Lhasa Apso

Dog Breed Profile

Lhasa Apso History

The Lhasa Apso is a small, ancient, and distinctive Himalayan spitz-type Tibetan Terrier. The breed is named for the Tibetan city of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet in the first half of the 19th century. The Lhasa Apso is a very old type of dog, and is an ancient and distinctive member of the Spitz family of dogs. Although it is a Tibetan in origin, the Lhasa Apso was brought to Tibet from the Himalayas by Nepalese traders. The popularity of the Lhasa Apso increased in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it has become a popular family pet in the United States and Europe. The appearance of the standard modern version of the breed was standardized by the United Kennel Club in 1935, and the modern version of the Lhasa Apso was recognized as a separate breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1934.

Time of Origin

Ancient

Country of Origin

Tibet

Ancestry

English White Terrier

Lhasa Apso Physical Characteristics

The Lhasa Apso is a small, toy-sized breed of domestic dog of the Tibetan Terrier type. They are medium-boned, with a wedge-shaped head, large, erect ears, almond-shaped eyes and a black nose. The breed has a profuse, silky and flowing double coat of fur that comes in colors of fawn, black & white, silver-gray & cream, red, apricot, or liver (brown).

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Unknown

Coat Colors

Unknown

Height Range

Male Height Range: 10 – 11 inches

Female Height Range: 10 – 11 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 14 – 18 lbs

Female Weight Range: 12 – 14 lbs

Lhasa Apso Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

12-15 yrs

Lhasa Apso Health Concerns

Intervertebral Disc Disease, Urolithiasis, Eye Problems, Hydrocephalus, Eye Problems, Brachycephalic Syndrome

Lhasa Apso Temperament and Behaviour

The Lhasa Apso is a gentle, easygoing and devoted breed. They are devoted to their owners, but are wary of strangers. They love to cuddle and love to play games, but their small size makes them unsuitable for rough or outdoor play. They are very intelligent and are able to learn new tricks easily.

Lhasa Apso Activity Requirements

Lhasa Apsos are small, hardy little dogs that are often referred to as ‘barkless dogs’ due to their quiet nature. They are a low maintenance, but sociable, breed of dog that does well in homes with children. While they are not the most energetic of breeds, they do need moderate amounts of exercise. A daily walk around the block or a trip to the dog park is ideal for most Lhasa Apsos. A gentle, but playful, breed, Lhasa Apsos do great in families with children. While they are not high-energy, they do enjoy spending time with people. If you are looking for a relaxed, easy-going dog, the Lhasa Apso may be the right fit.