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Don’t be fooled by their small size – Lhasa Apsos are fearless, alert, and confident dogs. Bred by Tibetan monks to guard and protect their monasteries, Lhasa Apsos (or Lhasas for short) have a deep-rooted protective nature that’s alive and kicking to this day.
Their name loosely means ‘bearded lion dog’, and if they could, these little guys and girls would certainly roar. However, their sharp, loud barks do the job perfectly when it comes to guarding and protecting their families. They’re forever devoted to their people, and are loving, affectionate dogs with those they know. Strangers…not so much. Thanks to their history as a watchdog, they’re naturally wary of new people (and unknown dogs too), so it takes time for them to make friends. But as soon as they’ve determined there’s no threat, they’ll come over for a cuddle.
While they take their watchdog duties very seriously, Lhasas are mischievous, playful dogs that remain puppyish right into their golden years. They love toys and games, and can be surprisingly agile when they want to be. But once they’ve filled their boots with fun, the couch is definitely calling! Lhasa Apsos will happily curl up for some quiet ‘me time’, and are quite content to relax by themselves. This makes them less prone to separation anxiety than some other breeds, but it’s not good to leave any dog by themselves for more than a few hours.
Known for their regal, charming demeanour, Lhasa Apsos walk around with their snoots held high, and they aren’t lacking in confidence. It’s not uncommon for a Lhasa to try to take charge of the household, so they need a firm but fair hand when it comes to training. They also have a real independent streak and can be very strong-willed, so consistency and patience is key.
Overall, Lhasa Apsos are lovable little dogs with the heart and bravery of a lion – just be prepared for a little sass and a sprinkling of stubbornness. It’s all part of the Lhasa charm!
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a small, spirited dog to join your pack, the Lhasa Apso could be the breed for you.
Self-assured and confident
Watchful and protective
Highly alert
Will bark at passersby
Intelligent but stubborn
Very loyal to family
Loving to those they know
Independent and strong-willed
Playful and mischievous
Can show a dominant side
Needs a lot of training
Wary of strangers
Low exercise needs
High maintenance coat
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Playful and fun-loving | High maintenance grooming needs |
| Low exercise needs | Not great with very young children |
| Extremely loyal | Independent and strong-willed |
| Excellent watchdog | Needs a lot of training |
| Long life expectancy | Wary of strangers |
| Hypoallergenic coat | Difficult to housebreak |
Yes, the Lhasa Apso can be a lovely family dog for those with older, more sensible children. They’re sensitive to loud noises and don’t like chaos, so they’re not a great match for rowdy households. Lhasas also loathe being left alone, so they need someone at home with them most of the day. If you’re a family that prefers the quiet life, but still know how to have fun, this affectionate breed could be a good match.
Not really. Lhasa Apsos are affectionate and loving, but they won’t tolerate toddlers or very young children who might not understand how to respect a dog’s boundaries. Lhasas might snap or nip at little ones if they feel threatened or imposed upon. They’re highly sensitive dogs, so they’re also not fans of loud noises and commotion that often comes with kids. Lhasa Apsos are better suited to households with older, sensible children who can handle dogs with more care.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes, Lhasa Apsos are generally good with other dogs if they’ve been properly socialised from a young age. Don’t be surprised if your lion-hearted Lhasa becomes leader though, even amongst large breeds – it’s in their nature to command respect. They might not be so good with unknown dogs, and can show a dominant side, but they’ll rarely be aggressive. As they have a relatively low prey drive, Lhasas can live with cats and small animals too, given they’re introduced properly and they’ve been trained well.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Lhasa Apso is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Lhasa Apso properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Fully grown Lhasa Apsos need up to 1 hour of exercise a day, consisting of a few short walks and lots of mental enrichment.
Lhasas are little lap dogs that will happily spend their afternoons lounging around keeping watch at the window, alerting you if anyone dares walk past their (your) kingdom. However, they need their daily walks to stay trim and healthy, as packing on the pounds puts pressure on their joints, internal organs, and makes breathing problems worse.
