Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos typically live 12 to 15 years. Their short muzzle can cause mild breathing difficulties in heat, so exercise should be limited on warm days. Eye conditions and kidney issues also occur in the breed. Dental crowding is common given their small mouth.

That long, flowing coat needs daily brushing to prevent serious matting close to the skin. Many pet owners keep the coat in a shorter, easier-to-manage puppy cut to reduce maintenance. Bathe every two to three weeks. Their face needs regular wiping to avoid tear staining and hair obstructing their eyes.

This small breed has moderate energy and needs about 30 minutes of activity daily. Short walks and indoor play sessions suit them well. Their shortened muzzle limits heat tolerance, so avoid intense exercise on warm days. Mental stimulation matters just as much as physical movement for this alert little dog.

Intelligent but independent, Lhasa Apsos can be a bit stubborn during training. Positive reinforcement and patience work well. Early socialization helps round out their naturally alert, somewhat aloof temperament toward strangers. Housetraining can take extra consistency with this breed.

A small-breed formula with quality protein suits this little dog's needs. Two measured meals daily work better than free feeding. Watch portions closely, as small dogs gain weight quickly on excess treats. Fresh water should always be available.

Originating in Tibet over a thousand years ago, the Lhasa Apso was bred as a sentinel dog for Buddhist monasteries, alert to any sound that might signal an intruder. Tibetan tradition held that the breed brought good luck, and dogs were never sold, only given as gifts. The 13th Dalai Lama gifted some of the first Lhasa Apsos to reach the West in the early 1900s. The breed remains a watchful, dignified companion today.