Lhasa Apso    

(Non-Sporting Group)

Height: 10 - 11" (females may be slightly smaller)

Weight: 13 - 15 lbs.

Life expectancy: 12 - 14 years

History        

Origin

The Lhasa Apso origin has been long lost: It is an ancient breed bred and revered in the villages and monasteries of Tibet. The breed takes its name from the sacred city of Lhasa. Its history is intertwined with Buddhist beliefs, one of which was reincarnation.  They believed the souls of llamas entered the sacred dog's bodies upon death, thus imparting an added reverence for the Lhasa. The Lhasa also performed the role of monastery watchdog, sounding the alert to visitors. 

For at least 2000 years, the breed was only bred in Tibet by nobles and holy men. The Lhasa was considered sacred and was used as a watchdog in temples and monasteries, and, for when its master died, his soul was thought to enter the Lhasa Apsos body. Although they were thought to bring good luck to their owners, Lhasa Apsos were virtually impossible to buy. Happily these very precious dogs, and the equally prized Tibetan Terrier, spread to other parts of the world, mainly because the Dalai Lama. Tibet's ruler would present them to visiting foreign diplomats. The breed was first seen in Britain in the 1920's and was introduced to the US in the 1930's. 

The Tibetan breeds are more obviously the products of nature. Many breeds are obviously man made, showing little evidence of natural selection for a particular environment. There are four recognized Tibetan breeds. Of these, the Lhasa Apso most clearly displays the "Made in Tibet" stamp. 
The Lhasa Apso is a faithful companion dog that serves its master or mistress with dedication and loyalty.
Originating on the high plateau of Tibet, the Lhasa apsos were bred to be guard dogs of the aristocratic household.
In Tibetan language the Lhasa is called "Abso Seng Kye" which means "barking sentinel lion dog" - an appropriate name indeed! A Lhasa is a hearty little dog, capable of thriving in almost an environment or climate. They are well suited and content to being an indoor dog, and will bring a complimentary mixture of companionship and watchfulness to their household. The Lhasa Apso was accepted for registration by the American Kennel Club in 1935. 

The Lhasa Apso was originally shown in the Terrier Group, then reassigned to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959. 

Description

The Lhasa Apso has a long, heavy, double coat, draping over his entire body to the floor. This shaggy little dog looks like a small version of the Old English Sheepdog. Gold, cream, and honey are the most popular colors, but the coat also comes in smoke, dark-grizzle, slate and a multi-color assortment of brown, white & black. The coat is straight, hard and heavy, but not silky. The hair should cascade from the head over its eyes. It should have a dark beard and mustache, and a muzzle that is medium-length, but not square. It has small, dark, deep-set eyes and heavy feathered ears. Its neck has an abundant scarf of hair and its tail is feathered and carried over its back.

Temperament

Despite

Character

The Lhasa is GAY AND ASSERTIVE, BUT CHARY OF STRANGERS.
This is a hardy dog with a friendly, assertive, manner. Intelligent and lively, it makes a good pet, but it is naturally suspicious of strangers. Lhasa Apsos are spirited and devoted. These little dogs are affectionate with their masters, but they will not tolerate rough or badly behaved children. Some are willful and some are very obedient to their masters. This breed responds to motivational training. It should have a dominant owner. They are good watchdogs with a loud, persistent bark, which gives the impression to intruders of a much larger dog. The breed can be noisy and may be too nervous around children and strangers. They are inclined to fight if they are not the only dog in the house. They have a fine sense of hearing. These little dogs travel well . Lhasa Apso bitches make good mothers. They dislike being alone and can be snappish if surprised or peeved.

Upkeep

The Lhasa is not suited to living outdoors. Its long coat needs brushing and combing every other day. the Lhasa is an active dog, but its relatively small size makes it possible to meet its energy needs with short walks or vigorous play sessions in the yard or in even in home. 

Colors

ALL COLORS EQUALLY ACCEPTABLE WITH OR WITHOUT DARK TIPS TO EARS AND BEARD.
No particular color confers a survival advantage to a domestic animal. The strong sunlight in Tibet does make dark eye and nose pigment favorable, as it sunburns less easily.

Coat

There is some misunderstanding of the term "of good length". The standard is not asking for a perfectly trimmed coat dragging on the ground, or even floor length. The standard is requesting evidence that this is a longhaired dog, which is longhaired all over and not in a pattern like an Afghan. To penalize a dog for its youth or lifestyle, or because of the inexperience of its groomers, will never improve the breed. In fact, the practice of rewarding over grooming is detrimental to the health and well-being of the animals, some of whom literally spend their lives sitting on tables or in crates so they will not break a hair. But the Apso is a watch dog and companion, not an ornament. A dog exhibiting a good quality of coat, with sufficient length to demonstrate its allover pattern, even though it has some chewed or broken spots from rough play and outdoor exercise, is much to be preferred to an impeccably presented animal with an immense coat of improper type.

Body Shape

THE LENGTH FROM THE POINT OF SHOULDERS TO POINT OF BUTTOCKS LONGER THAN HEIGHT AT WITHERS, WELL RIBBED UP, STRONG LOIN WELL DEVELOPED QUARTERS AND THIGHS.
The Lhasa has evolved the body shape that enables him to survive in Tibet. He is of necessity a rectangular dog. Heat conservation demands two things: that muscle mass be maximized for heat production, and that appendages be kept as short as possible to minimize heat loss. A rectangular outline allows heat conservation and also the needed length of body to accommodate large lungs for respiration at high altitude.

Gait

While the standard is silent on the subject of movement, the environment dictates an efficient and economical gait, a trait shared by of other mountain animals. At home, as a companion and guardian, the Lhasa likes to perch on a high wall where he can watch for intruders. However, when traveling with his human, the Lhasa Apso is quite capable of covering long distances over rocky mountain passes, running ahead of the slower yaks and horses. He proceeds by leaps and bounds, picking his way slowly where necessary, and galloping for short stretches. 
When the Apso does trot, we want to see the most economical gait possible. The typical trot of a wild canine represents the most efficient ground covering gait. These animals all single-track. Some Apso, with their slightly shortened legs, and greater relative mass, may not achieve a perfect single track, but we do not want to see a wide-based bouncing or rolling gait more typical of Chinese breeds.

Life-Expectancy

About 15 or more years. This breed is very long-lived. Some dogs live up to 18 or more years. 

Height Weight

Height: Dogs 10-11 inches (25-28cm.) a little less for Bitches
Weight: Dogs 13-15 pounds (5.9-6.8kg.) 

Health Problems

Generally a very healthy dog. Sometimes they have skin problems if the coat is not kept free of parasites. They do have a slight tendency to get hip dysplasia. Also kidney problems and eye problems. 

Exercise

Although they love to walk and scramble about, they will be fitter and happier if given regular opportunities to run free and play, A Lhasa Apso does not demand much exercise.