While they might not need to hike up the Himalayas every day, they’re energetic pups that absolutely love to play, so toys, games of fetch, and lots of interaction with their humans is essential. If they’re bored, Lhasa Apsos might resort to digging up you, so it’s important to keep these pooches engaged.
Brachycephalic breeds are more predisposed to overheating, so extreme care must be taken in hot temperatures. Avoid exercising your Lhasa Apso in warm weather and keep them indoors during the hottest time of the day.
Lhasa Apsos are an intelligent breed, but they have a mind of their own and like to do their own thing. Their original purpose was to guard Tibetan monasteries, and they commanded respect. Pleasing you is not their top priority! This independent, strong-willed streak can make training a challenge. They’re little dogs with a big dog attitude, so if they don’t feel you’re in charge, they'll step up to the plate and try to dominate.
However, with a firm but fair hand, lots of patience, and plenty of paw-sitivity, your Lhasa Apso can grow into a well behaved, obedient dog.
Unleash your Lhasa Apso’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Shrimp & Coconut Meaty Treats – designed especially for promoting healthy skin and coat. Just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training, as they’re only small dogs that can easily pile on the pounds.
2. Let them know who’s boss. These smart cookies are super confident and think they’re a lot bigger than they actually are, so they’ll push the boundaries if you don’t establish control. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them to help your Lhasa know their place in the pack.
3. Be confident and assertive. Use an authoritative, assertive tone, and walk with purpose. The more you act and sound like a leader, the easier it’ll be for your Lhasa to fall in line. Walking through doors first and making them wait patiently for their food are a couple of ways to position yourself as top dog.
4. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues. Set boundaries and stick to them, no matter how many times they give you the puppy dog eyes!
5. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial for the Lhasa Apso. They’re wary of strangers and unknown dogs, they aren’t especially tolerant of children, and they don’t do well with loud environments. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
6. Prioritise potty training. Lhasa Apsos are notoriously difficult to housebreak, so you’ll need to establish a consistent routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what’s expected of them.
7. Make training fun. Lhasas love to play and don’t always take training too seriously, so incorporate games and toys into your sessions to help motivate them.
8. Keep sessions short and sweet. Frequent 5–10 minute bursts are ideal so your Lhasa Apso doesn’t get bored.
9. Keep the barking at bay. Lhasas are natural watchdogs who can be a bit too vocal if they’re not taught otherwise. They’ll bark at anything they perceive as a threat, including sounds and strangers. It’s important to desensitise your dog to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.
10. Get them used to being handled. Grooming will be a big part of their life, so get them prepared by frequently touching them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, feet, and mouth.
11. Seek out professional training classes. This is especially recommended if you're a first time owner. Inconsistent training can lead to Lhasa Apsos developing some behavioural issues, such as being overly dominant, pushing the boundaries, and ruling the roost. Puppy classes can help strengthen your bond and encourage obedience.
A lot! These ‘bearded lion dogs’ are known for their long, luscious coats that can be found sweeping the floors of the show ring. Their top coat is long and dense, while the undercoat is short and soft. Much like us humans, their hair doesn’t stop growing and is very low shedding, making them hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers.
These luxurious locks need a lot of grooming, but there are some Lhasa Apso haircuts to choose from if you want a break from the brushing. Many owners opt for the ‘puppy cut’ or ‘teddy bear cut’, resulting in a short-haired Lhasa Apso that might not be as regal, but it’s easier to maintain.
They come in a variety of colours and combinations, including black, brindle, brown, cream, gold, grey, honey, particolour, red, sandy, tan, tricolour, and white.
Here are some Lhasa Apso grooming tips to ensure they look fabulous all year round.
Brush daily to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. Use a pin brush, ensuring to brush all the way to the skin to remove dead hairs in the undercoat.
Focus on problem areas such as the rear end where doggo dingleberries and other dirty bits could be hiding.
Wash their face daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove food and other debris that can get caught in the hair.
Bathe a couple of times a month using a dog-friendly shampoo, but don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.
