# Lhasa Apso

Also known as: Lhasa Terrier, Apso Seng Kyi
- **Group:** Companion & Toy (FCI group 9)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** Tibet
- **Height:** 23–28 cm
- **Weight:** 5–8 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–15 years
- **Temperament:** Alert, Confident, Independent, Loyal, Spirited
- **FCI standard:** No. 227

A small, long-coated Tibetan companion once kept as an indoor sentinel in monasteries and palaces. The Lhasa Apso is hardy, long-lived and watchful, with a bold character far bigger than its size.

## Overview

The Lhasa Apso is a compact, sturdy dog from Tibet, known for its flowing coat and dark, watchful eyes. For centuries it lived inside palaces and monasteries, where it raised the alarm when strangers came near.

Today it is a devoted house companion that suits apartments and quiet homes. It is confident and a little aloof with strangers, yet affectionate and playful with its own people.

## History

The breed is about a thousand years old and served as an interior watchdog in the monasteries and palaces of the Himalayas. Its name is tied to Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, and possibly to a Tibetan word for bark-guard.

In the early twentieth century, returning military men brought Tibetan dogs to Britain, where mixed types were lumped together as Lhasa Terriers. The first dogs reached the United States in 1933 as a gift from the 13th Dalai Lama, and the FCI accepted the breed in 1960.

## Appearance

The Lhasa Apso is a small, well-balanced dog standing about 25 cm tall, with males slightly taller than females. It has a long, straight, heavy coat that falls over the face and body, dark eyes, a black nose and pendant ears.

The tail is feathered and carried in a curve over the back, sometimes with a kink at the tip.

## Temperament

Lhasas are self-assured, alert and a bit independent. They tend to be reserved with strangers and will announce visitors, a trait inherited from their guarding past.

With family they are cheerful, loyal and playful. They can be stubborn, so patient and consistent training with plenty of early socialisation works best.

## Care and exercise

Exercise needs are modest: daily walks and indoor play are enough. The long coat needs brushing several times a week and regular bathing, or a shorter trim can make upkeep easier.

Keep the eyes clean and the hair away from the face, and check the ears and teeth regularly.

## Health

Lhasa Apsos are generally long-lived, and many reach their mid-teens or beyond. The breed is predisposed to atopic dermatitis, so watch for itchy skin and ear problems. Regular eye and dental checks are sensible.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 2
- Grooming: 5
- Shedding: 2
- Trainability: 2
- Barking: 4
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/lhasa-apso
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhasa_Apso · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38352
Photo: Elminjas at Dutch Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aishia.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.