BREED SPOTLIGHT
Breed Spotlight: Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso Quick Stats
LIFESPAN:
12 – 15 years
WEIGHT:
12 – 18 lbs.
HEIGHT:
10 – 11 inches
DO I SHED?
No
Personality
intelligent, confident, affectionate, watchdog
Common Health Problems:
kidney dysfunction, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, brachycephalic
Lhasa Apsos: How Do I Look
Small but regal, Lhasa Apsos have an aristocratic bearing. Some might describe them as “walking mops,” but to others their flowing coats are elegant and exotic.
Coat Type and Colors
Lhasa apsos are instantly recognizable by their luxurious floor-length coats. Their parti-color fur is straight and comes in golds, reds, black, and white.
Ears
Lhasas have pendant-shaped ears that are carried close to their cheeks. Their most recognizable feature is the feathery fur at their tips.
Shedding and Grooming
Despite their long fur, Lhasa apsos rarely shed. They do require extensive grooming, however. Brush and bathe regularly, up to twice a week. Lhasa apsos have sensitive skin, so rinse all shampoo and conditioners thoroughly. Visits to the groomer may be required.
Drooling Level
Lhasa apsos rarely drool, maintaining their dignified bearing.
Lhasa Apso: Personality Traits
What My Adoption Bio Might Say:
Good things come in small packages, and I’m no exception. If you judge me by my size, you’ll quickly be surprised: I’m tough, independent, and fierce. But don’t worry. I may be royalty, but I’m not stuck-up. I love to have fun and will defend my family without hesitation.
Behavior
The Lhasa apso personality is complex. They can be energetic, playful, and puppy-like well into their later years. A Lhasa will gladly play the class clown for their family. But, when it comes to strangers, they’re often aloof. Once they’ve decided an outsider is not a threat to their family, Lhasa apsos will treat them with just as much affection.
Exercise Needs
Like many small breeds, Lhasa apsos are brimming with energy. They can take care of themselves, however. A Lhasa will often run laps around its home to burn off steam, but also enjoy brisk walks. Lhasas are also highly intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation. They’ve been known to take jobs as therapy dogs and herders.
Good With Other Pets?
As with children, Lhasa apsos will tolerate other dogs on their own terms. Early socialization helps integrate other animals into the Lhasa’s family.
Trainability
Lhasa apsos are fast learners, but only on their terms. They’ll perform tricks and answer commands…if they feel like it. The key to training a Lhasa is to keep them entertained. If they want to learn, they will.
Good with Kids?
The Lhasa apso is fairly tolerant of children, as long as they’re treated with respect. For this reason, younger children should be watched carefully around Lhasas. Once they’ve accepted your kids as part of their family, however, Lhasa apsos will shower them with love and loyalty.
Barking Level
Lhasas can be fairly vocal. They are not afraid to express themselves when it comes to strangers and will readily play the role of watchdog.
Lhasa Apsos: A History
The history of the Lhasa apso is as distinguished as the breed itself. They originate from Tibet, where they served as sentinel dogs for palaces and Buddhist monasteries. For thousands of years Lhasas have inhabited Tibetan mythology as the “bearded lion dogs,” the Earthly representation of the protective Snow Lion.
It wasn’t until the 1900s that Lhasa apsos came to the west. Military officers brought Lhasas back to the United Kingdom when returning from British colonies in India. In 1933, the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, gifted the first pair of American Lhasa apsos to explorer and naturalist C. Sudyam Cutting. In 1959, the American Kennel Club classified Lhasas as a member of the Non-Sporting Group.3
Common Lhasa Apso Mixes
- Lhasa poo: Lhasa apso poodle mix
- Shih apso: Lhasa apso shih tzu mix
- Lhatese: Maltese Lhasa apso
5 Lhasa Apso Health Problems
Lhasa apsos may experience a variety of health issues, including:
- Chondrodysplasia: a genetic mutation in short-legged breeds, including Lhasa apsos. Chondrodysplasia can lead to additional joint and spine issues.
- Dry Eye: excessive dryness causes inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissue. Dry eye can be indicative of other issues, such as a viral infection or inner ear infection.
- Cherry Eye: prolapse of a dog’s nictitating membrane, or third eyelid. Cherry eye can also affect a dog’s tear glands.
- Patellar Luxation: caused by a displaced kneecap. Patellar luxation is almost always caused by genetics.
- Hereditary kidney dysfunction: a genetic dysfunction of the kidneys. Hereditary kidney dysfunction is common in cats, but can also affect some dog breeds.
Protect your Pets
Even the healthiest of pups can come with unexpected vet costs. Pet insurance can help keep your dog and your bank account happy.
How Pet Insurance Can Help Lhasa Apsos
Hereditary Kidney Dysfunction
Also known as polycystic kidney disease, this inherited condition can cause Lhasa apsos to develop multiple kidney cysts early in life.4 The cysts multiply as they age, negatively affecting kidney tissue health and function. If untreated, Lhasas will develop chronic kidney disease. Vets may be able to detect enlarged or unhealthy kidneys by performing a simple medical exam. A follow-up blood test, urine analysis, and X-ray may also be recommended. Treatments vary, but typically involve a prescription diet, fluid supplements, and medication to manage symptoms.5 As polycystic kidney disease is a life-long condition, it can become very expensive very quickly. A dog insurance policy from MetLife1, opened when your Lhasa is still young, may help cover the cost.2
Dry Eye
Lhasa apsos with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, endure inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissue due to a lack of lubrication.6 Dry eye can be recognized by red, irritated eyes, squinting, excessive blinking, and a yellowish discharge. For an official diagnosis, vets will perform a tear production test. Treatment may include prescriptions to stimulate tear production, gentle cleaning of the eyes, and tear replacement every 2 to 6 hours. As a life-long condition, Lhasa apsos with dry eye will require a constant supply of medication and supplements. Prescriptions may be covered in part by a dog insurance policy from MetLife.1,2
Chondrodysplasia
Rather than a disease, chondrodysplasia is a specific genetic phenotype expressed in small dog breeds with atypically short legs.7 DNA tests exist to determine if your Lhasa apso has chondrodysplasia. It can lead to joint and back pain, which should be managed with prescriptions from your vet. Under a MetLife dog insurance policy, you could be reimbursed for some of the cost of medication.2
For more information on how pet insurance can help your Lhasa apso, read our guide on How Pet Insurance Works. Signing up for dog insurance while your Lhasa is a puppy can ensure your dog has coverage before these conditions become pre-existing conditions.