Lhasa Apso
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General Description
The Lhasa Apso is a small breed, with a long, heavy, double coat, which in show dogs cascaded over the eyes and is draped over the entire body to the floor. They resemble a small version of the Old English Sheepdog. The Lhasa comes in a variety of colors, from gold, cream, and honey to smoke, dark‑grizzle and slate. Some Lhasas are multicolored, black or brown and white. The coat is straight, hard and heavy, and not silky. The Lhasa has small, dark eyes, deep-set rather than protruding, framed by heavy, feathered ears that extend past the chin and frame the round face and a medium-length muzzle. Show dogs will have a dark beard and mustache. The neck will have an abundant "scarf" of hair, the tail is feathered and curled over the back in a "screw."Their hair is red, white, brown, and tan.
Character
The Lhasa Apso is an intelligent and lively breed, and makes an excellent pet. They are very affectionate and devoted to their owners, but will not put up with rough handling from children, and indeed do not care for children in general unless they've been socialized with them from an early age. Obedience training should be started early. The Lhasa has a tendency to be stubborn, however, so this trait must be tolerated. They make excellent watch dogs, being suspicious of strangers, and are inclined to bark a great deal. They are dog-aggressive and prefer to be the only dog in the home.If you train a Lhasa Apso well, they will not only come to love you, but also their surroundings. Always try to be nice to a Lhasa and train it only in a calm nice manner. Never yell at a Lhasa. It takes not only patience but time to properly train this breed. The Lhasa Apso is a vigorous, energetic, personable, intelligent, little dog with more heart than the average dog. They are courageous and totally devoted to their family. The Lhasa Apso can live in an apartment or on a 300 acre ranch. It also can befriend a child with asthma that may never experience the joy of owning a pet, as they are hypoallergenic. Lhasa Apsos are intelligent and require a firm but gentle master. Lhasa Apsos do prefer living by their own rules but are extremely sensitive and enjoy pleasing their masters. Praise will go much farther than force or tough verbal correction as a Lhasa Apso can become stubborn if to much authority is applied. The Lhasa Apso has a wonderful temperament. Lhasa's are so intelligent that they can tell when you are home just by the sound of your car door shutting. If you are not feeling well your Lhasa Apso is always there to comfort you and is just happy being by your side. Their nature is that they aim to please. Lhasa Apso's are wonderful dogs for the obedience ring.
Size
9-11 inches
Weight
14-19 pounds
General Health
Renal dysplasia, an often‑fatal kidney ailment, can afflict the Lhasa. Hip dysplasia also occurs, but is not very common. The long coat must be kept free of parasites to ensure no skin problems. Hair around the ears should be trimmed to avoid infection. The ears need bi-weekly cleaning.
History
The Lhasa Apso was first bred in the sacred city of Lhasa, Tibet over two thousand years ago. The breed was used in temples and monasteries as a watchdog and were considered sacred, as it was thought that when the master died, his soul would enter that of the dog. The breed was able to spread to other countries thanks to the Dalai Lama, who presented them to visiting foreign diplomats. They became established in England in the early 1900s and the United States in the 1930s. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1935.
Maintenance
The coat of the Lhasa Apso pars at the spine and falls straight on either side. It will be easier to groom if you keep it cut short, however the coats of show dogs must reach the floor. These dogs must have their coats brushed once a day to keep from matting. Do not bathe, simply dry shampoo. Check the feet and end of the coat for matting, as well as foreign matter. The eyes and ears must be cleaned every day. This breed is an average shedder.Some dogs shed excessively, but most shed minimally. Owners will need to brush accordingly.
Ideal Environment
The Lhasa Apso makes an excellent pet for apartment living. They will run around the home and do not necessarily need a yard. They do like to be taken for long walks, and have the opportunity to run free in a safe and secure area.
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Little Lion Dog
Little Lion Dog...Yes, thats what they call this breed in Tibet where it originated. We had ours for 18 years; she was a family member. Very protective and territorial. Did not care much for mischevious children and strangers.
Pros: Small Size, light weight, family pet as well as guard dog in one
Cons: stubborn, long coat needs grooming to keep from tangling, cannot stand too hot climates
The Best Security and Company
Lhasa Apso Pets are the best security you can have. Small, loyal and they have a huge bark for their size. Lhasas are intelligent, loyal, and not at all con
Pros: Excellent temperament,loyal, healthy, low maintenance, sweet,
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Lhasa Apso
We had one who lived to be almost 17 human years! The vet wouldn't believe us when we told him that. We got him in October 1974 and died in August 1991. The vet explained that it was the affection that he got in the home that added to his life-span. He was trained well, was very good around visitors, especially children, and hardly had any temperament issues. He wasn't pampered very much, but we made sure that he felt like a part of the family at all times. He ate whatever we ate, was not encourage to climb on beds or even sofas, or enter the kitchen, he was never given food off the table especially when we were eating, but he was looked after like a child in the house. When he was unwell, my mother would rock him in her arms, and feed him each morsel with her own hands. He loved classical music and would snuggle close to my Dad when Dad was listening to good music. He's been gone almost 18 years and we still miss him. Bottomline: Love, affection, and genuine care and concern can lengthen the life of your pet considerably.
