Small Dog Breeds

Information About The Lhasa Apso Dog Breed

The Lhasa Apso has a long and low sturdy body. He has a short muzzle and a long, straight, and absorbent coat that sheds and has a tendency to get malodorous unless it is kept dry. Like the Tibetan Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel, the Lhasa Apso originated from the mountains of Tibet. He is a small and shaggy dog that slightly resembles a miniature Old English Sheepdog. He is affectionate, assertive, confident, hardy, an excellent show dog, and a wonderful pet. He is good with children, though he does not like roughhousing and will not tolerate those whom he sees as competitors for attention. He is a willful, independent, and often discriminating breed that is a skilled watchdog and naturally suspicious of strangers. Because he has been pampered for centuries, this dog has developed a dominant and narcissistic attitude that sometimes makes him diffucult to train. As an owner, you must clearly establish yourself as the leader of the pack to be able to gain control of this breed. Training technique should be firm, consistent and patient from the start. Tantrum and aggressive faints are common tactics that this breed uses to avoid learning or obeying a command. If you spoil a Lhasa Apso, he will take over the household and becomes nippy, bossy, and extremely antisocial. This breed has been known to bond closely on just 1 or 2 persons and gets extremely possessive of his owner. Socialization is very important from puppy hood to prevent territorial aggression.

Size: The Lhasa Apso stands at about 9-11 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 12-15lb, with the female slightly smaller than the male.

History and origin: He is an ancient Tibetan breed and was first used as a watchdog. He was first known as a Bark Lion Sentinel Dog. His job was to alert the large mastiff-type dogs whenever strangers approached. The Dalai Lama of Tibet offered this dog to the Chinese emperors. This breed existed for centuries in the Tibetan mountains until he was brought to Europe and other parts of the world by early explorers and missionaries. The word lhasa apso mean "goat-like" and was perhaps named as such because he used to guard and protect the wild goats of Tibet. He was first seen at a European show in 1929.

Feeding: The recommended feeding for this breed is ½ -1can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with equivalent amount of biscuit added with each meal or 1 ½ cupfuls of complete dry food.

Exercise: The Lhasa Apso is an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise.

Grooming: His long coat was developed to help insulate him against the cold Tibetan weather. He requires daily brushing and combing to prevent his coat from matting. A shorter pet clip is easier to keep and is popular among Lhasa owners.

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