Lhasa Apso
A small, long-coated Tibetan sentinel dog: confident, independent and watchful with strangers.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- Males 25–27 cm · Females 23–25 cm
- Weight
- Males 5–8 kg · Females 5–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Every day
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- Gold, Cream, Grey, Black, White, Brown, Bicolour
- Bred for
- Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- China
- FCI
- Group 9, no. 227 · Companion & toy dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 5/5 – Very high |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Suits apartment living | 5/5 – Very high |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small dog that is a natural watchdog
- enjoy an independent character
- live in a flat
Think twice if you …
- want a dog that is outgoing with everyone
- have young children
- dislike grooming
Care
Temperament
Confident, loyal and watchful, often aloof with strangers. It is independent and can be stubborn.
Exercise
Moderate needs: daily walks and play; enjoys sniffing walks and gentle trick training.
Grooming
The long coat needs daily brushing if kept full; many owners choose a short trim. Shedding is low.
Training
Intelligent but independent; patient, consistent and reward-based training works best.
Health
Eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and dry eye, kidney problems, patellar luxation and skin issues can occur. Ask the breeder for eye, knee and hip results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Eye examination
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Hips (HD)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet, where it was kept in monasteries and noble homes as an indoor watchdog, raising the alarm while larger mastiffs guarded outside. Dogs were often given as gifts rather than sold, and the breed reached Britain and America in the early twentieth century.
Lhasas are sturdy, self-assured dogs with a strong sense of their own dignity. They are loving with their family but take time to accept newcomers, and they remain alert to every sound. They suit adults or families with older children who respect their independence and enjoy, or are willing to pay for, regular grooming.
Did you know?
In Tibet the Lhasa Apso was called Abso Seng Kye, often translated as bark lion sentinel dog.