Keep the hair around their eyes trimmed using rounded scissors, and wipe their eyes regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
If you tie their hair in a topknot, make sure to take it out and brush through daily. Leaving an elastic tie in can damage the hair, and tying it too tightly can put pressure on their heads.
Check and clean their ears weekly to help prevent infection. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
Schedule them in for regular professional grooms every 6 to 8 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. These dogs are prone to dental issues so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, and the amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog. The Lhasa Apso coat type is considered hypoallergenic as the shed hairs stay trapped in the undercoat instead of falling to the floor, meaning fewer allergens are spread around the house.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Lhasa Apso lifespan is 13 to 15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a few health problems.
Healthy Lhasa Apsos should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). The long back of the Lhasa Apso opens them up to developing spinal disease. It’s advised that dogs are kept slim and avoid jumping from heights. Joint supplements (such as Pooch & Mutt’s Mobile Bones) may have a protective effect.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis). This occurs when a dog can’t produce enough moisture in their eyes, and their eyeballs rub against the inside of the eyelids. This friction causes inflammation and a thick mucus can develop instead of normal tears. There are medications to help keep the eyes moist, but it’s often a lifelong condition.
Cherry eye. This is where a dog’s tear gland swells into a red mass that resembles a small cherry. Treating cherry eye requires surgery.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. The Lhasa Apso is prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face, squished nose, and narrow airway. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome causes severe breathing problems, so if you notice heavy or distressed breathing in your dog, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may recommend surgery to widen the nostrils or correct an elongated soft palate to improve breathing. It’s a routine procedure and can be done at the same time as spaying/neutering.
Renal Dysplasia (Familial Nephropathy.) This affects the kidneys ability to filter properly, allowing blood proteins to pass through into urine. The genetic defect can also cause other more progressive kidney damage, which is sadly fatal. Signs in Lhasa Apso puppies include increased water consumption, increasing urination, weight loss, vomiting, lack of appetite and a slow growth rate.
Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.
Dental Disease. This is a common health issue that tends to be a symptom of old age, especially small breeds like the Lhasa Apso. Tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.
Feeding your Lhasa Apso a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Lhasa Apso will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
A good rule of thumb is to feed full grown Lhasa Apsos twice a day, choosing a food that’s especially designed for small breeds. The size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Lhasa Apso’s nutritional needs. Dry food can help prevent dental disease, as the kibble is abrasive and removes plaque build up. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Lhasa Apso or let them jump up and down from high furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.
Stay out of the sun
Lhasa Apsos can overheat very quickly due to their brachycephalic head structure, so great care should be taken when it’s hot. Don’t allow them to sunbathe outside and avoid walks in warm weather.
Keep exercise light
While they still need daily walks to stay trim and healthy, exercise shouldn’t be too strenuous, as this could exacerbate their breathing issues. Simple walks on the lead, some back garden zoomies, and indoor playtime is an ideal workout routine.
Monitor weight
A healthy Lhasa Apso weight is between 5–7 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on a pooch can reduce their quality of life. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure their food portions to prevent overfeeding. Some of their daily calories should be allocated to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.
Use a harness
Walking your Lhasa Apso using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.
Look after their eyes
Lhasa Apsos are prone to a number of different eye issues, so you need to look after their eyesight. Stick to plush toys that can’t scratch their eyes, avoid rough play, and consider a diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) to help support eye health. Regular eye tests can also help detect early signs of cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Clean their teeth
Regular brushing can help prevent the onset of dental disease, and ensure they have a pearly set of gnashers.
