Dog Breed Guide

Lhasa Apso

Profile

Size

Small

Country of origin

China (Tibet)

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Monastery watchdog, Companion

Height

male about 25cm (10in), female slightly smaller

Weight

6 - 8kg (13 - 18lb)

Life span

12 - 15 years

A long, straight, heavy coat that can reach the floor, and a fringe and whiskers covering the face are its hallmarks. The coat suits the high Tibetan plateau, protecting the body from cold and strong sunlight. It comes in many colors, including gold, cream, honey, gray and black.

For its small size, the Lhasa is confident and dignified. It is affectionate with its family but wary of strangers, a natural watchdog that barks at once if something seems suspicious. It is independent and can be a little stubborn.

To keep the coat long, daily brushing is a must. A short trim makes grooming much easier. The breed is also known for its long life span.

Good to know

The breed carries the name of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and in Tibetan it is said to have been called Apso Seng Kyi, "bark lion sentinel dog." For a thousand years it lived as a watchdog inside the palaces and monasteries of the Himalayas.

The monasteries had a clever division of labor. When an intruder approached, the Lhasa Apso inside the building raised the alarm with sharp barks, and the big Tibetan Mastiff outside confronted the intruder.

These dogs were never sold; monks gave them only as gifts to people they held dear. In 1933 the American explorer Suydam Cutting received a pair of Lhasa Apsos from the 13th Dalai Lama, and they became the first Lhasas to reach the United States.