The Lhasa apso ( pronounced " LAH - suh - AHP - so " ) is a overbold and self-willed small dog with a bad personality . They ’re often described as queer , gay , and eager to please . Originating in Tibet , the Lhasa was bred to be a watchdog in palaces and Buddhistic monastery richly in the Himalayas . Lhasacomes from the city in Tibet andapsois a Tibetan intelligence that broadly speaking read to " click . " This ancestry reveals itself in the modern - day Lhasa — they’re alert and fast to their owners , though often wary of strangers .
The Lhasa is known for her prospicient , straight , impenetrable coat and signature hair part that gives her a lion - like mane to rival her lionhearted spirit . proprietor should look to sweep their dogs on a regular basis to keep them happy and goodly for the length of their above - average lifespan .
Cost varies widely base on a number of factors ( including fix ) , but Don Evans , president of theAmerican Lhasa Apso Club ( ALAC ) , says you’re able to expect to pay between $ 1,400 and $ 1,800 for a pup from a reputable stock breeder .
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Appearance
Full - grow male person Lhasa apsos are about 10–11 column inch magniloquent and count 12–18 pounds , while female pups are slightly smaller . Lhasa apsos have gorgeous black , tan , ointment , white , and/or carmine - colored coats , but they can also be bluish , gray , and atomic number 47 , though those are less common .
Their luscious lock grow long , so you might want to tie up their flowy hairdo with a scrunchie or give them a sweet " puppy cut " to keep pelt out of their eyes . They have fatal and chocolate-brown button nose , prospicient byssus ( if their hair is keep long ) , and slightly long snouts than similar snub - nosed dog like thePekingese .
Temperament
Lhasas have confidence and chutzpah to spare , so much so that they are known asabso seng kye(“bark lion sentinel weenie " ) in Tibet , where they were first breed . Ask any Lhasa apso owner and they ’ll tell you about this little cad ’s smarts , though herhigh intelligenceand autonomous nature can signify she ’s tougher to train .
That said , Evans points out that their charm and faithfulness make these dogs " worth it if you ’re up to the challenge . " Their loyalty means they ’ll always have your back , though they are often aloof with strangers at first — which is not surprising since they were bred to protect palace from interloper .
Lhasa apso puppy can take up to three years to mature emotionally . However , with a consecrate owner and mess ofpraise and electropositive reinforcement , their energy can be channeled intolearning young things . Lhasa apsos surpass in agility education courses and some have even been known to crowd livestock orwork as therapy dogs .
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" In addition to being lovable favorite , Lhasas are versatile — they can and do take part in all types of American Kennel Club events such as obedience , rallying , agility , dock diving , scent workplace , and trick dog , " Evans say .
Living Needs
Lhasas are firm to their tribe and do well with adult and children who prise their bound . " Lhasas can makegreat family pets — evenwith little minor — as long as the children understand ( with the parents ' direction ) to give the andiron some infinite , " Evans say . Ifproperly socializedand trained , Lhasas can get along with other frankfurter and pets , but jazz that the Lhasa can wish to be the boss .
Lhasas will tolerate being go away alone for fairish periods of fourth dimension , but think doubly if you have neighbor who would be disturbed by any warning bark while you ’re away . " They are not a ' yappy ' dog , but with their keen hearing , they will alert you to unexpected event , " Evans says . Their small size might make them seem like idealapartment dogs , but their bark might prove otherwise .
Lhasas require a restrained amount of physical exercise . A20 - second walkonce or twice a solar day and some playtime in the house or yard , especially during the puppy stage , will do .
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The idealistic Lhasa owner is someone with " a signified of body fluid , intelligence operation , and who care interacting with their pet , " Evans says . He send word that new owner be patient and realise that just like with other dogs , it can take your Lhasa apso clip to set to her new surround .
Care
When it comes to grooming , the Lhasa apso is definitely high - maintenance . Thoughshe does n’t throw away much , her long and unstinting pelage can get quite involved and matted if not cared for correctly — daily brush and abi - monthly bathare recommend . Some owners opt to keep their dog ’s pelage poor in a " puppy cut " style so that it ’s well-off to wield , but both coif are as adorable and aww - worthy .
Lhasas will also needbasic groomingevery twain of calendar week beyond their hair care , includingnail trimsandteeth brush . Experts recommend brushing your wienerwurst ’s teeth every day if possible . Just make certain to usedog toothpaste , because human toothpaste is toxic for dogs ! Her ears also need to bechecked and scavenge regularly .
Your Lhasa should eat dog nutrient made from gamy - quality ingredients . supervise her foodandexerciseis an significant part of care , preventing your dog fromgaining an unhealthy amount of exercising weight . Avisit to your vetcan assist you determine how much and how often to feed your Lhasa to keep her healthy .
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Health
The Lhasa apso is agenerally hefty breedbut can be prone to health problems likehip dysplasiaandpatellar luxation . grant to the American Lhasa Apso Club ( ALAC ) , they may alsodeal with eye issueslike retinal atrophy , pigmentary keratitis , teetotal centre , and glaucoma .
Other common wellness issue for Lhasa apsos includecherry eye(a red-faced mass at the inner turning point of the dog ’s eye),allergies , and a genetic skin condition calledsebaceous adenitis , where the sebaceous secretor become inflamed . Lhasa apsos can also be susceptible to haemorrhagic gastroenteritis ( HGE ) , a animation - threatening disease that can take place in small andmedium - sized weenie strain , according to the ALAC . If you catch the warning sign ( like bloody looseness ) early , the condition can be cured .
With the right care , Lhasa apsos live foresighted life story — about 12–15 years on average . Some have even been reported to have lived well into their 20 .
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If you purchase a Lhasa from a stock breeder , they must be reputable and consecrate to maintaining goodish animals . The Lhasa apso stock breeder should be able to show you lineage record that bear witness their dogs are respectable enough for breeding .
History
Lhasa apsos have a majestic history that begin in 800 B.C. Tibet , when they were breed as sentinel dogs who endure watch inside palace and Buddhistic monasteries high in the Himalayan heap , according to the ALAC . Legend has it that the brave little Lhasa apsos inspired this ancient Tibetan locution : " If the Baron Snow of Leicester - social lion last out in the hatful , it is a snow - lion ; if it fall down to the valleys , it becomes a dog . "
Lhasas have held popular condition with Buddhist monks and Dalai Lamas over the centuries — they were never sold , and thus a extremely prized talent . Some Tibetan Buddhists believe that the souls oflamas(priests ) are reborn as Lhasa apsos in the stage of renascence just before they are reborn as humans , grant to the ALAC .
Lhasa apsos first came to the West in the early 19th hundred , landing in the U.S. ( specifically , New Jersey ) in 1933 after being gifted to a duad by the Dalai Lama . The American Kennel Club recognize the strain just two years later , and the ALAC was ground in 1959 .
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Fun Facts
The Lhasa and the Snow Lion . National Purebred Dog Day .
