhasa Apso was bred for use as a sentinel, the dog is alert, smart and highly self-sufficient. All of these traits combined can have a negative affect of your life with a Lhasa Apso, however, being knowledgeable will help you to understand and know your Lhasa Apso. You will also be better able to help your family adjust to life with a Lhasa Apso.

It is important to note that a Lhasa Apso is an extremely independent dog, it is not that the animal is anti-social, it does seek human companionship and will love being petted and groomed, both activities that will bond you and your dog. Remember, however, the dog does not live to please you, which is common in other dog breeds. This breed is driven to be a protector and guardian, and this is how the dog will behave.

Being more independent than other dog breeds, a Lhasa Apso may also be less obedient. Being so alert and responsive will prove to be a training challenge, because a Lhasa Apso will interpret any type of attention as a reward. Most new owners will give a Lhasa negative attention when the dog disobeys, to a Lhasa Apso, any attention is better than none at all, as a result, new owners might accidentally reward and reinforce the very type of behavior they are trying to prevent. This is one of the main reasons why a lot of Lhasa owners do not have a well-behaved dog.

The basic rule for training a Lhasa Apso is to focus on what you DO want and not on what you do NOT want. Author Amy Sutherland has another spin on this thought, reward the behavior you desire and simply do not acknowledged the behavior you do not.

What makes a Lhasa Apso so fiercely independent is their high level of intelligence, which is needed to be a good watchdog. This may lead to the dog have a stronger temperament, and a new owner is likely to report the dog is willful, obstinate and dominant. On the alternate side of this situation is that a Lhasa Apso will respond well to positive, firm, loving obedience training methods, but you have to be consistent and follow through with your commands. You have to establish yourself as an “alpha leader,” if you do not, the dog will. It takes time and work to train a Lhasa Apso successfully, but the results are worth the effort.

Breeders and other owners do not recommend a Lhasa Apso for a household with small children. Because of the extremely dominant, intelligent nature, a Lhasa while calm and sedate, is not an “easy going” dog breed that will interact well with young children. They do not tolerate hair pulling, tail tugging or teasing that is common behavior in young children. If you have small children, it is wise to encourage them to participate in the training, this will allow them to get a better understanding of a Lhasa Apso. The results of which will be a great pet everyone in the family will surely enjoy.

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The Lhasa Apso makes a beautiful family pet. She can live in an apartment as long as she gets walked for exercise. She makes a good watch dog and gets along well with other pets. She likes older, respectful children. She is a faithful family pet. She is generally healthy but does needs quite a bit of grooming.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lhasa Apso is 10 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 13 to 15 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lhasa Apso is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the lookout for ear infections, bleeding ulcers, kidney problems, allergic reactions to fleas and hip dysplasia. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, hard and very dense coat. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Some people clip the coat to lower grooming time.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lhasa Apso can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet where they were kept by the rich as watch dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1935.
Some Registries:
*The American Lhasa Apso Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 5 Lhasa Apso puppies
Terms To Describe: Wary of stranger, happy, hardy, gentle, intelligent, affectionate,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Excellent watch dog.
Very gentle.
Beautiful coat.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
High coat maintenance.
Can be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Tibetan Apso, Bark Lion Sentinel Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

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The Lhasa Apso makes a wonderful pet, sometimes willful and some can be high-spirited but they are all loving and affectionate. Originating from Tibet, this is an ancient breed that was bred for over 2000 years by nobles and holy men and was considered a sacred animal and even used to guard the monasteries and temples. In the Western world, we can thank the Dalai Lama for this furry lapdog since he would often give them as gifts to foreign dignitaries who were visiting his country. The Lhasa Apso was first seen in Britain in the 1920s and made its way to the US by the 1930s.
Part of the American Kennel Club non sporting group, the Lhasa Apso was admitted to the AKC 1935 in the terrier group but then reassigned in 1959. By breed standards the dog weighs 13 and 15 pounds and stands 11 inches tall. Lhasa’s can be rather long lived with some living past 18 years of age.
This breed is characterized by its long coat which drapes over its entire body and hangs onto the floor making the dog look almost like a walking mop! The coat is very straight and heavy and even covers the dogs face as it hangs over the eyes and produces a beard and mustache as well. The Lhasa Apso has dark eyes and feathered ears and tail which should be carried over the dogs back. Most often seen in white, this breed also comes in smoke, slate, gold, cream, black, honey and brown.
The Lhasa Apso is intelligent, lively, friendly and assertive. They can be very devoted and affectionate to their owners but may be suspicious of strangers. Some can be rather willful but others are eager to please their owners and will do whatever they say. They can be a bit high spirited and they have a loud bark which can be rather persistent.
The Lhasa Apso is a healthy breed in general but might suffer from skin problems if their coat is not cared for properly. Some may have hip dysplasia in addition to eye problems and kidney problems. Rarely, these dogs may suffer from a bleeding ulcer.
These little dogs are very active indoors but can do well in an apartment as long as they walked regularly and given a chance to play and run. This is not a dog that needs a lot of exercise but every dog does need a walk at least once a day.
Due to the long coat, this breed does need grooming care and will have to have the coat trimmed and stripped. If they are not brush everyday the coat will become quite matted and unruly. The feet can also get matted easily and should be checked daily. This breed can be dry shampooed when necessary and their eyes and ears should be cleaned often. Despite the long code this breed is only an average shedder.

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Mini was the first dog that I had owned. She had the familiar Lhasa Apso thick long coat draping her entire body down to the floor. She was a beautiful mixture of brown and white all over with a white feathered tale. I loved her eyes, which where of the deepest blue, although they where hard to see because they too where covered by thick hair. She appeared to be sporting long bangs. I think this is why she was prone to eye infections – her tear ducks would swell – usually clearing within several days. I loved bringing Mini home from the groomers with a bow holding a wisp of her hair at the top of her head. The Lhasa Apso requires much grooming. Therefore, you should consider the cost of regular grooming if you plan to own one.

Lhasa Apso’s are friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and spirited small dogs. Mini was easily housetrained and performed simple commands – sit, fetch, stay, etc. As a puppy she taught me an interesting lesson. We where playing tug of war with her rope toy. I was pulling on one end, as she vigorously pulled the other end with her teeth. All of a sudden she gave way and I noticed a tooth stuck on her end of the rope. I, not being familiar with what was happening, thought I had pulled too hard. I quickly called my dentist friend and she informed me that puppies – just like babies – lose their first set of teeth.

Lhasa Apso originated from Tibet and is named for the capital city of Lhasa. According to Wikipedia, the Lhasa Apso was bred originally to guard monasteries. The Lhasa Apso was expected to follow the intruder barking until his master arrived to check on the intruder. Also, they are believed to bring good luck to their owners. Mini was a fantastic watchdog and a precious companion. Her bark was quite deceiving because it sounded as if it belonged to a much larger dog.

If you are considering owning a Lhasa Apso they do well in apartment living. However, they are too nervous around children and therefore require supervision. They do need to be taken on daily walks for at least 20 minutes – dogs that do not have daily walks tend to display behavioral problems. The average life span of this breed is 15 years and they are generally a healthy dog. If you are planning to add a Lhasa Apso to your home please consider adopting one from a local shelter or a rescue group that specializes in this breed. Also, consider adopting an older dog, they are usually housetrained and are not readily adopted – they need love and a family too.

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