![\"Lhasa](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/lhasa-apso-700x525.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSo, if you\u2019re looking for a clever, big dog in a small package, look no further than the Lhasa apso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading and I\u2019ll tell you both the positive and negative traits of the breed. Then, you can decide whether it\u2019s a good fit for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve had three Lhasa apsos. Two were rescues who came to me with many behavioral issues. Ralphie, my current Lhasa, came from a reputable breeder as a puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are very independent dogs who need a firm but fair leader. If a Lhasa isn\u2019t trained regarding what\u2019s expected of him, he may easily take over a household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So You Want A Lhasa Apso?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The good, the bad, and the ugly. 24 facts about the breed.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Lhasa](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-41.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n1. Lhasa Apsos Are in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Nonsporting Group<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They are intelligent dogs with big personalities. Strong-willed and feisty, they are independent and wary of strangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1935, they were originally registered by the AKC as terriers. But, in 1959, they were registered in the Nonsporting group. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. They Don\u2019t Require a Lot of Physical Exercise But Are Hardy Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lhasas need a couple of walks and play sessions a day to stay fit. Unlike some small dogs such as shih tzus (who they\u2019re often mistaken for), they are hardy companions not couch potatoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can even accompany you on short hikes as long as they can rest and the temperature isn\u2019t extreme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And they love to burn off energy running around a fenced yard. So a Lhasa who gets the zoomies<\/a> will burn off some energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If their needs are met, though, they will settle in nicely with you while you binge-watch your favorite Netflix series. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their structure, they don\u2019t make good swimming<\/a> companions though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As intelligent companions, they need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. So provide them with enrichment activities<\/a>, including puzzle toys<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bored Lhasa can become destructive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas are tough cookies. For thousands of years, they were bred in monasteries as watch dogs and protectors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are named after the holy city in Tibet, Lhasa. There, he\u2019s known as \u201cAbso Seng Kye,\u201d which translates to \u201cBark Lion Sentinel Dog.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n With their big-dog bark, Lhasas remained inside. They would call the larger, Mastiff-type dogs who were outdoors to protect the territory in temples and monasteries in the Himalayan mountains<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hardy dogs, the Lhasa\u2019s dense double coat protected him from the intense heat and extreme cold in his native Tibet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They were considered sacred and weren\u2019t permitted to leave the country unless given\u2013in pairs\u2013by the Dalai Lama. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They were so valued that it was believed that when an owner died, his soul entered his Lhasa\u2019s body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 1933, the first pair of Lhasa apsos to enter the United States were given by the 13th Dalai Lama to noted explorer and naturalist C. Suydam Cutting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These became the foundation stock at Hamilton Farm, which Cutting owned in Gladstone, New Jersey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a low-maintenance breed, a Lhasa isn\u2019t for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a dense, double coat that constantly grows and requires daily brushing if kept long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use a pin brush<\/a>, slicker brush<\/a>, and greyhound comb<\/a>. If not properly groomed, a Lhasa can become a matted mess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can keep them in a puppy cut, which cuts down on maintenance. Even then, a quick brushing every other day is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And professional grooming is expensive if you don\u2019t know how to cut your Lhasa\u2019s hair yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the years, I\u2019ve learned how to cut my Lhasas\u2019 hair. Breeders and groomers I know taught me what grooming tools to purchase and techniques to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course there\u2019s a learning curve in the beginning. And there\u2019s the initial investment in clippers, scissors, brushes, combs, and nail clippers. But it\u2019s paid for itself many times over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Lhasa\u2019s beard should be groomed daily to be sure that it\u2019s clean. A bath every two weeks should suffice unless he gets dirty and requires an additional one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And make sure that the dog\u2019s thoroughly rinsed and brushed because even clean hair can mat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular nail trims every two weeks are required. Lhasas require their pet parents to regularly check and clean their ears to insure they don\u2019t get an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s crucial that you get a Lhasa used to handling as a young puppy. And he needs to learn to stand still for grooming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I teach this to all my dogs. Even the rescues who weren\u2019t accustomed to being groomed learned to enjoy or at least accept the