A small breed packed with robust features, the Lhasa Apso is a breed that incredibly powerful and highly intelligent. Sturdiness may not be apparent from the Lhasa Apso, mainly because of its small body. At first glance, this breed appears to be a toy dog, which has its resemblance to the Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, and other small dogs. However, if you come to own a Lhasa Apso, you would notice a considerable difference in the breed’s characteristics.
The Lhasa Apso indeed has an irresistible charm, like any other toy dog. However, don’t be deceived by its adorable looks; the Lhasa Apso is a breed you would never imagine. Unlike other small breeds, the Lhasa Apso was just not bred to put a smile on its owner’s face; it is a dog equipped with toughness and sturdiness. If there were one thing to describe this breed, it would be substantiality. Despite having a relatively small body, it walks with pride, flaunting its incredible finesse and powerful body.
These features are only some of the Lhasa Apso’s notable traits. If you are looking for a breed that is a hard worker, and at the same time, an adorable family companion, the Lhasa Apso is a breed you should consider.
Origins of the Lhasa Apso
Interestingly, the Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed that has existed for thousands of years. We can trace back its origins to thousands of years ago in the isolated Buddhist Monasteries of the Himalayan Mountains. For a long time, the breed worked as a watchdog, making sure to keep palaces away from intruders. It was a long time trusted companion of the Dalai Lama. This employment of the Lhasa Apso lasted for a long time, and the breed maintained its significant job as a palace watchdog.
Fast forward to the 20th century, the long period of isolation of the breed finally came to an end. The 14th Dalai Lama introduced the Lhasa Apso to the United States, wherein it was bred and exported. This event started the development of the breed in America, giving it a significant boost in its popularity.
The greatness of the Lhasa Apso is widely known across the Tibetan region. Tibetan folklore usually associates this breed with myths and legend, wherein they say that it is the representative of the Mythical Snow Lion. The significance of the Lhasa Apso is evident in the breed; from the name itself, it is derived from the region’s sacred city, also known as Lhasa.
Characteristics of the Lhasa Apso
Height: 10 – 11 inches
Weight: 12 – 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The great breed of the Tibetan region, the Lhasa Apso is a dog equipped with several exciting qualities. As mentioned earlier, the breed is a relatively small dog that could stand up to eleven inches tall and weighs up to eighteen pounds. Just by looking at its size, we might come to think that it is not capable of working in the field. However, its appearance might be deceiving since it has several similarities with other toy dogs, which are known for their adorable and charming appearance. Interestingly, the Lhasa Apso is not just a breed suitable for a toy dog.
Moreover, its appearance is something that is quite easy to describe. Besides its small body, it boasts its beautiful flat-hanging coat that comes in various colors. An innocent face makes it a complete package with its dark and oval-shaped eyes, which express an affectionate and comical nature.
Apart from the breed’s elegant appearance, the Lhasa Apso showcases finesse when it comes to its job. A brilliant mind is one of the breed’s primary assets, making it more suitable for work. It might not seem capable of working in the field, but the Lhasa Apso indeed proves to be a worthy breed in different jobs. However, one task that the Lhasa Apso excels in is as a watchdog. Ever since the breed’s early existence, it has already earned a reputation as a watchdog, working as a sentinel in the isolated palaces of the Himalayan Mountains. These are only some of the Lhasa Apso’s remarkable features; one thing is for sure, this breed is sure to capture the hearts of many dog lovers.