Another of the toy sized long haired companion dogs, the Lhasa Apso has become a very popular companion dog all over the world. Sometimes mistaken for a Shih Tzu, these dogs are really very distinctive in both appearance and personality.
When the coat of the Lhasa Apso is left long, it is really amazing and beautiful when properly cared for and groomed daily. For ease of care many owners choose to clip the coat short, which gives a more sporty and puppyish look to the dog. However, no matter how the coat is clipped the beautiful hair on the tail curling over the back and the longer hair on the ears is typically left longer. The moustache and beard may also be left longer as well to bring out the breed traits.
This is strong, sturdy, athletic little dog that is more than just a watchdog. They are an affectionate member of the family that loves to be at the center of everything that is going on. They are very good with children when raised together and they love to play and romp with the kids. These little dogs are also very good with other dogs and cats, again early socialization and training reinforces this positive behavior. Intelligent, easy to train and very quick to learn the Lhasa Apso is a wonderful pet for all types of households. They can adapt to apartment living and are good at self-exercising. They are also content to curl up on the couch or snuggle on your lap when it is type to relax.
Typically the Lhasa Apso will mature at about 15 pounds, but they can be prone to weight gain if they are not provided with structured exercise time every day. They are moderately tall at about 12 inches at the shoulder, but the longer body often makes them look a little bit bigger than they really are.
This breed is generally considered a very healthy dog and can live to be 15 plus years. Many dogs have some level of flea allergies so it is important to talk to your vet about effective year round flea treatment options for this breed. They can also, like other dogs with long hair over the eyes, be prone to eye infections and irritations that cause tearing. Clipping the hair or keeping it up and off the face is one easy solution to this issue.