The Lhasa Apso, a Tibetan dog breed with an extremely long and fascinating history, is today prized as a lovely companion. In this article, we will take a closer look at this unique breed, examining its character, health, needs and history. We will prepare the reader for what it means to own a Lhasa Apso dog and what to look for when planning to adopt such a dog into the family. We will also make sure to touch on the topic of breeding, care and interesting facts about this breed.
What do you find in the article?
Lhasa Apso – description and appearance of the breed
Lhasa Apso is a small, but sturdy dog. It looks like a miniature lion with a long, beautiful coat. Despite its small size, it shows incredible stamina and strength. Their eyes are dark, and their ears are covered with long hair, creating a “scarf” effect.

Character of the Lhasa Apso dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
Lhasa Apso is not only a charming companion, but also an excellent watchdog. They are intelligent and smart, and their innate caution makes them ideal alarm dogs. Despite their small stature, they are able to effectively alert their owners to the presence of strangers.
What kind of personality does it have?
The Lhasa Apso is a born wit. It is a dog with a strong personality that can be independent, but at the same time loyal to its owner. They are dogs that do very well alone, but who also like to be the center of attention.
Lhasa Apso – How to train and raise?
The Lhasa Apso dog is intelligent, but can be a bit stubborn. It requires patience and consistency in the training process. The best way to teach a Lhasa Apso new things is positive reinforcement.
Who is the Lhasa Apso suitable for?
These dogs are ideal for people who are looking for a small but independent companion. They can get along well with other animals if they are properly socialized. Lhasa Apso are well suited for families with children, but caution should always be exercised, as some may not be very tolerant of loud and energetic children.
Lhasa Apso – price
The price of a Lhasa Apso depends on many factors, including the reputation of the breeder and the quality of the pedigree. In Poland, the price for a Lhasa Apso puppy can oscillate between 2000-4000 PLN.

Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
- Difficulty in training: Lhasa Apso are known for their independence, which may mean they are not always eager to learn. They require patience and consistency in training.
- Independent nature: While this can also be an advantage, the independence of the Lhasa Apso can be problematic for those looking for a dog that is always willing to play and be active.
- Need for coat care: The Lhasa Apso’s long, dense coat requires regular grooming. If not properly groomed, it can become tangled and matted.
- Barking Tendency: Lhasa Apso are good watchdogs and often use their barking to alert strangers. This can be problematic in apartments or in close proximity to neighbors.
Advantages
- Longevity: Lhasa Apso are known for their long lives. They often live to be 15 years old, and some as long as 20.
- Small size: Their small size makes them ideal dogs for people living in apartments or small houses.
- Strong guarding instinct: Despite their small size, Lhasa Apso are excellent watchdogs and will quickly spot strangers.
- Loyalty: Lhasa Apso are very loyal to their families. Once they bond with them, they are friends for life.
Lhasa Apso – health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
The Lhasa Apso, like any breed, requires a proper diet. The best diet for Lhasa Apso should be well-balanced and tailored to their age, activity level and health.
Grooming
Grooming the Lhasa Apso can be demanding due to their long hair. Hair should be brushed daily to prevent matting and tangling.
Diseases
Lhasa Apso are generally healthy dogs, but, like any breed, they are prone to certain health problems. Among the most common are eye problems, such as retinal atrophy, and skin diseases.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Getting ready for a Lhasa Apso requires buying the right accessories, such as a good quality feeder, water bowls, toys, a leash, a collar and, most importantly, a good coat care kit.

History of the Lhasa Apso dog breed
Origins
The Lhasa Apso is a breed with deep roots that date back thousands of years. They originally originated in Tibet, where they were considered sacred dogs and often kept in monasteries as guards. Their name comes from the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, and the word “apso,” which means “goat” in Tibetan, referring to the distinctive long and rough coat of these dogs.
Development of the breed
Over the centuries, Lhasa Apso have been bred and respected for their remarkable guarding abilities. They were believed to have the ability to detect newcomers even before they appeared, making them indispensable guards for Tibetan monasteries and palaces. Buddhist beliefs also say that after death, the spirits of good monks would pass into the bodies of these dogs, which gave them even greater sanctity.
Lhasa Apso did not reach Europe until the early 20th century. In 1928, their first official exhibition at a show in Britain took place. At that time they became famous as dogs with extremely strong character, sharpness of mind and a small but strong body.
Currently
Today, the Lhasa Apso is a popular domestic dog all over the world. Their charming appearance and independent character attract many dog lovers. Although they are no longer used as guard dogs, many still exhibit these instincts, a testament to their long and fascinating history.
Lhasa Apso dog breed pattern
The Lhasa Apso is a breed that originated in Tibet, whose pattern is detailed by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale).
According to this standard, Lhasa Apso are small but solidly built dogs with a long and rich coat. Their silhouette is somewhat elongated, the ratio between height at the withers and body length should be 10 to 11.
The head of these dogs is quite heavy and well haired, with deep-set dark eyes that add to their expression. The ears of the Lhasa Apso are heavy, drooping, covered with long hair. They are worn to the sides, creating a “scarf” effect. The nose of these dogs is always black.
The body of the Lhasa Apso is strong and compact, with a well-developed chest. The tail is set high and carried proudly on the back, wrapped around the body.
The coat of these dogs is one of their most distinctive attributes. It is rich, dense, but not too soft, resembling goat’s wool in texture. The hair on the head is often pulled upward in a bow to keep it out of the dog’s way.
In terms of color, the Lhasa Apso can take on many shades. All colors and spots are allowed, from black, through various shades of gold, gray, sandy and honey.

Lhasa Apso – interesting facts about the breed
The Lhasa Apso is a breed full of surprises and curiosities. Here are some facts that may surprise you.
- Origin of the name: The name “Lhasa Apso” has an interesting origin. “Lhasa” is the name of the capital of Tibet, where the breed originated. “Apso” is a Tibetan word that means “goat,” which refers to the distinctive rough coat of these dogs.
- Sacred dogs: Lhasa Apso were considered sacred dogs in Tibet. It was believed that after a monk died, his soul passed into the body of a dog of this breed. Therefore, they were often kept in monasteries as guards.
- Rarity of the breed: Lhasa Apso were for a long time rarely seen outside Tibet. It wasn’t until the 20th century that they found their way to the West, when they were given as diplomatic gifts. As a result, the breed gained popularity around the world.
- Longevity: Lhasa Apso are well-known longevers in the dog world. It is not uncommon for them to live to be 15 or even 20 years old. This longevity is often attributed to their Tibetan origins and the harsh climate to which they have adapted over the centuries.
- Are Lhasa Apso’s bald? The answer is no, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have hair problems. Like other long-haired breeds, Lhasa Apso need to be brushed regularly to prevent tangling and matting of their beautiful coat.
- Lhasa Apso voice: These small dogs have a surprisingly loud voice. They are excellent watchdogs and do not hesitate to use their strong barking to alert owners to strangers.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.