Lhasa Apso

The distinguishing characteristics of the Lhasa Apso are its thick coat of hair and its small size. The coat grows all over the body even between the toes. The coat will grow to ground level, even covering the eyes. The hair is held off the eyes by long eyelashes and a black nose sticks out from underneath a long mustache.

The breed has a distinctive regal stance and gait, with the head carried high and the tail curved over the back.

Colours include gold, sand, and honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-color, black, white, and brown.

The name Lhasa Apso Literally means terrier of Tibet (Lhasa is the capital of Tibet). They are also called the lion dogs of Tibet.

The dogs were thought to be a favourite of the Dalai Lama and were often given as gifts to palace visitors.

The first Lhasa Apso came to Australia in the 1960s.

The Lhasa Apso can seem aloof, especially with strangers but it is this quality that makes them attentive and alert to anything strange. Lhasa Apsos will bond particularly well with one person and will prove to be a loving and good-natured companion dog.

It takes a lot of dedication to keep a Lhasa Apso in full coat. While the dog is young it must be brushed every day and bathed once a week. Mature dogs are easier to care for but dogs that are pets and not being groomed for show are often clipped to reduce maintenance.

Maintenance and diet
The Lhasa Apso needs a quality dog diet, including raw chicken wings, raw bones, good quality dry food, and meat. They will self exercise around the home.