Breed At A Glance: Lhasa Apso

Breed Overview:

• Lifespan: Up to 15 years, record holder lived 29 years
• Size: Small
• Maintenance Level: High, due to coat care
• Shed Level: ModerateTemperament: Intelligent, Watchful, Affectionate
• Friendliness: Moderate, can be wary of strangers
• Barking Tendency: High
• Coat Colours: Wide range, including black, white, grey, and brown

Best For:

• Families or individuals looking for a small, intelligent watchdog
• Those who enjoy regular grooming and caring for a long coat

Appearance:

• Height: 10-11 inches
• Weight: 5-8 kilograms.
• Distinguishing features: Long, thick coat; flat face and short nose

Temperament:

• Smart, alert, and can be protective
• Affectionate with family, but may be reserved around strangers
• Makes a solid watchdog due to alert nature

Care Guide:

• Grooming: Requires extensive brushing, frequent grooming recommended
• Training: Obedience and socialisation training recommended from an early age
• Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet with careful monitoring to prevent obesity
• Exercise: Moderate exercise needs; enjoys walks and playtime
• Ideal Environment: Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments

Health:

• Eye Conditions: Prone to PRA, cataracts, glaucoma, and KCS
• Patellar Luxation: Displacement of the kneecap, common in small breeds
• Dental Disease: Regular dental care needed due to susceptibility
• Renal Dysplasia: Hereditary kidney disease; regular vet check-ups advised

Nutritional Considerations:

• Omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for skin and coat health
• Balanced commercial diet, preferably vet-recommended
• Monitor food intake to prevent overfeeding and obesity

Behaviour & Training Tips:

• Personality: Energetic, intelligent, potentially protective
• Behaviour: Can be barky; may chase small animals due to prey drive
• Training: Responds well to positive reinforcement; early training essential

Grooming Guide:

• Skin Care: Regular baths every 2-4 weeks with gentle shampoo
• Coat Care: Brush 3-4 times weekly to prevent tangles and mats
• Eye Care: Daily wiping with a soft cloth; keep hair trimmed around eyes
• Ear Care: Regular cleaning every 1-2 weeks; check for signs of infection

Considerations for Pet Parents:

• Requires significant grooming and coat care
• Best suited for households without very young children
• Needs patient training and socialisation
• Good Family Dog: Better with adults and older children
• Intelligence: High, excellent for obedience training
• Cuddliness: Enjoys being close and cuddling with familiar people
• Watchdog Ability: Very attentive and alert to noises, making a good watchdog