| Lhasa Apsos: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Lhasa Apso personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Lhasa Apso, including these excerpts:
"Too many people buy a Lhasa Apso puppy based on his friendly antics, envisioning a cuddly lapdog.
In truth, the adult Lhasa Apso is one of the hardiest, toughest, and strongest willed of all the small breeds. It is said, "When a Lhasa Apso looks in the mirror he sees a lion."
Though he can be playful, he also carries himself with regal dignity. Rather calm and deliberate in nature, he makes a mannerly house dog IF you can establish a relationship of mutual respect -- i.e., admiring his independent character while consistently enforcing your rules so that he respects you as well.
The AKC Standard, showing great restraint, calls the Lhasa Apso "chary with strangers." Indeed he is. With his acute senses, keen observation skills, and distrust of anything new or different, he takes his watchdog responsibilities seriously -- some individuals are not just "all bark" and may be very willing to bite.
Lhasa Apsos need early socialization with people to ensure that they don't become too sharp. They can be bossy and jealous with other animals.
Very smart, but also dominant and manipulative, the Lhasa Apso is a challenge to train. They cannot be forced to do anything, nor will they meekly accept harshness or teasing. Training methods that emphasize food and praise will be met with much more cooperation. Housebreaking may take a while."
History
In his native Tibet, the Lhasa is called "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog." In monasteries and palaces around the sacred city of Lhasa, he barked vigorously when strangers approached. Apso means "longhaired dog."
Size
10-11 inches and 12-18 lbs |
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Lhasa Apsos
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is small, yet very sturdy, long-bodied and short-legged
- Has a long coat that comes in many colors and patterns
- Is one of the strongest-minded and strongest-willed of all small breeds
- Can be playful, yet also carries himself with dignity and is rather calm and deliberate in nature
- Makes a mannerly house dog
- Doesn't need a lot of exercise
- Makes a keen watchdog
A Lhasa Apso may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Suspiciousness toward strangers
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Lots of brushing and combing
- Slowness to housebreak
- Tendency to retaliate against firm corrections or teasing
- Quite a few health problems
A Lhasa Apso may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Lhasa Apso... |
My major concerns would be:
- Suspiciousness. Without careful socialization, Lhasa Apsos may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some Lhasa Apsos go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
- The strong temperament. Lhasa Apsos have an independent mind of their own and are definitely not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and many are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Lhasa Apso to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Lhasa Apso Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a Lhasa Apso, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, they are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on any Lhasa for a correction.
| I do NOT recommend Lhasa Apsos for small children. Many Lhasa will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many Lhasas are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of hair or stepping on their paw). Many Lhasas are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children. |
- All the grooming. Without frequent brushing, Lhasa Apsos become a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, and healthy.
- Housebreaking problems. Lhasa Apsos tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training before you see results.
- Serious health problems. From kidney problems to skin problems, Lhasa Apsos can be risky in the health department.
| Not all Lhasa Apsos are alike! |
- There are energetic Lhasas, and placid Lhasas.
- Hard-headed Lhasas, and sweet-natured Lhasas.
- Serious Lhasas, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Lhasas, and Lhasas who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Lhasa Apso puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult Lhasa Apso... |
There are plenty of adult Lhasa Apsos who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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