| One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa | | | | Tzu breed. The face of a Lhasa Apso is not as flat as |
| Apso. The puppies especially are just irresistible but | | | | that of the Shih Tzu. It is believed that the Chinese |
| before one decides to purchase a Lhasa just because | | | | crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekinese which |
| the kids are begging for one, there are some things | | | | resulted in the Shih Tzu with its flatter face.One thing |
| that should be known about this particular breed. | | | | that all prospective owners should definitely know is |
| Historically, Lhasa Apsos were kept by the | | | | that having a fur ball like a Lhasa Apso will require lots |
| monasteries and nobility in Tibet as indoor watch dogs. | | | | of maintenance. The long hair of this breed requires |
| They would sleep by their masters and with their high | | | | constant care. If left unattended even for a few days, |
| intelligence plus keen sense of hearing, would warn of | | | | the Lhasa Apso hair will mat up in clumps that cannot |
| any intruders. Lhasa Apsos were never bought or sold | | | | be untangled. Their floppy ears are also prone to |
| in Tibet. Instead, the Dalai Lama sent Lhasa Apsos in | | | | infections and their eyes can develop problems. If a |
| pairs to the emperors of China as gifts. High ranking | | | | prospective owner is not willing to make a |
| visitors to Tibet also received them as gifts.They are | | | | commitment to the high maintenance of a Lhasa Apso, |
| also referred to as the little bark sentinel lion dogs since | | | | a shorter hair breed is recommended.The Lhasa Apso |
| fully grown Lhasa Apsos could resemble small lions | | | | is considered by some breeders to be more stubborn |
| with all their hair. Lhasa Apso dogs can also behave | | | | and difficult to train than other dogs. Do not let all that |
| very much like lions exhibiting no fear when confronted | | | | cuteness give you the wrong impression as they are |
| by strangers or even larger dogs. Despite its small size | | | | the little lion dogs after all. This breed has been revered |
| with adult females reaching 12 to 16 pounds and adult | | | | and highly regarded for centuries in Asia. The genetics |
| males ranging from 14 to 18 pounds, they are | | | | may have resulted in some arrogance in them. One |
| extremely hardy as well as rugged. Having existed in | | | | must be assertive in the proper training of the Lhasa |
| the extreme temperatures of Tibet for centuries, they | | | | Apso as this breed will test the new master. Lhasa |
| are well suited for and actually enjoy romps in the | | | | Apsos are completely loyal and affectionate with their |
| snow. They are also long lived. Both of my Lhasa | | | | masters but many will not be fond of strangers no |
| Apsos lived past the age of fifteen years. I have | | | | matter how obedient they are. This may be part of |
| heard reports of others living even longer. In | | | | their watch dog tendency. |
| appearance, the Lhasa Apso is very similar to the Shih | | | | |