These small dogs are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It is believed they were bred more than 2500 years ago. Before being introduced to the Western world, they were used as companions and watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries for centuries. Today, Lhasa Apso is a great family dog. They are aloof with strangers but very affectionate and loyal to their owners. 

1. Size

Lhasa Apso is a small dog. Both males and females can be up to 11 inches tall (27 cm) and weigh 12 to 18 pounds (5 to 8 kg). Male dogs are usually slightly bigger than female dogs. Even though this is a small dog, they are sturdy and well-balanced. The body is muscular with well-developed hindquarters and loins, balanced and compact.

2. Color

The Lhasa Apso comes in many coat color variations. From golden, black, and slate to black and white, red, and blue. There are also many coat masks and markings, such as black tips, brindle, sable, parti-color, etc. Some examples are in the pictures below.

3. Social Traits

The Lhasa Apso is a great companion dog. They love to be close to their owner, they love affection and pampering. The breed was bred to be a companion dog and that’s what they do best. Apart from that, Lhasa Apso is a great watchdog. This means they will bark to let you know there is something or someone suspicious at the door.

Lhasa Apso goes well with children but this dog breed is not too patient when it comes to the youngest members of the family. If they get bored or feel threatened with too much attention from a small child, they might bark, snap, or try to nip the child. They are not aggressive, and this is a typical “leave me alone” reaction. However, this can cause some children to get scared and parents to think a dog is not friendly.

Lhasa Apso also needs proper socialization when it comes to other dogs. You might have noticed how smaller dogs often have the biggest personalities. Well, Lhasa Apso is no different. To avoid any unnecessary confrontations, it is advised to socialize Lhasa Apso dogs from their puppyhood. 

It goes the same for other animals. They need socialization that never stops, even when they grow into well-mannered and calm adults. It is because they are naturally protective and might get too nervous around anything that wants to disturb their peace or the peace of their beloved human.

Good with children: yes, needs socialization

Good with dogs: needs socialization

Good with other animals: needs socialization

4. Trainability

Similar to other small dogs, the Lhasa Apso can also start thinking he is the boss and that he doesn’t need to do what you want. This means training them can be a bit challenging. However, every dog can be trained. It all depends on how much time and patience you have.

Keep the training sessions short and fun. Don’t use punishment or negative reinforcement, but positive reinforcement. Use their favorite treat or a toy as a reward. And, make sure your dog is not bored before starting the training. A dog with no mental and physical stimulation won’t do your bidding. They’ll find everything else more interesting.

5 Activity Needs

They don’t require too much daily exercise, but they need enough to stay well-behaved. Up to one hour a day is enough. You can combine walks and indoor games. A good option is to divide the one hour into a 30-minute walk in the morning and the other 30 minutes in the evening.

Giving your dog some toys will enrich their everyday experience. There are numerous games and toys for dogs to give them mental stimulation, but the best option is taking your dog for a walk and letting them explore the world. Of course, safety first. That’s why we should always keep a dog on a leash when walking through a crowded area. 

6. Feeding

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog. They don’t need too many cups a day. Generally speaking, an adult Lhasa Apso needs up to 1 cup of kibble food a day. How much food a dog needs depends on factors such as health, age, and activity levels. 

In most cases, Lhasa Apsos will need around 0.5 cups a day, but if you notice your dog always asks for more food (not human but dog food) and he’s not gaining weight, you can give them 1 cup a day. The best option is to divide the amount into two meals – one in the evening and one in the morning.

If you have any troubles or questions regarding feeding your dog, the best option is to consult a vet. They can examine your dog and give advice on the best diet.

7 Grooming

The Lhasa Apso has a long and silky coat. They need regular grooming, from brushing to bathing. Generally speaking, they need a bath every 2 weeks and everyday brushing if you want to keep the coat shiny and healthy. The good thing is that they shed minimally. This makes them hypoallergenic.

There are two options when it comes to the length of their fur. You can choose a puppy cut or a full-length. Either way, you need to brush them regularly to avoid matting. It is important to rinse the fur thoroughly after bathing. It is equally important to dry the fur each time. Wet or moist fur is more susceptible to matting.

8. Possible Problems

The Lhasa Apso is generally a healthy dog. Responsible breeding is the key to maintaining a healthy breed. However, as with any other dog, they can also have some health issues. The most common for the breed are:

• Luxating patellas
• Atopy 
• Cherry eye
• Kidney problems (hereditary disease) 

Lhasa Apso has a long lifespan, usually around 14 or 15 years. Regular vaccinations, responsible breeding, and mental and physical stimulation help keep the dog healthy and minimize the risks of developing health issues. 

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a small companion dog suitable for living in the apartment, the Lhasa Apso is a great choice – if you don’t mind the grooming. They are hypoallergenic which means people with allergies won’t have a problem with this breed, but they require a lot of work to keep the fur healthy. 

But, if you don’t mind spending your time or money on grooming, they will make amazing, loyal, and affectionate family pets. They will also act as great watch dogs because of their natural aloofness towards strangers.

Keep in mind that they are not too patient and are better suited for older children than young ones. Lhasa Apso is not an aggressive dog, but can and will tell anyone they’ve had enough.

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