Lhasa Apso Puppies

The Lhasa Apso has a unique personality with a range of different traits. While happy and playful, these dogs are also bold and independent. They are very protective of their families and devoted to guarding their homes. Because of their history as a watchdog, Lhasa Apsos are naturally suspicious of strangers. They will only befriend someone once they know that the individual poses no threat. Training a Lhasa is a bit difficult because of their independent nature. They like to be the "top dog," and will quickly think that they rule the house if not trained properly. The ideal Lhasa owner is firm but kind.

Lhasa Apsos are generally healthy but could be prone to Cherry Eye, Patellar Luzation, Allergies, Sebaceous Adenitis, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia.

Lhasa Apsos have a moderate energy level and should receive at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. They are great at self-exercising and will often get their energy out by running around the house or playing in the yard. They also require mental stimulation, and games and tricks should be incorporated into their exercise as often as possible.

Their gorgeous, dense coat is time-consuming to maintain. Daily brushing or combing is necessary as well as frequent bathing every 2-4 weeks. You can trim the coat down to make it easier to maintain, but their beautiful coat is one of the many reasons to adopt a Lhasa Apso!

The Lhasa Apso is a light shedder and is considered hypoallergenic. Because they shed lightly, this breed is a good fit for people with allergies.

Lhasa Apsos are tall and short with a long and straight coats. Their coat varies in color but is most commonly found in black, grey, cream, white, and brown colorings. Their fur hangs over their face and often covers their small, alert eyes.

The Lhasa Apso is one of three dog breeds that originated in Tibet during ancient times. In fact, the recorded history of the Lhasa goes as far back as 800 B.C. At the time, Lhasa Apsos were kept exclusively by people of nobility. The breed was considered good luck and was used to guard temples and monasteries. Lhasa Apsos were not even allowed to leave the country unless they were given as gifts by the Dalai Lama, which is how the breed first came to the United States during the 1930s. The 13th Dalai Lama gifted two Lhasas to C. Suydam Cutting, a world traveler and naturalist. Cutting brought the dogs back to his farm in New Jersey, and the rest is history. Not long after being brought to America, the Lhasa Apso was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935.