Lhasa Apso
Non Sporting

Group:

Non sporting

Size:

small

Lifespan:

12-14 years

Exercise:

very low

Grooming:

high

Trainability:

very low

Watchdog ability:

very high

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

Tibet

Date of Origin:

ancient times

Other Names:

none

Original Function:

companion, watchdog

History

The Lhasa Apso originates from Tibet where it has been bred since 800 BC as an indoor guard dog. It was also used as a sentinel in the temples and monasteries, announcing strangers or intruders with a keen bark. Lhasa was the capital of Tibet, and "apso" is thought to come from a term originally meaning "barking-lion sentinel dog". These dogs, considered to be vessels of good luck, were never bought and sold but were given freely as gifts or tokens of appreciation. It is in this manner that the breed slowly found its way around the world; in fact the first Lhasas to appear in the States were gifts presented by the Dalai Lama to American friends.

Temperament

Bred as an indoor watchdog for over 2000 years, the Lhasa by nature is wary of strangers but is friendly and open with those he knows and loves. He is keen, alert, and loyal.

Upkeep

The Lhasa is an active dog, but its relatively small size makes it possible to meet its energy needs either with short walks or vigorous play sessions in the yard, or even home. It makes a fine apartment dog. It is not suited for outdoor living. The long coat needs brushing and combing every other day.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
The Apso should give the appearance of a well-balanced, solid dog. Gay and assertive, but chary of strangers. Free and jaunty in movement.

Head and Skull:
Heavy head furnishings with good fall over the eyes, good whiskers and beard. Skull moderately narrow, falling away behind the eyes in a marked degree; not quite flat, but not domed or apple shaped. Straight foreface, with medium stop. Nose black. Muzzle about 1.5 inches long, but not square; the length from tip of nose to be roughly one-third the total length from nose to back of skull.

Eyes:
Dark. Medium sized eyes to be frontally placed, not large or full, or small and sunk. No white showing at base or top of eye.

Ears:
Pendant, heavily feathered. Dark tips an asset.

Mouth:
Upper incisors should close just inside the lower, i.e., a reverse scissor bite. Incisors should be nearly in a straight line. Full dentition is desirable.

Neck:
Strong, well covered with a dense mane which is more pronounced in dogs than in bitches.

Forequarters:
Shoulders should be well laid back. Forelegs straight, heavily furnished with hair.

Body:
The length from point of shoulders to point of buttocks greater than height at withers. Well ribbed up. Level top-line. Strong loin. Well balanced and compact.

Hindquarters:
Well developed with good muscle. Good angulation. Heavily furnished. The hocks when viewed from behind should be parallel and not too close together.

Feet:
Round and cat-like, with good pads. Well-feathered.

Tail:
High set, carried well over back and not like a pot-hook. There is often a kink at the end. Well feathered.

Coat:
Top coat heavy, straight and hard, not woolly or silky, of good length. Dense under-coat.

Colours:
Golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, white or brown.

Size:
Ideal height: 25.4 cm (10 in) at shoulder for dogs; bitches slightly smaller.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.