Lhasa Apso
General
This is one of the oldest reg=cognized breeds in the world, bred approximately as long ago as 800BC and hails from the Himalayan platau in the area of Tibert he Lhasa Apso originated on the Himalayan plateau in the area of Tibet. Their main function was to alert the Monks in the Buddist monasteries of intruders. Recent research has shown that this is one of the breeds most closely related to the ancesteral wolf.
Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet, and apso is a word in the Tibetan language meaning "bearded", so, Lhasa Apso simply means "long-haired Lhasa dog", which is how this breed got its name.
As they were bred as watchdogs, they can very wary of strangers and very loyal to their owners. If insufficient early socialization, this breed can be aggressive, so crucial to take them to puppy training and then continue the socialization.
They love nothing more than cuddling up on the lap of their favourite person.
This is one of the oldest reg=cognized breeds in the world, bred approximately as long ago as 800BC and hails from the Himalayan platau in the area of Tibert he Lhasa Apso originated on the Himalayan plateau in the area of Tibet. Their main function was to alert the Monks in the Buddist monasteries of intruders. Recent research has shown that this is one of the breeds most closely related to the ancesteral wolf.
Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet, and apso is a word in the Tibetan language meaning "bearded", so, Lhasa Apso simply means "long-haired Lhasa dog", which is how this breed got its name.
As they were bred as watchdogs, they can very wary of strangers and very loyal to their owners. If insufficient early socialization, this breed can be aggressive, so crucial to take them to puppy training and then continue the socialization.
They love nothing more than cuddling up on the lap of their favourite person.
Is this the right dog for you?
If you are a very social person, with people coming and going in your home, then this breed is not for you, as mentioned above, they hail from being watchdogs and can be wary and even aggressive towards people if extensive socialization is not done.
Being a watchdog, this breed tends to be independent and happy doing its own thing, but due to the watchdog tendencies and wariness to strangers, it is crucial that training is undergone. It is bright and not hard to train, but can have a mind of its own on occasion! One of the problems to be found in training, is that this is one of the breeds that matures slowly, so puppy tendencies can be exhibited up to about 3 years of age, which can make training a bit of a mission.
The key to training with this dog is positive reinforcement methods and consistency.
They do not require extensive exercise, but a daily walk with mental stimulation when left at home, will help to create a well balanced dog.
Should you have 2 of the same, or 2 pups together?
This depends very much on the temperament of the individual dog, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
This depends very much on the temperament of the individual dog, however you must make sure that your dog has been well socialized so that it will accept another dog into the home.
When it comes to which sex get on better, your best bet is one male and one female (both sterilized), or 2 males together. Never two females. The vast majority of the time two females will get on well until about 8 - 9 months of age and thenm fighting for position tends to occur. When males have the odd altercation, it tends to be over quickly, but with females, it just intensifies and often the only solution is for one of the females to be rehomes. This is not just for this breed, but in general.
Having two pups from same litter is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family.Your pup should be at least 5 months old, before you consider bringing in another pup. This allows the pups to grow to their full potential and not become over dependent on one another. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Do they get on with other dogs?
Sometimes yes, and other times no! A lot depends on the dogs own temprement, and also whether either dog tends to be dominat - if so, then the match will not work. As this breed needs to undergo early and continued socialization with people, so too should this occur with other dogs.
Do they get on with other dogs?
Sometimes yes, and other times no! A lot depends on the dogs own temprement, and also whether either dog tends to be dominat - if so, then the match will not work. As this breed needs to undergo early and continued socialization with people, so too should this occur with other dogs.
Do they get on with other animals?
As above, it really does depend on the dogs individual temperament. However, early and continues socialization will help.
As above, it really does depend on the dogs individual temperament. However, early and continues socialization will help.
Are they good with children?
They are not known to be patient dogs, so do not always get on well with children. Early and continued socialization to children should be done, especially due to their wariness of stangers. 0
They are not known to be patient dogs, so do not always get on well with children. Early and continued socialization to children should be done, especially due to their wariness of stangers. 0
Health
Overall they health is good. They do have some common problems that they are known for, such as sebaceous adenitis which is a hereditary skin disease. Another disease they are prone to is PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy). They are also prone to Cherry eye and dry eye syndrome.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Overall they health is good. They do have some common problems that they are known for, such as sebaceous adenitis which is a hereditary skin disease. Another disease they are prone to is PRA (Progressive retinal atrophy). They are also prone to Cherry eye and dry eye syndrome.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Do’s and Dont’s
Do’s
Don’t
Do’s
- Do get your pup from a KUSA registered breeder and do read the articles on Breeders and also choosing a pup
- Sterilize at approximately 6 months of age.
- Do take your pup for socialization - pups should start at 8 weeks of age and this should not be missed - lays the foundation for future social interactions.
- Do continue the socialiazation - keeps solid social skills in place
- Give daily, regular exercise which this breed really needs.
- Supply chew toys and mental stimulation when left alone.
- Allow your dog to be part of the family
- Give regular brushing and annual vacs.
- Supply mental games such as behaviour games, scenting games etc in the garden to mentally stimulate this breed.
- Take your dog for basic training and keep simple house rules in place
Don’t
- Don't use aversive training methods.
- Leave this breed outside alone – behaviour problems will develop