Lhasa Apso: 7 reasons to choose a Lhasa Apso dog
88Are you thinking of bringing home a Lhasa Apso? These fantastic little guys can be great pets, and are definitely worth considering. While many people have a stigma against small dogs, thinking that they're frivolous or "yappy", Lhasa's often win their hearts, once they've had the opportunity to spend a little time with one.
If you do an internet search, you'll read lots of articles about the history of these little dogs. And while for many breeds the history doesn't really matter any more, it's not a bad idea to read a little more about the Lhasa Apso. They were bred as indoor watch dogs in the isolated Himalayan Mountains of Tibet, and have remained relatively unchanged for a long time. This breeding results in a unique personality.
I've put together the Top 7 Reasons to take home a Lhasa Apso to give you a little more insight into the personalities of these dogs. I've also included a few quirks that can cause problems in certain households, and should be considered as well.
Top 7 Reasons to Take Home a Lhasa Apso:
- Lhasa puppies are full of energy & curiosity. They are very playful, and are excellent at entertaining themselves (and you!)
- Lhasa's have a long lifespan (anywhere from 12 to 18 years) and age well. They tend to stay playful well into their teens.
- They are very independent dogs. Because they were bred indoors, they are excellent dogs for apartment & condo living, and rarely suffer separation anxiety.
- Additionally, being indoor dogs, they don't require extensive outdoor exercise. Indoor play and daily walks should keep them content.
- Lhasa's do not shed like short-hair dogs, and many people with allergies (and even some with asthma) can live comfortably with them.
- Lhasa Apso's are generally a very sturdy and healthy breed. The most serious hereditary disease is renal dysplasia (kidney failure). However, they often display symptons of this disease as puppies, and reputable breeders will not put a Lhasa Apso puppy for sale that show signs of kidney problems.
- They do not bark nearly as much as many of the other breeds of small dogs. Because Lhasa's were bred as indoor watch dogs, they have very discriminating hearing. They learn to distinguish ordinary, day-to-day noises from unusual ones, and so will usually only bark for legitimate reasons. Lhasa's will usually not join in when they hear other neighborhood dogs barking.
These are 7 reasons that I find Lhasa Apso's excellent pets. However, there are a few things to consider before you run out and buy one! Due to their independence, pleasing you (their owner) is not always a number one priority. Obedience training is highly recommended, but should not be too difficult, as long as a little time is spent.
Additionally, they should always be supervised around small children. Lhasa's tend to associate more with adults than children, and can become quite defensive (read: unpredictable) around a child that plays rough. Games like hide and seek, and fetch tend to be better at teaching the puppy to trust the child.
Finally, due to their long life-span, Lhasa's tend to develop more slowly. This should be kept in mind when working on training the dog. House training and teaching the dog bite-restraint can take a little longer. Lhasa's usually adjust to a new home best after 10 weeks.
Lhasa Apso's are great pets, and lots of fun to be around. I believe the perks of the breed strongly outweigh the negatives, and you will enjoy a long-life with your pet!
- Kingdom of Pets Dog Training
Want more information on obedience training for your Lhasa Apso? - Dogster.com
Interested in adopting a Lhasa Apso? Visit Dogster.com, where they have information on Lhasa's that need a good home.
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Comments
We have a 4 month old Lhasa boy, Alfie. He really is a delight. I'd never had a dog before - grown up with a cat - and was never a big fan of dogs, but Alfie has certainly won my heart. He really is the most delightful puppy. Lhasa Apsos are definitely wonderful pets and lifelong companions!
I had a Lhasa Apso for 14 years. He just passed on April 4, 2008. I loved him very much and miss him very much. He was a pleasure to have around. Now I am still looking around for him. It is very hard because he was always with me.
He was an excellent watch dog. No one was safe to come in if not welcomed. He
will always remain in my heart forever. He was a little testy at times. I would
always watch him around children. I would put him in the kitchen. I am now
looking to find another one. The only drawback is that the price for one has gone
up triple since I got Kasey. I will keep looking until I find another one. Take
care everyone.....
I had a Lhasa Apso for 14 years. He just passed on April 4, 2008. I loved him very much and miss him very much. He was a pleasure to have around. Now I am still looking around for him. It is very hard because he was always with me.
He was an excellent watch dog. No one was safe to come in if not welcomed. He
will always remain in my heart forever. He was a little testy at times. I would
always watch him around children. I would put him in the kitchen. I am now
looking to find another one. The only drawback is that the price for one has gone
up triple since I got Kasey. I will keep looking until I find another one. Take
care everyone.....
I have one named Alfie too! What a coincidence!
I have a 19 month old son and we are considering getting a Lhasa Apso puppy. Would this be a good choice? My son loves dog and has been around them since he was born. I want a small dog to keep in the house and want to crate train. Your info will be very helpful.
i have a 10 week old lhasa apso who is fully housetrained took me 2 days to learn her she is the most amusing pet ive ever had loves my 2 year old grandson,ruby is a pleasure she makes my day lhasa apso are so clever she only messes in one place in the garden never anywhere else what a gem
ruby is now 13 week doesnt chew loves all children,a right comic .never messed in the house since 2 days after i got her anyone thinking of getting a lhasa apso please do her and my 2 year old grandson are good pals they play in the garden together shes priceless
for all you who love lhasa, come and join a great forum
you wont regret it.
