Lhasa Apsos: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Too many people buy a Lhasa Apso puppy based on his brash and comical 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 that "when a Lhasa Apso looks in the mirror, he sees a lion."

Though he can certainly be playful, the adult Lhasa 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 calls the Lhasa Apso "chary with strangers." Chary means cautious or wary, and indeed he is. With his acute senses, keen observation skills, and distrust of anything new or different, Lhasas take their watchdog responsibilities seriously.

Unfortunately some individuals are not just "all bark" and may be very willing to bite if pushed. Lhasa Apsos need early socialization with people to ensure that they don't become too sharp.

With other animals, the Lhasa can be bossy and jealous Yet despite squabbles, most Lhasas do live more or less peacefully with other family pets.

Very smart, but also dominant and manipulative, the Lhasa Apso can be 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.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Lhasa Apsos have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Lhasa Apso to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Lhasa Apso

If I was considering a Lhasa Apso, I would be most concerned about...

1. Their suspiciousness. Some Lhasas are perfectly friendly toward everyone. But most are not, and without careful socialization, a Lhasa Apso may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting.
2. 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 bossy. 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.
3. All the grooming. Without frequent brushing and combing, the long hair becomes a matted mess. If you can't commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short and sanitary. Personally, I think clipped Lhasas look great – like perpetual puppies! (See the photo at the very top of the page.)

   

4. 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 a 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.