BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
CH. Tsuro's Save the Last Dance (Dolly)
Photo courtesy of Tsuro Lhasa Apsos |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Tibet
Height:
Males: Between 10-11 inches (25-28 cm), maximum 11 ½ inches (30 cm) - Females: Slightly smaller
Breed Profile:
The Lhasa Apso was bred in Tibetan monasteries for over 2,000 years and was originally named the Abso Send Kye, "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog". Lhasas were never sold but given as gifts to dignitaries. While the Tibetan Mastiff was used to guard the outdoors, the Lhasa was the indoor guardian. His keen hearing and instinct for identifying friend from stranger make him an ideal watchdog.
The Lhasa Apso is a loyal and loving companion to those he knows. He has a unique temperament and is said to have a big dog personality. He can be rather independent and stubborn with a regal attitude. He views himself as big and important and expects to be treated as such. Patient understanding is a must and no harsh or strict discipline is advised for this breed.
The Lhasa's coat is his outstanding characteristic: long, heavy, straight and hard with an abundance of hair on the head and a plumed tail carried over the back.
Health Issues
The Lhasa Apso is a very healthy and hardy breed, relatively free of health problems. Kidney disease is the most serious health problem found in the Lhasa. The average life expectancy is 12 to 18 years.
If you are considering the adoption of a Lhasa Apso puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The American Lhasa Apso Club Illustrated Guide to the Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Breed Standard No. 227
Grooming Information
With the Lhasa's beautiful coat comes the necessity of almost daily grooming to keep it free of mats. Bathing once a week or biweekly is also suggested. A small amount of conditioner and water used in a spray bottle can help make brushing easier between baths and also help to cut down on static. Care must also be taken to keep the ears clean and to trim the hair on the pads of the feet.
- Grooming Tips
- Learning to Groom your Lhasa... ... or How Not to Pull your Own Hair Out Trying!
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Obedience Training and the Lhasa Apso — by Roger Hild
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
