Lhasa Apso: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Lhasa apso is a small non-sporting dog breed from Tibet that has a long, silky coat, which is touted for being low-shedding. Some pet parents trim the coat short in what’s called a “puppy cut” for easier maintenance. The Lhasa apso’s eyes are typically dark and oval, and their tail curls over their back.

Overall, these dogs have a well-balanced build, and they think they’re bigger than they are. These are hardy little dogs that tend to be smart and confident but also comical. Their history dates back centuries as a guard dog, and they were trained to watch over their home and family.

Learn more about the Lhasa apso, including the breed’s history, care needs, and temperament.

Characteristics of the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa apso typically has an affectionate personality with their family. They are incredibly loyal and may feel separation anxiety. But when it comes to strangers, they can be standoffish. There is also a vigilant watchdog aspect of their temperament, and they're a moderate barker.

History of the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa apso originated in Tibet around a thousand years ago and evolved for the harsh climate of the Himalayas. Named for the city of Lhasa, their original name was Abso Seng Kye, which means the “Bark Lion Sentinel Dog.”

These small canines served as indoor watchdogs in temples and palaces. With their highly developed hearing, they would alert monks and others whether anyone got past the outdoor guard dogs—often Tibetan mastiffs and other large breeds. 

Lhasa apsos long have had a connection with the Dalai Lama. In fact, the Dalai Lama gave a pair of Lhasas to naturalist and world traveler Suydam Cutting in the early 1900s. These dogs helped to establish the breed in the United States. 

The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1935 as part of the terrier group. But it was later moved to the non-sporting group in 1959.

Many celebrities have shared their home with Lhasa apsos. Examples include Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwen Stefani, and Jane Lynch.

Lhasa Apso Care

Lhasa apsos require a moderate amount of exercise every day, and consistent training and socialization are a must for a well-adjusted dog. Their grooming needs can be fairly high, depending on the length at which you keep their coat.

Exercise

These dogs don’t need too much exercise, and they are excellent lap dogs. Plan on around an hour of daily exercise for a Lhasa apso via walks, romping around in a secure area, playtime, dog sports, and other activities.

These dogs often will entertain themselves with toys to burn off some mental and physical energy, but they like being active with their humans as well. Puzzle toys are an especially good option to provide them with a mental challenge.

Grooming

The Lhasa apso’s coat will grow continuously and thus needs regular trims. For easier upkeep, some owners opt for a puppy cut in which the hair is clipped fairly close to the body (about 1-2 inches long). But it’s also common to see Lhasa apsos with a long coat parted down the middle that extends almost to the ground.

The short coat should be brushed at least weekly. And the long coat must be brushed daily to prevent tangles and mats. You can use a wire brush and rake-like comb to keep the coat smooth.

Plan to bathe your Lhasa apso roughly every other week, especially if you keep the coat long. Dog-safe conditioner or finishing spray can help to remove tangles. Be sure to brush out and dry the coat well after a bath.

Check your dog’s ears at least weekly for wax buildup, debris, and irritation. And look at their nails at least monthly to see whether they’re due for a trim. In addition, aim to brush their teeth every day, especially since these dogs can be prone to dental problems like underbites.

Training

Lhasa apsos are an intelligent breed. But they are only moderately easy to train due to their sometimes stubborn and strong-willed nature. They prefer interesting and varied, rather than repetitive, training sessions. And positive reinforcement methods, as opposed to harsh corrections, are a must.

Aim to start training from an early age to prevent bad habits from forming. And always be consistent with your commands. Likewise, start socialization from a young age to help quell the breed’s vigilant nature and wariness of strangers. Expose your dog to different people, other dogs, and various locations to boost their comfort level and adaptability. 

Common Health Problems

Lhasa apsos are generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Kidney dysfunction: This breed can inherit glomerular disease, a cause of chronic kidney disease. They can also be born with renal dysplasia, or abnormal kidneys.
• Dry eye: Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), this is when the cornea becomes dehydrated. Symptoms include excessive blinking, thick eye discharge, eye redness, and corneal ulcers. 
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This condition causes cells in the retina to degenerate, resulting in vision loss over time. Dogs can become blind because of PRA.
• Luxating patella: This is when the knee cap slips out of its groove. A dog may start limping, licking their knee, and keeping their knee bent.
• Hip dysplasia: This is an orthopedic condition that targets the hips, causing the joint to develop abnormally. Dogs with this problem experience pain and difficulty moving.
• Cherry eye: This is a prolapsed third eyelid. Your dog may paw at their eye, and you will see a red or pink bulge in their eye.
• Underbite: This is a type of malocclusion in which the lower jaw juts out too far. Dogs can have a snaggletoothed look.
• Allergies: Dogs can have allergic reactions to things in their environment, parasites like fleas, and even the food they eat. Look for signs of allergies, such as itchy skin and digestive issues, and consult a veterinarian for treatment.
• Dental disease: Check your dog’s teeth and gums often to look for signs of gum inflammation or plaque and tartar buildup. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily can help keep their mouth healthy.

Diet and Nutrition

Your dog should always have access to fresh water. And they should eat a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet. A diet that has a sufficient amount of protein and fat is important to maintain the breed’s thick skin and hair.

It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day to ensure you’re not overfeeding. But you should always discuss both the type of diet and the quantity with your vet to make sure you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Lhasa Apso

If you're looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $600 to $1,500 on average, though this can vary widely.

The Lhasa apso is a fairly popular dog breed, so it's worth checking animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home.

For further information to help you find a Lhasa apso, check out:

• The American Lhasa Apso Club
• Lhasa Apso Rescue
  

Lhasa Apso Overview

The Lhasa apso is an adorable little lap dog with a beautiful coat that needs consistent grooming. They’re fun to play with, and they’re loyal and protective. But because they can develop separation anxiety, it’s important to spend enough time with this dog every day. 

Pros of Lhasa Apsos

• Intelligent
• Low shedder
• Affectionate
  

Cons of Lhasa Apsos

• Requires lots of grooming
• Can be strong-willed
• Can be wary of strangers
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

As with any breed, if you think the Lhasa apso is the right dog for you, be sure to do plenty of research before bringing one home. Talk to Lhasa apso pet parents, reputable breeders, rescue groups, and veterinarians to learn more.

If you're interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Shih Tzu
• Silky Terrier
• Maltese

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!