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Thinking
Of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?
by Clint Leung
One
of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa Apso. The puppies
especially are just irresistible but before one decides to purchase
a Lhasa just because the kids are begging for one, there are some
things that should be known about this particular breed. Historically,
Lhasa Apsos were kept by the monasteries and nobility in Tibet
as indoor watch dogs. They would sleep by their masters and with
their high intelligence plus keen sense of hearing, would warn
of any intruders. Lhasa Apsos were never bought or sold in Tibet.
Instead, the Dalai Lama sent Lhasa Apsos in pairs to the emperors
of China as gifts. High ranking visitors to Tibet also received
them as gifts.
They
are also referred to as the little bark sentinel lion dogs since
fully grown Lhasa
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Apsos could resemble small lions with all their
hair. Lhasa Apso dogs can also behave very much like lions exhibiting
no fear when confronted by strangers or even larger dogs. Despite
its small size with adult females reaching 12 to 16 pounds and
adult males ranging from 14 to 18 pounds, they are extremely hardy
as well as rugged. Having existed in the extreme temperatures
of Tibet for centuries, they are well suited for and actually
enjoy romps in the snow. They are also long lived. Both of my
Lhasa Apsos lived past the age of fifteen years. I have
heard reports of others living even longer. In appearance, the
Lhasa Apso is very similar to the Shih Tzu breed. The face of
a Lhasa Apso is not as flat as that of the Shih Tzu. It is believed
that the Chinese crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekinese which
resulted in the Shih Tzu with its flatter face.
One
thing that all prospective owners should definitely know is that
having a fur ball like a Lhasa Apso will require lots of maintenance.
The long hair of this breed requires constant care. If left unattended
even for a few days, the Lhasa Apso hair will mat up in clumps
that cannot be untangled. Their floppy ears are also prone to
infections and their eyes can develop problems. If a prospective
owner is not willing to make a commitment to the high maintenance
of a Lhasa Apso, a shorter hair breed is recommended.
The
Lhasa Apso is considered by some breeders to be more stubborn
and difficult to train than other dogs. Do not let all that cuteness
give you the wrong impression as they are the little lion dogs
after all. This breed has been revered and highly regarded for
centuries in Asia. The genetics may have resulted in some arrogance
in them. One must be assertive in the proper training of the Lhasa
Apso as this breed will test the new master. Lhasa Apsos are completely
loyal and affectionate with their masters but many will not be
fond of strangers no matter how obedient they are. This may be
part of their watch dog tendency. One of my Lhasa Apsos was quite
friendly with visitors but the other one wouldn't even acknowledge
their presence.
The
breed may also not be appropriate with small children. Small children
may get clumsy and accidentally poke Lhasas in the eyes or squeeze
them too hard. Lhasas will not take this behavior lightly as they
are not as patient with kids compared to say Labrador retrievers.
Some Lhasas have been known to bite clumsy kids. Lhasa Apso dogs
can be very good with children as long as they are treated with
respect and care.
Despite
these characteristics of the Lhasa Apso, they are excellent dogs
to have as they can be one of the most loyal companions as long
as it is recognized that they are high maintenance and may not
be suitable for some families.
©
Clint
Leung
Clint
Leung is owner of Free
Spirit Gallery, an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo
and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture
and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource
articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art
as well as free eCards.
