The Lhasa Apso originates from Tibet where it has been bred since 800 BC as an indoor guard dog. It was also used as a sentinel in the temples and monasteries, announcing strangers or intruders with a keen bark. Lhasa was the capital of Tibet, and "apso" is thought to come from a term originally meaning "barking-lion sentinel dog". These dogs, considered to be vessels of good luck, were never bought and sold but were given freely as gifts or tokens of appreciation. It is in this manner that the breed slowly found its way around the world. In fact the first Lhasas to appear in the States were gifts presented by the Dalai Lama to American friends.
Temperament
Bred as an indoor watchdog for over 2000 years, the Lhasa by nature is wary of strangers but is friendly and open with those he knows and loves. He is keen, alert, and loyal. They can be very independent pets, and quite enjoy their own company, they often find things to amuse themselves.
Upkeep
The Lhasa is an active dog, but its relatively small size makes it possible to meet its energy needs either with short walks or vigorous play sessions in the yard, or even home. It makes a fine apartment dog. It is not suited for outdoor living. The long coat needs brushing and combing every other day. With pets, I strongly advise my puppy owners to have their dogs clipped down quite short. It is much easier to maintain the coat, and makes the grooming sessions much more pleasant for all. Their hair keeps on growing, so to keep it in a 'puppy clip' (about 1 1/2 ins long) is a great length to be able to work with. It would need to be clipped down approx every 6 to 8 weeks, and a proffessional Groomer is used to working with these cute little fur babies.
Micellaneous
Lhasas make wonderful pets, they are very clean around the house, and easily trained. They are agile enough to take for a walk, but if you don't want to do that, they are quite happy to play around the yard.
They will be 'on guard' if any strangers come, but easily make friends, although perhaps a bit stand-offish at first.
NZKC Breed Standards , Back
CHARACTERISTICS
The Lhasa Apso should give the appearance of a well-balanced, solid dog. Gay and assertive, but wary of strangers. Free and jaunty in movement.
Head and Skull
Heavy head furnishings with good fall over the eyes, good whiskers and beard. Skull moderately narrow, falling away behind the eyes in a marked degree, not quite flat, but not domed or apple shaped. Straight fore face, with medium stop. Nose black. Muzzle about 1.5 inches long, but not square. The length from tip of nose to be roughly one-third the total length from nose to back of skull.
Eyes
Dark. Medium sized eyes to be frontally placed, not large or full, or small and sunk. No white showing at base or top of eye.
Ears
Pendant, heavily feathered. Dark tips an asset.
Mouth
Upper incisors should close just inside the lower, i.e., a reverse scissor bite. Incisors should be nearly in a straight line. Full dentition is desirable.
Neck
Strong, well covered with a dense mane which is more pronounced in dogs than in bitches.
Forequarters
Shoulders should be well laid back. Forelegs straight, heavily furnished with hair.
Body
The length from point of shoulders to point of buttocks greater than height at withers. Well ribbed up. Level top-line. Strong loin. Well balanced and compact.
Hindquarters
Well developed with good muscle. Good angulation. Heavily furnished. The hocks when viewed from behind should be parallel and not too close together.
Feet
Round and cat-like, with good pads. Well-feathered.
Tail
High set, carried well over back and not like a pot-hook. There is often a kink at the end. Well feathered.
Coat
Top coat heavy, straight and hard, not woolly or silky, of good length. Dense under-coat.
Colours
Golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, white or brown.
Size
Ideal height: 25.4 cm (10 in) at shoulder for dogs; bitches slightly smaller.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Lhasa Apso History , Back