Lhasa Apso

 

Briefly about the breed

• The Lhasa Apso is an old, long-haired dog from Tibet, known as “The Bringer of Good Luck from the Roof of the World”.
• It thrives both as an active travel companion and as a cuddly companion.
• The breed is independent and has its own personality, while also being happy and confident.
• The Lhasa Apso has a long lifespan and can live up to 14-15 years.
• The breed requires regular grooming due to its long, dense coat.

Personality and characteristics

The Lhasa Apso is known for its independent nature and strong personality. Although it is small in size, it has a big heart and a strong will. It is often described as brave, intelligent, and loyal to its family. These dogs have a natural distrust of strangers and will usually be reserved when meeting new people. They can be good watchdogs and will alert their family if there are strangers or anything unusual happening around the home. The Lhasa Apso is also known for being assertive and tends to be less dependent on its owners than some other breeds.They can be a bit headstrong and proud, and sometimes they will challenge authority. Early socialization and proper training are therefore important to ensure a balanced and well-behaved dog. Although they are independent, Lhasa Apso dogs are also very loving and devoted to their closest people. They thrive on attention and like being part of the family. Many owners describe them as cuddly and attached.The Lhasa Apso is a versatile breed that can adapt to different lifestyles. They can be happy with short walks and play in the garden, but they can also be energetic and active when encouraged to do so. They enjoy being with their family and will enjoy participating in various activities.

Fur care and health

One of the most famous characteristics of the Lhasa Apso is its long, dense coat. The fur requires regular care to avoid tangles and keep it healthy and beautiful. Daily brushing is recommended to keep the coat free of tangles and to remove loose hair. Many owners also choose to cut their fur short to facilitate maintenance. It is important to note that the Lhasa Apso breed can be prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health challenges include eye problems, hip dysplasia, allergies, kidney stones and respiratory problems. Early detection and regular veterinary checks are therefore important to ensure good health for the breedHistory The Lhasa Apso, known as “The Bringer of Good Luck from the Roof of the World”, originates from the high plains of Tibet, a country bordering India and China. This ancient, long-haired dog has for several hundred years been a faithful guard and companion dog in Tibetan temples and homes before it became known in the West. The name Lhasa, which means “City of the Gods”, refers to the capital of Tibet, where breeding of the breed found place, especially with the god-king Dalai Lama in his palace, the Potala. “Apso”, the second part of the name, has several possible meanings, such as “goat-like” because of the shaggy coat, “long-haired” or “completely covered with hair”, or even “warning dog”. Tibetan sources also refer to the dog as “Abso Seng Kye”, which means long-haired or barking lion dog. The Lhasa dogs have adapted to the harsh climate of Tibet, with cold winters, hot summers and large temperature variations. Their long, dense fur protects them from the elements, and the hair around their eyes and between their toes provides extra protection.Despite the harsh conditions, the breed is robust and has an impressive lung capacity. Strong legs, good physical condition and free movement were necessary to survive in the high mountain country. The breed’s history goes back at least 800 years BC, based on historical accounts from Tibetan monasteries. However, Tibet has been a remote and closed country to the West, and after the Communist invasion of Tibet in 1950, many of the historical records were probably destroyed. However, it is believed that some of the best lhasa apso dogs were taken with the Dalai Lama in exile in India. In the Tibetan religion, Buddhism, the symbolic lion played an important role as guardian of the temples and holy places.Tibetan artwork often shows stylized lion figures. The Tibetans compared the small, long-haired dogs to lions, even though they had never seen a lion in reality. Lhasa Apso dog lying next to a meditating monk or guarding the entrance to a temple. This helped create a mythical and spiritual aura around the breed. In the West, the Lhasa Apso was first introduced in the early 20th century, when a few dogs were given as gifts to British and European diplomats and travelers visiting Tibet. The breed quickly became popular with dog owners who were fascinated by its unique appearance, history and personality.In 1933, the first Lhasa Apso was imported to the United States, and in 1935 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since then, the Lhasa Apso has become a well-known and loved breed all over the world..

The breed club

With proper training, socialization and care, the Lhasa Apso can be a wonderful companion and a beloved member of the family. We recommend you contact the breed club for more information.Good luck with your new little friend!Offensive Sources: Dyrebar , Wildlife