Pros: Very sociable, friendly, and trainable
Cons: Can be temperamental if not trained properly
Lhasa Apso
Love this breed for many years and the Father of my Eng Champion Midas became 21 years old! Still some of my first litters are alive, I know a lot Lhasa Apsos at the age of 17 -18 even 19 years old. It's a strong breed. You can visit my website to see my Lhasa Apso dogs if you like. www.el-minjas.com if you have any questions contact me. have a nice day Sylvia
Pros: Lovely temperament can be social, is friendly, and obedience
Cons: like all dogs needs discipline
Adorable and Amazing
My Lhasa Apso was the most amazing dog I have ever had. I used to have an American Bulldog/Pitbull but he was too big to keep. When I was looking for a dog, I clearly didn't know where to start. I knew that my family needed a small or medium dog, that would be not only a gaurd dog, but a loving and fun doggy. We looked through all kinds of dogs, from toy dogs, miniatures, pugs, beagles, etc... We found a poodle/daschund mix, but we weren't sure if it would turn out cute, and if it would be a gaurd dog. Then, we found an ad on a Lhasa Apso. They had a litter of puppies, and they were quite expensive. Their last one left, they were going to keep it, but decided they would give it away. We got a Lhasa Apso. We named him Max. Oh, my was he a beauty. He started out with this one western-ish cut, where his head was furry including his tail, and he looked like a lil cowboy. You really shouldn't have rodents like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rats... This breed was ment to hunt small rodents. Lhasa Apso's originated from Tibet, a long time ago, when they used to gaurd Temples in extremely cold whether. My puppy grew, we got soo attached, trust me once you have a pet like this you'd be very attached. And the best thing is, They have a long life span, they can live up to 26 or more years. He is still alive and only 2 years old. He is the most loving, and caring pet. He loves both cats and dogs, and loves humans. He hates rats, and he got rid of these rats in our shed, they never came back. There was also this huge rat in our neigborhood, it was always learking around the fences and once we got Max, from that day on, we never saw it again. He learned to sit and stay, he doesn't like to bring the ball, only have me chase him after it! He's extremely friendly, loyal, he's very good natured, very social, and highly intelligent. He has changed my life. He is an amazing gaurd dog when people are outside the house. But he loves people when they are inside our house and he can't wait to greet them. He is very funny when he wants to be, and always cuddles when people are petting him. He loves swimming, but hates bathes. He requires a lot of grooming, but we cut his hair, because we wouldn't be able to have it show style, only to a point where it would keep him warm in the winter. The best time to cut your dog if you want, would be in the summer. So if you are looking forward to a new puppy, please pick this breed, it will amaze you. Just be a good person, you can pamper it all you want. making it a ponytail would be perfect, if it's a girl. If you want a show dog, a gaurd dog, a loyal companion, or just a freind, this is the right pet. Just groom it well, take care of it and it will take care of you.
Pros: They're the best, loyal, loving, amazing, charming and funny companions.
Cons: They need a lot of grooming care, and you need to clean under their eyes.
Lhasas are Good Natured
I don't understand why people keep saying that Lhasa Apsos don't do well with other dogs? My Lhasa Apso adores other dogs including cats! He loves to meet new cats and dogs and is always running up to them and licking them. He is extremely outgoing, not loud, playful, loving. He only barks at strangers outside the house. But if someone is in the house with us, he only wags his tail and wants to greet the new person. Yes, even though a bit stubborn, and the King of the house, my Lhasa is extremely friendly, nice, and adorable. Lhasas are the best pets if you train them well.
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Many Lhasas ARE Playful
It is said that the Lhasa needs a firm, calm, and well behaved owner. But I've seen many Lhasa's that are extremely childish and playful! And NO not only when they are young. I've seen 12 year old Lhasa's playful. Yes they are stubborn, but my Lhasa always plays! There are many kids in our house and we always play with our Lhasa, he enjoys it! I don't think he wouldve like a calm owner. But of course each Lhasa has it's own personality and most are those calm kind. But don't think that just because everything tells you Lhasas need a calm person and no children, it's not true. Every dog wants some play. So if you're looking forward for a cute fluffy little companion, you should pick Lhasas, they are very intelligant and most are playful, if it's the envirnment they grow in, they will remain that way. No Lhasa will ever try to hurt you. Trust me, they are the best dogs ever!
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Lhaso apso
My beutiful Lhaso Apso Is AMAZING!! Her name is K.c. and she is as sweet as can be. Though sometimes I have problems but when I am sad she conforts me. She is a real joy, and by reading the reivews I can see other people like this dog, too.
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