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