process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But it took them more time to learn what was required because they came to me after years of not learning to be handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And get your dog used to having his teeth brushed with toothpaste made for dogs<\/a>. Daily brushing can help avoid dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas have hair, not fur, and aren\u2019t big shedders. Of course, you may find a loose hair occasionally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n No dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic. But, if you keep your Lhasa properly groomed, she will come close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas come in a wide variety of standard colors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also can come in the nonstandard colors of: blue, charcoal, gray, liver, and silver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They also can have the following markings: Black mask with tips, black tips, brindle, parti-color, sable, white markings, or sable with white markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas shouldn\u2019t be aggressive. But they are tough, independent characters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They may look like cute stuffed toys, with their long hair parted down the middle, curled tail over the back, and large, dark, oval-shaped eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But make no mistake about it, they are sturdy, robust dogs who will be protective and bark at strangers when necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasa fanciers say that the dogs have \u201cLhasa-tude.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They aren\u2019t friendly like goldens or labs. Instead, they take their watchdog heritage seriously and are naturally wary of strangers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So it\u2019s extremely important<\/em> to socialize<\/a> a Lhasa from puppyhood. He needs ongoing, lifetime socialization to new people and friendly dogs so that he doesn\u2019t become overly protective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s crucial that a Lhasa is consistently taught to accept others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas don\u2019t see themselves as small dogs. Quite the contrary: it\u2019s said when a Lhasa looks at his reflection in the mirror, he sees a lion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are compact dogs who can adapt to many situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get your Lhasa used to traveling when he\u2019s young so that he doesn\u2019t become car sick.<\/a> Then you can take him with you on your adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas often bond closely to one or two people in the family. But they should learn to accept everyone in the family and others who you accept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Lhasa is playful, charming, and comical with those he trusts. He entertains his human companions with his antics, which can include perching on the back of a sofa to be a sentinel who surveys all in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-bred, socialized, and trained Lhasa loves to go on adventures with his pet parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He loves to walk or you can train him to go along in a carrier<\/a> or carriage<\/a> made for the purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend walking Lhasas in a well-fitted harness<\/a> rather than a collar to avoid tracheal damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas adapt to their surroundings. But, because they tend to be protective barkers, it\u2019s important to train them to be quiet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where proper training and socialization comes in. A Lhasa needs to be able to discern friend from foe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And he needs to learn to ignore everyday sounds rather than bark an alert signal to normal noises and everyday interactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, he should be able to live even in attached housing and apartments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course no dog should be left alone unsupervised with children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Lhasa won\u2019t tolerate rough-housing or rough handling and may try to protect himself and bite if he believes that he\u2019s not being treated properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So I don\u2019t recommend Lhasas for toddlers, who aren\u2019t able to see the dog as a living creature. Lhasas need to be given their space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But they can be fine with older children who understand this and respect their boundaries. Lhasas generally prefer the company of adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you\u2019re looking for a dog like a golden who will often tolerate and enjoy rough play, a Lhasa isn\u2019t for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas can also be fine with other friendly dogs if properly socialized with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But be aware that a Lhasa believes that he IS A BIG DOG. And he is likely to believe that he\u2019s at the top of the pack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve had as many as six other dogs with my various Lhasas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Lhasa will choose which dogs he wants to befriend and generally just wants to ignore\u2013and be ignored by\u2013the others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Some live to be much older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n My rescued Lhasa Mikey lived to be about 13 years old. And my rescued Lhasa Linkin lived to the ripe old age of about 16 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They age gracefully and maintain a youthful appearance and attitude into their teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to get your Lhasa from a reputable breeder or rescue group<\/a>. Puppy mill<\/a> or back-yard breeder dogs are susceptible more than well-bred Lhasas to behavioral and health problems. Although they are generally a hardy breed, they are susceptible to some health problems, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although a Lhasa\u2019s muzzle isn\u2019t as flat as that of a shih tzu or pekingese, he still has certain issues because it is relatively short. