Lhasa Apso

Sacred Tibetan watchdog. Long-coated, alert, affectionate with family.

GroupNon-Sporting
OriginTibet
Weight5–8 kg
Height25–28 cm
Lifespan12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

The Lhasa Apso was bred over 1,000 years ago in Tibetan monasteries as an indoor sentinel β€” alerting monks to intruders. They were considered sacred and never sold; the Dalai Lama gifted Lhasas to honoured visitors. Today's Lhasa is a long-coated, alert little watchdog with deep family loyalty.

Temperament

Alert, watchful, affectionate with family, suspicious of strangers. Lhasas are independent and can be stubborn.

Exercise needs

30–45 minutes of daily walking plus indoor play.

Grooming

Floor-length coat needs daily brushing if kept long; most owners get a "puppy clip" every 4–6 weeks. Eyes need daily wiping.

Common health issues

Cherry eye. Patellar luxation. Hip dysplasia. Renal dysplasia. Brachycephalic features (mild).

πŸ‘ Best for

Apartment dwellers, retirees, families with older children.

πŸ‘Ž Not best for

Owners who can't commit to grooming or want a sociable greeter.

Products for Lhasa Apso owners

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