The link to a great lhasa forum
www.lhasa-apso-forum.net
i have an 8 year old lhasa named missy. she is a delight. everyday she brings a smile to my face. she is an excellent dog with a loving spirit. even though she is getting older, she still likes to play and have like when she was a puppy!
p.s. try to adopt a lhasa instead of buying one from a store(most are breed from puppy mills at those stores :( )
ruby is now 9 month and the light of my life loves kids and so pretty lhasa apso dogs are in my book the best i love mine to death shes fantastic we have now got a 6 month old grandaughter ruby loves her runs up to see why shes crying perfect perfect perfect that describes ruby my lhasa apso
My Lhasa Apso was a Christmas present from my daughter. She is now 15 months old. Very smart. She sleeps in a crate next to my bed. She was no problem to housebreak. Only took her outdoors to do her business,I would take her out every two hours on a leash until she learned to come get me when she needed to go out, I was pleasantly surprised she trained so quickly. She always lets me know when she needs to eliminate. She will come over to me and quietly bark or lightly push at my legs when she needs to go out. She does not go in the house. She is allowed in three rooms of the house to roam freely in that way she does not get confused and use a part of the house for a bathroom. She on her own learned how to sit up and beg. That was unbelievable to us as other dogs we owned we had to work with for hours to teach them this trick. She was quite young the first time she did it and we responded to her immediately she got what she wanted so from that time on when she wants to play or wants a bone or her tummy rubbed she will sit up and beg. These dogs are not barkers. When she is around my daughters Yorkies and they bark non stop at any movement she looks at them like what is the problem but never joins in. She is a joy to have, I don't find I need to brush her daily but I do brush her three for four times a week. My advise would be to handle their paws while young frequently as they do not like them touched and this makes it difficult to groom their nails. I have been touching them more often and she is getting more used to us handling them. Their front paws are huge for the size of the dog. I think this makes them so cute. They are a sturdy breed but yes stubborn. I love my little girl very much. We named her Noel as we received her on Christmas Eve in 2007. She is sooo smart and loving. I would recommend this breed to anyone who is home alot. They like to be with you. As far as small children I am not sure it is a good idea. They play rough and get caught up in rough play and sometimes don't realize they grab you instead of toy. You have to be very observant when handling their toys that they don't mistake your hand for the toy. So small children would not know to be careful regarding that. I would also recommend crate training and using a crate as their bed with a pet pillow in it. It makes it much easier if you need to go somewhere in a car or RV to keep them happy on long trips as they are still in what they deem as their home.
My wife and I have a Lahsa named Micky who will be 2 in April. I have never had a dog before and agreed to get one because my wife really wanted one. She suggested a Lahsa and I agreed not really knowing anythiong about them other than they are small dogs. I must say that he has brought a lot of joy to our lives and he is part of the family. He has the grreatest tempermant and is always ready to play. He is not shy and love to great anyone who comes to the door. He is very trusting and will walk right up to anyone (me, my wife or a stranger he meets on our walks) and drop to the floor an roll over for a belly rub. When we eat he is very good and does not beg - we usually give him a little treat after we finish so he is very patient. I would recomend this breed to anyone and everyone!!!
I had a dear little lhasa who I lost 2 monts ago to crones disease. He lived a good life for 13 years i found him at a locale humane center in Springfield , mo. my vet guessed him to be 4 athe time. He loved children and was potty trained when i got him. We walked every day weather permitting. I sure miss him would love to get another one just like him.
I have a little fur-baby Lhasa (Mia) and she is the sweetest baby I have ever known! She is ever so sweet and just so very funny! She loves to entertain herself and by doing so, entertains me so much! She is devoted as can be and is quite protective. She is great with my older Shih Tzu, but does think she runs the house, which she does...I live in a condo and this type of home is perfect for these little babies...she runs and plays with my little Shih Tzu - she loves her "sister" too!! If you are considering a Lhasa Apso, please take very good care of them as they are sooo sweet and loving and need a good home. You must treat them as if they were your kids!! Please care for them in every which way possible - from vet visits, monthly grooming to the best grade of food and of course, love and protect them!! And please, do no leave them outside!! Enjoy these very special little babies!!
I have a 4 month old lhasa and she is called rubie. She is an angel and i could not tell you a fault!
I have a darling little Apso named Kiley-Rose. Got her from Furbabyrescue.com 6 years ago when she was five.
She does not play very much but she dances with happiness/flipping her tail about and smiling; she very much likes her own way, she widdles on a wee wee pad and she barks huge big dog barks at my husband whenever he enters my room. (her tail is wagging, and she adores him.)
We have two other small dogs, a mixed breed, and a Shih Tzuh. Kiley is the boss...she thinks...then she looks at me and she knows who the real boss is!
I love her to bits...she is my shadow...has the gentlest little mouth (so does the mixed breed...the Shih Tzuh will take fingers as well as a cookie.)
And of course they are all trained NOT to do the things they shouldn't!
She/they are a dream to groom.
When I adopted her, I was looking for a Golden Retriever...I still have to laugh about it.
I love my little Kiley to pieces.
We're interested in a female Lhasa puppy. We live just south of Milwaukee. Email me if you can lead me to a puppy somewhere near us.
FisherRog37@yahoo.com
My friend has got a beautiful lhasa apso names harvey and i really want one! but my dad says they are too much work! they dont need walked to often though?
Whitney05 says:
2 years ago
That are definately pretty dogs. I'll admit that. Ha