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So get out your ear plugs if you have a Lhasa as they are prone to snoring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a short-muzzled breed, they are also prone to a reverse sneeze in which the dog snorts and gags for no more than a minute or two to clear mucus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though not harmful, a reverse sneeze is frightening to hear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of his flat muzzle and large eyes, he is also prone to eye injuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Working, watchdog Lhasas (as well as those shown in conformation) wear their long hair covering their eyes for protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But I keep my Lhasa\u2019s hair short on his head and out of the eyes to avoidant possible irritation from the hair itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Lhasa should not be left outside in the heat, as he can suffer from heat exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas are often difficult to house train<\/a>. But if you\u2019re consistent, a healthy Lhasa should be able to be trained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, with patience and persistence, I haven\u2019t met a healthy Lhasa who couldn\u2019t be reliably house trained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, some pet parents train them to use potty pads<\/a> for their convenience and in case they need to go to the bathroom when they\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were bred to be watchful and protective and to think independently. Because of this, Lhasas have an innate proclivity to be suspicious of new people and situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So early and ongoing socialization is crucial<\/a> or a Lhasa may become overprotective and aggressive. So get your Lhasa used to people, animals, and situations he will face in his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although he won\u2019t become friendly like a Lab, he should learn to discern friend from foe. And to accept other people and friendly dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be aware that he does have a high prey drive to other animals. So be sure that he\u2019s socialized to cats from puppyhood if he will be living with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasa apsos are extremely intelligent dogs. But they aren\u2019t biddable like some of the working and herding breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, the American Lhasa Apso Club states in its literature that the Lhasa is not a naturally obedient dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their goal in life isn\u2019t to make you happy. They were bred to be independent watchdogs who make their own decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So use psychology as well as your training skills. Make the training so much fun that the Lhasa believes that it was his idea. <\/em>By doing so, he will learn more quickly and readily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a Lhasa isn\u2019t trained, he can easily take over a household. If you don\u2019t provide and enforce rules, a Lhasa will take it on himself to run a house as he sees fit. And, believe me, you won\u2019t like his \u201crules,\u201d which will probably include that everything is his.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So teach him obedience cues<\/a> using a lot of positive reinforcement<\/a>. Lhasas train well with praise, treats, and play. Training helps set behavior limits and also builds a great bond with your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They don\u2019t do well with repetitive drills. So train in short sessions. Keep the training fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So learning new tricks should be a fun learning experience. Dance, beg, roll over<\/a>, and speak can be great party tricks to show off with a Lhasa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Lhasa who isn\u2019t properly bred, trained, and socialized can easily be subject to \u201csmall dog syndrome.\u201d He will think that he rules the roost and everyone there is present to serve him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also make sure that your Lhasa is taught not to guard places or items\u2013including you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All three of my Lhasas have learned not only basic cues but also advanced ones, including hand signals. And I\u2019ve taught them not to guard things, people, and areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All dogs need a reliable recall. But, because of their independent streak, it\u2019s often more work and crucial to teach a Lhasa that coming to you is not negotiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My current Lhasa, Ralphie, took longer than other breeds to learn that coming to me was essential\u2013not just a request. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I have to make it \u201cworth his while\u201d to come. This includes praise and special, high-value treats that he receives only when he comes to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas are prone to resource guarding more than some other breeds are. So teach them a drop or give cue as well as leaving something when told is important to be able to live in harmony with a Lhasa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My two rescued Lhasas, Mikey and Linkin, came to me as resource guarders. They would guard food. And Linkin also guarded space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had to counter-condition and desensitize their natural impulse to guard. It took months but it was worth it to be able to safely live with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although not the easiest breed to train, Lhasas can succeed in many ventures. They can excel at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas can even successfully compete in competitive obedience, though you won\u2019t see many representatives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, the first time I showed my Lhasa apso Mikey in AKC Novice class obedience in 2005, the judge exclaimed \u201cOh, a Lhasa\u201d as I entered the ring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mikey always placed in AKC Rally and