6 Fun Facts About the Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso are energetic, tend to get along well with children, & make great family pets. Here are a few more fun facts about the Lhasa Apso:
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Breed Characteristics
Average Size: Small
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes
Registry: aca,akc
Activity Level: moderate
Shedding Level: moderate
Grooming Level: high
Trainability: moderate
Good For Novice Owners: high
Adaptability: high
Prey Drive: high
Watchdog: very alert
Breed Information
Overview
Shoulder height: 9-11 inches. Weight: 12-16 lbs
The Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed that originated in the Himalayan Mountains a thousand years ago. They were the luxuriously-coated interior sentinels and guardians of palaces and Buddhist monasteries. The dog breed got its name from Tibetan folklore.
According to Tibetan folklore, a mythical Snow Lion is the protector of the country. The Lhasa Apso, also known as a “bearded lion dog” is considered the earthly representation of this mythical protector. Lhasa is also the name of Tibet’s sacred city. That paired with Apso, which means “long-haired dog”, gives the Lhasa Apso its name.
They also have been associated with the Dalai Lama for centuries. A naturalist who traveled the world named Suydam Cutting is credited with establishing the Lhasa Apso in the United States from dogs bred and gifted by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. The American Kennel Club recognized the Lhasa Apso in 1935 as a member of the Terrier Group. They were reassigned to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959. They tend to be most commonly found living as beloved family companions and can also be found working as therapy dogs.
Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is a small dog with a big personality. They are intelligent and confident with a comical disposition. They get along well with children and other pets and love their families. They tend to be open, affectionate, loving, and playful with their families and more reserved with strangers.
Due to their protective instinct, they can be initially wary and suspicious of strangers, particularly those that come onto their property uninvited. Proper socialization and training early on can help your Lhasa remain confident while being more open to those outside their family and also helps them grow into a well-rounded, and often well-behaved, dog.
Did You Know?
Lhasa Apso and Tibetan Mastiffs usually worked together to guard Tibetan dwellings. Mastiffs usually served outside while Lhasas served inside.
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