Protect their coat and skin
For dogs suffering from atopy, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like Pooch & Mutt’s Bionic Biotic, or dog food made specifically with allergies in mind. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Lhasa Apso’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Individuals, couples, and families with older children who spend a lot of time at home and can dedicate time to training and grooming. |
| Outdoor space? | A back garden isn’t essential, but housetraining can be a problem, so they’ll need access to a safe place to do their business outside. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and can comfortably live in flats, as long as their exercise needs are met. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live with other dogs, cats, and small animals if they’ve been socialised properly from a young age and trained well. |
Both breeds originate from Asia, they both feature fabulous long coats, and they share a lineage too, but there are some notable differences between them. Lhasa Apsos are bigger and heavier than Shih Tzus, and they were bred by Tibetan monks to guard Buddhist monasteries. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, were bred to keep Chinese royalty company, and they lived lavish lives in the Imperial Palace. Due to their early lives as companion dogs, Shih Tzus tend to be peppy, perky little dogs that get along with everyone without any fuss. Lhasa Apsos retain their vigilant, guarding instincts, and can be standoffish with strangers. However if you’re in their inner circle, you’ll get all the Lhasa’s love and affection.
The unconditional love of a Lhasa Apso is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
The price of a Lhasa Apso can cost anywhere between £450 and £1,400. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Lhasa Apso is around £60.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £20-60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to some significant health issues, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Lhasa Apso should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Lhasa Apso even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s most ancient breeds!
Their name Lhasa Apso has two roots – one steeped in reality, and the other in folklore. Lhasa is Tibet’s sacred city, and Apso means ‘long-haired dog’. They’re also known as ‘bearded lion dogs’. This is rooted in Tibetan folklore, which states the protector of Tibet is a mythical snow lion that the Lhasa Apso represents on earth.
In Tibet, they go by their original name ‘Abso Seng Kye’, which translates to ‘Bark Lion Sentinel Dog’ – a very fitting name for these fearless guardians!
Lhasa Apsos are a sacred part of Buddhism. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, and it’s believed when lamas (or priests) die, they’re reborn as Lhasa Apsos before they’re reborn again as humans.
They were given as gifts by the Dalai Lama in Tibet, where it’s believed they would bring good fortune. Talk about the best present ever?!
It’s believed that when a pair of Lhasa Apsos were gifted to the Chinese Emperor many centuries ago, they were bred with the Pekingese to create the Shih Tzu.
You can get adorable Lhasa Apso cross breeds. The Lhasa Apso Poodle cross is called a Lhasapoo, the Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso mix is called a Shih Apso, and the Maltese Lhasa Apso mix is called a Lhatese. Ooh la la!
Lhasa Apsos are an ancient breed, thought to have been around for at least 2,000 years. Their story begins way up in the Himalayan mountains in Tibet, where they were bred exclusively by monks and nobility to guard Buddhist monasteries and palaces. Named after the holy city of Lhasa, these cuties were more than just effective watchdogs – they were spiritual protectors that held sacred meaning. It’s thought when a Lhasa Apso’s owner died, the human soul entered the dog’s body.
Their long, flowing coats protected them against the harsh Himalayan climate, and their booming bark alerted monks to intruders. Known in Tibet as ‘Abso Seng Kye’ (which aptly means ‘Bark Lion Sentinel Dog’), they were thought to bring good luck and prosperity – but good luck getting your hands on one back in the day! Lhasa Apsos were regarded so highly that they weren’t allowed to leave the country, unless the Dalai Lama gifted a pair to the Emperor of China or members of the Imperial family.
In 1933, the breed finally made its way to the United States when the Dalai Lama gifted two Lhasa Apsos to C. Suydam Cutting, a renowned traveller and naturalist. He started a breeding programme and the rest is history.
Lhasa Apsos may have ditched the ancient temples for comfy couches, but they’ve kept their huge sense of loyalty and bold, fierce spirit that’s loved by many worldwide.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Lhasa Apso.
1. Research the breed. Lhasa Apsos need regular grooming and can’t be left alone for too long, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Lhasa Apso puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Lhasa Apsos and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Lhasa Apso, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Lhasa Apsos in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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Comments (2)
What size of kibble in pooch and mutt for a lasa apso who is 6 years old as i bought the adult one and the food bits are two big for him .
Hi Grace! If you feel our regular kibble is too large, we do have a smaller kibble size available in our adult food. This is called Small Dog Complete dry food. If you have any questions reach out to the team at [email protected] :)
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