Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apsos are named for the old capital of Tibet - Lhasa - and a Tibetan horse known for its abundant mane.
Lhasa Apso adult in black and white

About the Lhasa Apso

Although small, Lhasa Apsos are assertive dogs that do not allow themselves to be bossed about. Their alert nature means they readily let intruders know they are around.

Lhasa Apsos are terriers in everything but name, particularly when it comes to their inquisitive, confident, and sociable nature. The word terrier doesn't appear in their name to avoid confusion with Tibetan Terriers.

Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Breed Specifics

Size category: Small
Avg life expectancy: 12-15 years
Friendly / Assertive / Alert / Even-tempered / Reserved

Key facts

Requires a lot of grooming
Garden not essential
Makes a great watchdog
Health checklist illustration

Health condition

Lhasa Apsos belong to the brachycephalic family that have physical features such as a flat face and short nose due to their flat and wide skull shape. These anatomical attributes can cause some health issues like skin, eye and breathing problems as well as a poor ability to tolerate heat. For all brachycephalic breeds, we advise you to choose a dog with physical features that are not over-exaggerated, to acquire from a responsible breeder or shelter and to seek advice from your veterinarian as needed.
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A healthy start to life

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