The Lhasa Apso Breed
Where do Lhasas come from?
Originating in the lonely and isolated reaches of the Himalayan Mountains, the Lhasa Apso reflects his Tibetan heritage in many characteristic ways. Relatively unchanged for hundreds of years, these sturdy little mountain dogs are fastidious by nature and are guardians especially within their domain.
What is my personality and character like?
The Lhasa Apso temperament is unique: joyful, mischievous and clown-like, as well as regal, dignified and aloof. Because of their expressive facial features, owners often remark on their "human-like" qualities and sensitivity to human feelings, claiming their dogs "can almost talk." Probably no two Lhasa personalities are exactly alike.
A very independent breed, the Lhasa's goal in life is not necessarily to please its master. This is very different from most breeds of dogs. While Lhasas can be trained successfully in obedience using the right methods for this breed, they are not, by nature, an obedient breed. Lhasas are very intelligent with the ability to reason, and can even be somewhat manipulative. Therefore, consistency is a crucial element in their training, much as it is with raising children. If a Lhasa owner does not establish him or her self as the "leader of the pack," then it is almost guaranteed that the Lhasa will assume that role!
Lhasa puppies are very busy, full of energy and curiosity, becoming calmer and dignified, yet still playful, as adults. A slow maturing breed, Lhasas do not reach their prime until well into their third or fourth year. New owners need to keep this in mind when house training Lhasa puppies. Because Lhasas live longer than many other dogs, particularly the larger breeds, they develop more slowly. Lhasas age gracefully, however, keeping a youthful appearance and attitude well into their teens. The average lifespan of the breed is 12 to 15 years old, although many have lived to be 17 or 18, and some even beyond 20.
Bred as indoor watchdogs for hundreds of years, Lhasa Apsos are often suspicious of strangers. Lhasas are guardians of their domain, but are usually less protective away from home. Early socialization is critical to a Lhasa’s success as a family member, in order to overcome the breed's natural tendency toward wariness of strangers. The time invested in training this long-lived breed, however, will be well worth effort in terms of the loyalty, joy, and long term companionship that this hardy little dog from Tibet will provide throughout its lifetime.
Can I play with children?
As a general rule, Lhasas tend to attach themselves to the adults in the family rather than to the children. Because children smell differently from adults, some dogs can become confused about where the kids fit into the family "pack." Furthermore, small dogs of all breeds tend to be cautious, and sometimes fearful of pre-schoolers because they are unsteady on their feet, move quickly, and do unexpected things. Experienced breeders generally have a good idea which puppy in a litter will do best in a family environment with children. Lhasa puppies that are raised with children, and where the interaction is closely supervised, can become successfully integrated into the family.
All play between a Lhasa puppy and young children should be guided by the responsible adult to prevent problems. Chasing, teasing, and tug-of-war games encourage a puppy to bite. Instead, hide and seek or fetch will help young kids and puppies learn to trust each other. For more information, read Child-proofing Your Dog by Brian Kilcommons.
Is it safe to leave me home alone?
Yes. Lhasas generally do very well in households where they are left alone while the owners go to work. Perhaps it is their independent nature, but very few Lhasas suffer from separation anxiety. Be sure not to fuss over your Lhasa before you leave for work and don’t make a big deal when you get home. Make sure your Lhasa is in a safe environment, preferably a large crate or pen, while unsupervised. A smart Lhasa can think up all sorts of amazing mischief to keep himself busy when you are not at home.
Additionally, in case of an emergency such as a fire or an earthquake, for example, it is important that the owner or rescue crews can locate the animal quickly, without further risking human life to search for the dog. Keeping the dog penned or crated can facilitate its rescue much more effectively. Since it is most likely that the animal will spend much of its time sleeping while its owner is away from home anyway, it just makes good sense to keep it penned or crated for its own protection.
How much do I bark?
For hundreds of years Lhasa Apsos were bred to be interior watchdogs in the palace of the Dalai Lama and in the homes of other dignitaries in Tibet. This is their heritage. As a result, Lhasas are very discriminating in their hearing, and are often used as hearing-assisted dogs for the deaf. As Lhasas mature, and with the assistance of their owners, they learn to distinguish between normal, day-to-day sounds and those noises which are out of the ordinary. Therefore, unlike many other breeds of dogs, Lhasas tend to bark only when there is a legitimate reason to do so. It is typical that the Lhasa does not join in when it hears other dogs in the neighborhood barking.
Do I have any health issues?
In general, the Lhasa is a healthy and hardy breed. The most serious hereditary disease in the breed is renal dysplasia, an often-fatal kidney ailment. Responsible breeders do not sell puppies with symptoms of kidney problems, specifically excessive water drinking and excessive urination. However, sometimes symptoms don’t occur until a puppy is older. Be sure that you receive a written health guarantee from your puppy’s breeder.
Do I need obedience training?
Puppy kindergarten and/or basic obedience training, always using positive training techniques, is recommended for all youngsters. Lhasas require firmness, fairness, and consistency in training. Positive rewards work far better than harsh discipline. In fact, the breed should never be disciplined harshly, as a Lhasa may show resentment if it deems the punishment unfair. Instead, the rather independent and willful nature of Lhasa Apsos requires patient understanding combined with gentle correction. Most Lhasas will do just about anything for food treats. But, because they are smart, they are easily bored with rote obedience work. Training sessions should be kept short and exercises varied to maintain the Lhasa's attention. Above all, have fun and keep your sense of humor.
Like all dogs, Lhasas have the capability of learning hundreds of words. Understanding this, refrain from over using the word "No." Take the time to teach your Lhasa the right words for the behavior you want to reinforce, as well as for the activities you want to discourage. It is important to establish good communication with your dog early on.
Do I need exercise?
Lhasas can be very content living indoors. Unlike many larger breeds, they usually do not need regular exercise to reduce nervous energy. However, even those Lhasas that have their own fenced yards enjoy spending time with their owners on a 15 or 20 minutes walk a couple times per week.
Can I be around others who have allergies or asthma?
Many people with allergies have a difficult time being around dogs because of the dog's saliva, coat oil, hair, etc. However, many people with allergies and even some asthmatics can live with Lhasas because this breed does not shed like shorthaired breeds. Regular grooming is essential for the Lhasa living in an allergic household. It is recommended that potential owners with these medical conditions check with their doctors first, prior to bringing any dog, even a Lhasa, into their homes.