Dog Breed

Lhasa Apso

Primary image of Lhasa Apso dog breed
Full Name
Lhasa Apso
Your PupScore
Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
Life Span
12 - 15 years
Weight
12 - 18 pounds
Description

Steady, Fearless, Friendly, Devoted, Assertive, Spirited, Energetic, Lively, Alert, Obedient, Playful, Intelligent

Origin
China
Bred For
Guarding inside the home, companion
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Lhasa Apso good with children?

    Yes, the Lhasa Apso is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Lhasa Apso naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Lhasa Apso friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Lhasa Apso is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Lhasa Apso is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Lhasa Apso friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Lhasa Apso is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Lhasa Apso is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Lhasa Apso like to cuddle?

    The Lhasa Apso loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the Lhasa Apso like to play?

    The Lhasa Apso is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Lhasa Apso make a good service dog?

    Historically, the Lhasa Apso has never been used as a service dog and really would not be a good fit.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Lhasa Apso good for first-time owners?

    The Lhasa Apso is an excellent breed for first-time owners. They love pleasing their owner, and rarely are aggressive or over-dominant.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Lhasa Apso be trained?

    The Lhasa Apso is about average when it comes to training potential. The Lhasa Apso can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Lhasa Apso shed a lot?

    The Lhasa Apso is an average shedder. Lhasa Apso owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Lhasa Apso easy to groom?

    The Lhasa Apso requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Lhasa Apso to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Lhasa Apso on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Lhasa Apso need a lot of exercise?

    The Lhasa Apso requires some daily exercise, but daily walks should be enough. The Lhasa Apso appreciates going outside and on daily walks, but they will be ok without anything overly athletic.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Lhasa Apso?

    The Lhasa Apso is a bit goofy and may not be as intelligent as some other breeds, but that is what people oftentimes love about the Lhasa Apso!
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Lhasa Apso bark? Does the Lhasa Apso bark too much?

    The Lhasa Apso barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Lhasa Apsos - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Lhasa Apso a good guard dog?

    The Lhasa Apso would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Lhasa Apso good at staying alone? Is the Lhasa Apso independent?

    The Lhasa Apso does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Lhasa Apso a good apartment dog?

    The Lhasa Apso can be a good dog for apartment living. Daily exercise is still important, but the Lhasa Apso is a better fit for apartment living than most breeds.
    Size

    How big is the Lhasa Apso?

    The Lhasa Apso is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the "giant" category!
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Lhasa Apso tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Lhasa Apso?

    The Lhasa Apso does not tolerate hot weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Lhasa Apso if you live in a very hot weather climate. At the minimum, they would need a home with air conditioning.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Lhasa Apso tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Lhasa Apso?

    The Lhasa Apso does not tolerate cold weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Lhasa Apso if you live in a very cold weather climate. Even if your home is warm, it can be inconvenient to go on walks, and you may need to have a sweater for your Lhasa Apso.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Lhasa Apso try to run away?

    The Lhasa Apso does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Lhasa Apso a healthy dog? The health of a Lhasa Apso should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Lhasa Apso has many health problems that should be considered. The Lhasa Apso can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Lhasa Apso?

    The Lhasa Apso has some energy and requires daily walks, but overall the Lhasa Apso has less energy than average.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Lhasa Apso drool?

    The Lhasa Apso drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Lhasa Apso have a large prey drive? Does the Lhasa Apso like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Lhasa Apso has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Lhasa Apso atheltic?

    The Lhasa Apso can have athletic moments, and bursts of speed, but does not have the endurance as other highly athletic dog breeds. They would do great for occasional jogs, but probably not the best for long-distance runs or anything more athletic than that.
  • Secondary image of Lhasa Apso dog breed
  • Secondary image of Lhasa Apso dog breed

1 of 3

  • Thumbnail image 0 of Lhasa Apso dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 1 of Lhasa Apso dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 2 of Lhasa Apso dog breed
  1. Non-Sporting
  2. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Non-Sporting dog breed group.
Non-Sporting group: The Non-Sporting group of dogs is probably the most diverse in the sense that it has a variety of dogs, and they were not all bred for one specific purpose. Each breed in the non-sporting group is unique! They have been primarily bred as house pets, and because of that make excellent additions to the family. Exercise is still important for them, but the typical non-sporting dog does not have the energy of of a sporting or working group dog.

Lhasa Apsos for adoption

Similar Breeds