Obedience\u2013with many first places and a High-in-Trial. And, when he showed, he was a top Obedience and Rally Lhasa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My Lhasa Ralphie received many first places in two classes of AKC Rally, and even ranked second nationally in the Nonsporting group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So a Lhasa can do well with patience and consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Personally, I love training them. They are highly intelligent. You just have to be creative and patient when teaching them new behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A well-bred Lhasa apso can cost from $1300 up, depending on location and whether the dog is pet or show quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although not one of the most popular breeds, they are popular. So make sure that you get one from a reputable breeder or rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It could be. If you get a well-bred Lhasa puppy from a reputable breeder and properly train and socialize her, they should get along well assuming your shih tzu is also friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also get a Lhasa from rescue. Just be sure that he or she is friendly with other dogs, and with your dog in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good rescues often have their dogs in foster homes and really get to know them. And they train and socialize them too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rescues usually have your dog meet the Lhasa you\u2019re thinking of adopting to make sure that it\u2019s a good fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then a Lhasa is probably not for you. Their hair constantly grows and requires daily grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if a Lhasa is kept in a puppy clip, regular grooming is still required\u2013though it will be easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you learn how to clip the dog yourself, professional grooming is usually pretty expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably not. Lhasas can be fine with older, respectful children if properly bred, socialized, and trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But a two-year-old won\u2019t realize that a Lhasa\u00a0 is a living creature and may inadvertently injure him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasas, more than some breeds, are likely to retaliate against harsh treatment and nip or bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lhasa apsos can be great companions for the right owner. They are loyal to their pet parents and can be playful clowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But they are independent dogs who are generally regally aloof with strangers. And they are high-maintenance and require regular grooming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you thinking about getting a Lhasa apso after reading this blog post?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you have Lhasa?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tell us about it in the comments section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a small portable dog who can accompany you everywhere, a Lhasa apso may be the right breed for you. They are…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":35522,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breeds"],"yoast_head":"\n3. They Have a History as Watch Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. They Require a Lot of Grooming, Which Is Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. They Aren\u2019t Big Shedders and Are \u201cHypoallergenic\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. They Come in Various Colors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
7. A Lhasa\u2019s Sweet Look Belies a Tough, Independent Temperament<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Lhasa](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-42-700x548.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n8. Lhasas Are Great Travel Companions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. They Are Small Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Lhasa](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-43-700x460.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
10. They Adapt To Living in the City, Country, or Suburbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. They Are Fine With Respectful Older Children and Friendly Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. They Have Long Lives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
13. Lhasas Are Prone to Some Health Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
14. They Are Prone To Certain Problems Because of a Short Muzzle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. They May Be Difficult To House Train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Lhasas Need Early and Ongoing Socialization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. They Require Firm But Fair Training from Puppyhood Throughout Their Lives or Can Take Over a Household<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. Teach a Reliable and an Emergency Recall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
19. Teach the Dog to Give Up or Leave Items on Cue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. They Are Versatile<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Lhasa](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-40.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
21. They Are Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
22. Lhasas are 86th in Popularity Out of 287 AKC Breeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
23. Fun Facts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
24. There Are Valuable Resources To Find a Great Lhasa Apso<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I have a shih tzu and am thinking about getting a Lhasa apso. Would it be a good match? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do Lhasas require a lot of grooming? I don\u2019t want to have to pay for professional grooming. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
My children are two and six years old. Lhasas are so cute. Would one be a good fit?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"So](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/so-you-want-a-lhasa-apso-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"