Everything You Need to Know About the Lhasa Apso Dog
Are you considering adopting a Lhasa Apso rescue dog? If so, there are many things that you should know about this dog breed. These dogs are confident, smart, friendly, and often very comical, too.
Keep reading here to find out even more about the Lhasa Apso temperament, Lhasa Apso lifespan, and much more about this dog breed.
Important Characteristics About the Lhasa Apso Dog Breed
The Lhasa Apso dog breed is a small to medium-sized, non-sporting dog. When they are fully grown, they are usually between 10 to 11 inches and between 13 to 15 pounds. Regarding the Lhasa Apso lifespan, these dogs usually live to be at least 15 years old.
This hardy, small dog breed originated in the Tibet mountains. They have brown, almond or oval shaped-eyes. Their ears look like little feathered pendants. Their feet are cat-like and rounded. Their tail is feathered and has a bit of a kink on its end.
The Lhasa Apso has a double coat. It is long, straight, and dense. Sometimes, their coat goes down to the floor. There are many coat colors for the Lhasa Apso. Some colors that their coat can have include black and white, a brown mixture, smoke, slate, a dark honey-grizzle, cream, and gold.
Origins of the Lhasa Apso Dog Breed
Before adopting a dog, some people like to know where the dog breed they are interested in originated from. The Lhasa Apso dog breed goes back to the year 500. They originated in Tibet. Many people believe that the Lhasa Apso dog breed is a Pekingese ancestor.
Others believe that this dog breed is a descendant of the Lhasa Terrier because of how similar they look. They are only different in coloring and sizes. For a long time, when this dog breed first originated, they were only found in the homes of holy and wealthy men. There are stories of these dogs being kept in monasteries.
During the 1920s, they started showing up in Britain. Now, there is a Lhasa Apso Breed Club of America that has all sorts of information about the origins of this dog breed.
Friendly Nature for the Lhasa Apso Dog Breed
If you are looking for a friendly dog breed, the Lhasa Apso is a good choice. Originally, these dogs were bred for protecting and guarding. This is because they have great hearing and enjoy keeping watch. With this being said, these dogs are far from being aggressive.
They are so friendly, confident, funny, and smart. If you are confident and firm when training them, you will find that they become even more obedient and friendly.
It is always a good idea, to improve the Lhasa Apso temperament, to socialize your dog early on. They should be socialized regularly throughout their life, too. This will help them to continue being friendly toward you and others, as well.
If you want your Lhasa Apso rescue to continue being friendly, you should also make sure they are getting plenty of exercise. If they run off their energy, they are much more likely to be nice and friendly.
As long as you do these things, your Lhasa Apso should have a fun and loving personality.
Other Needs for the Lhasa Apso Dog Breed
There are a few other needs for the Lhasa Apso dog breed. Some of the things that you will need if you get this dog breed include the following:
- A veterinarian that your dog sees regularly
- High-quality food
- A dog hairbrush and toothbrush
- Gel toothpaste
- Heartworm and flea medications
- A leash and collar
- Good water and food bowls
- Plenty of toys for your dog to play with
- A dog bed
- A dog carrier
- A harness for when your dog is in the car
These are some of the other needs for the Lhasa Apso dog breed. Now that you know about these things, you have a better idea of how to care for this type of dog.
Choosing to Get a Lhasa Apso Dog
If you aren’t sure whether you should get a Lhasa Apso dog, hopefully, this extra information will help you to decide. Some of the other things that you may want to know about this dog breed include the following:
- Can do great in a smaller living area
- Long walks and regular playtime help to burn off their energy
- Regular brushing (recommended daily) helps to prevent tangles and matting
- Daily wiping around the eyes helps to keep their eyes clean
- Fairly healthy dog breed
Now that you have this information regarding the Lhasa Apso dog breed, you can determine whether it is the breed you want to have. If you do decide on this dog breed, they can be adopted at a shelter, rescue, by another owner, or by a breeder.
Conclusion
The Lhasa Apso dog is adorable. They are comical, smart, friendly, and great watchdogs. They can let you know when people are showing up at your house without being aggressive about it.
If you have been wanting to get a new dog that is small, but confident, this may be the dog for you. The Lhasa Apso temperament is perfect for many people who want an energetic, but friendly dog.
How long do lhasa apsos live?
If you are planning on getting a Lhasa Apso dog, it is helpful to know how long they live. The Lhasa Apso lifespan is usually between 12 and 14 years old. However, many factors affect how long any specific dog will live.
Is lhasa apso hypoallergenic?
Many people are hoping to get a hypoallergenic dog. The Lhasa Apso dog breed is small and considered hypoallergenic. This is because they rarely drool or shed. With this being said, it is important to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic.
How big does a lhasa apso get?
Before getting a Lhasa Apso, it is a good idea to know how big they will get. This dog breed usually gets to be between 10 and 11 inches tall. This is the height from the top of their shoulders to their feet. They usually weigh between 13 and 15 pounds.
Museum Educator and Living Historian, searching for employment
3yWe had a Lhasa Apso/Poodle mix who appeared on our patio one very cold and rainy February morning. She was feral, and by the time we FINALLY got our hands on her (she was four months old according to the vet), she had totally taken over our dog's house, the food, and our affections. She was quite the queen. Very, very selective in who she liked (fortunately, my now husband was among those very few. My grandfather was not, because he kept stealing her chair). When I moved (two blocks away, and I was at my parents' house every day), she snubbed me for a week. You have not lived until you've been snubbed by a Lhasa.