DogExpress
The Lhasa Apso dogs are known as easy keepers. They are an affectionate breed, and as individuals, they are good companions. However, this dog breed bred as a guard dog is somewhat stubborn and aloof sometimes. They are usually known to bark loud and sharp.
The males and females of the Lhasa Apso dog breed weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. At most, the male Lhasa Apsos can go up to 11 inches; for females, it is nine inches. They have long backs with naturally floppy ears. They need around 20 minutes of exercise each day.
They have average energy levels and can live between 12 and 14 years. They also have a low tendency to drool and snore. However, their tendency to bark is comparatively high. Also, they do not tend to dig a lot. Their attention and social needs are moderate.
They can be great companions and become their homes’ guardians wherever they live. They have long, straight coats and come in all colors you would expect in a dog. However, they have high grooming requirements.
The American Kennel Club categorizes them as non-sporting, and the UKC (United Kennel Club) states them companion dogs. However, these dogs live a long life, with many reaching their late teens.
Lhasa Apso is a small dog breed
So, as you would have guessed from the data above, Lhasa Apso is a small dog that we are talking about here. They are longer than they are taller. They carry their tails over their back and can hold up their heads proudly.
When these dogs have a full coat, they look almost the same from both ends. These dogs have round heads with all the hair surrounding them, and their ears hang down in graceful folds with long hair. As far as the Lhasa Apso is concerned, the coat is one of their distinguishing features.
It is dense, heavy, flowing, and long. When it comes to the face of the dog, the eyes might look hidden. It is due to a long stretch of hair that falls on the same.
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Then you have the long beard as well. They have slightly short muzzles, and this leads to an undershot bite. As we have said already, they come in all colors.
However, leonine shades such as wheaten, golden, and honey are the most popular. In the golden Lhasa Apsos, you have a bit of black at the tips of their ears.
Lhasa Apso Price
The price of a Lhasa Apso puppy varies from state to state or place to place as well as breeder to breeder. But, on average, the price of a Lhasa Apso puppy in India ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. A Lhasa Apso puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between $500 and $1,200 in the USA.
Lhasa Apso Personality
Remember that this dog breed was reared as a companion and a guard dog. Hence, they could be aloof with you if they do not know you. However, if they know you and trust you, they would be as affectionate as it gets with you.
However, they need to be guided and trained. Otherwise, their sharp alarm-like bark can be a nuisance in the truest sense of the word. They are also okay with a justifiable amount of socialization. However, they do need quite a lot in terms of human company.
It would be best to remember that they are not always good with other dogs. This dog breed needs to be socialized with other animals, dogs, pets, and people as early as possible, preferably when they are pups.
Some of these babies tend to be suspicious and can be rather snippy. However, when they are in the company of friends and family members, they can be lively to be silly.
Living with Lhasa Apso dog breed
As we have said already, these babies are easy keepers. However, if you do not give them the amount of exercise they want or if you shower them with too many treats, they could become obese.
Thankfully, since they are small, if you walk them a couple of times a day, it should be enough. In general, they are intelligent, but they tend to be stubborn and independent. Therefore, you must train them by being patient but firm.
You must ensure that you socialize them properly when they are pups, especially with other dogs. The same also applies to other animals as well as human beings.
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They are exceptional as watchdogs, and their bark is sharp and loud – almost like an alarm. They do well with children. But they need to be exposed to them earlier in their childhood.
Keep an eye on them when they are with kids. These dogs live long as well! The longest is a breed champion who lived till 29 years old!
History of Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is an ancient dog breed developed in Tibet by combining the Tibetan terrier with local herding dogs. These dogs were just like the former. When Tibet converted to Buddhism in the seventh century AD (Anno Domini), they became the most popular breed.
It is said that Buddha held powers over lions. Hence, the Lhasa Apsos are referred to as lion dogs. Thanks to their full coat, leonine colors, and a full coat of hair. It is also widely believed that Lamas or Tibetan priests would reincarnate as Lhasa Apsos if they could not attain Nirvana.
The Dalai Lamas had them as pets and gifted them to guests of honor. When the Lhasa Apsos were sent to China, they used them to breed the Pekingese and Shi Tzu breeds. Since the Lhasa Apsos had a sharp bark and were alert individuals, they make great guard dogs.
When they first went to Europe and North America, the people confused and bred them with Shih Tzus. Perhaps, they also did this with Tibetan Terriers. However, by the 1930s, they were separated even as standards of distinguishing them were drawn.
in Chandigarh, India. 
