Lhasa Apso

This 2000 year-old breed’s homeland is the foothills of the Himalayas. Believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck, these dogs were kept by priests and nobleman in Lhasa, home of Lama monasteries. The breed name is said to derive from the Tibetan phrase Lhasa apso seng kye, which means “a leonine dog from Lhasa that barks well.” Another interpretation translates the phrase to “a leonine dog from Lhasa that is as hairy as a goat” (apso means “goat”).

Although these dogs were for many years not allowed out of the region, the Dalai Lamas used to make an exception and offer male dogs to the Chinese emperors. They were not kept to entertain local or far-flung noblemen, however. From way back, these intelligent, wary, and sharp of hearing dogs guarded monasteries and palaces.

One owner says, “When my dog was a puppy, he was very quiet, and only on rare occasions did he bleat in a faint voice, but once he was grown up, he changed. A soon as he senses something suspicious, he barks loud and continuously.” And, although Lhasa apsos are cheerful and love to play with people, they are also proud. One owner says, “They don’t like to be ordered around.” They are active dogs, but extensive exercise is not necessary.

Careful daily brushing is indispensable to maintain a shiny, tangle-free coat, and they should be groomed more extensively once or twice a week.

Origin: Tibet
Size: (male) Height 10-11 inches; weight about 16 pounds
(female) Height 9-10 inches; weight about 13 pounds
Coat: Long, straight, and hard; undercoat is moderate and dense. Colors include gold, sand, black, honey, grizzle, and smoke.