Best Pet Articles
Search

Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?

Web Search

One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa Apso. The puppies especially are just irresistible but before one decides to purchase a Lhasa just because the kids are begging for one, there are some things that should be known about this particular breed. Historically, Lhasa Apsos were kept by the monasteries and nobility in Tibet as indoor watch dogs. They would sleep by their masters and with their high intelligence plus keen sense of hearing, would warn of any intruders. Lhasa Apsos were never bought or sold in Tibet. Instead, the Dalai Lama sent Lhasa Apsos in pairs to the emperors of China as gifts. High ranking visitors to Tibet also received them as gifts.

They are also referred to as the little bark sentinel lion dogs since fully grown Lhasa Apsos could resemble small lions with all their hair. Lhasa Apso dogs can also behave very much like lions exhibiting no fear when confronted by strangers or even larger dogs. Despite its small size with adult females reaching 12 to 16 pounds and adult males ranging from 14 to 18 pounds, they are extremely hardy as well as rugged. Having existed in the extreme temperatures of Tibet for centuries, they are well suited for and actually enjoy romps in the snow. They are also long lived. Both of my Lhasa Apsos lived past the age of fifteen years. I have heard reports of others living even longer. In appearance, the Lhasa Apso is very similar to the Shih Tzu breed. The face of a Lhasa Apso is not as flat as that of the Shih Tzu. It is believed that the Chinese crossed the Lhasa Apso with the Pekinese which resulted in the Shih Tzu with its flatter face.

One thing that all prospective owners should definitely know is that having a fur ball like a Lhasa Apso will require lots of maintenance. The long hair of this breed requires constant care. If left unattended even for a few days, the Lhasa Apso hair will mat up in clumps that cannot be untangled. Their floppy ears are also prone to infections and their eyes can develop problems. If a prospective owner is not willing to make a commitment to the high maintenance of a Lhasa Apso, a shorter hair breed is recommended.

The Lhasa Apso is considered by some breeders to be more stubborn and difficult to train than other dogs. Do not let all that cuteness give you the wrong impression as they are the little lion dogs after all. This breed has been revered and highly regarded for centuries in Asia. The genetics may have resulted in some arrogance in them. One must be assertive in the proper training of the Lhasa Apso as this breed will test the new master. Lhasa Apsos are completely loyal and affectionate with their masters but many will not be fond of strangers no matter how obedient they are. This may be part of their watch dog tendency. One of my Lhasa Apsos was quite friendly with visitors but the other one wouldn't even acknowledge their presence.

The breed may also not be appropriate with small children. Small children may get clumsy and accidentally poke Lhasas in the eyes or squeeze them too hard. Lhasas will not take this behavior lightly as they are not as patient with kids compared to say Labrador retrievers. Some Lhasas have been known to bite clumsy kids. Lhasa Apso dogs can be very good with children as long as they are treated with respect and care.

Despite these characteristics of the Lhasa Apso, they are excellent dogs to have as they can be one of the most loyal companions as long as it is recognized that they are high maintenance and may not be suitable for some families.

Clint Leung is a long time Lhasa Apso lover and owner of Free Spirit Gallery http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca, an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.


MORE RESOURCES:

Obesity just as dangerous for pets as for humans
Vancouver Sun,  Canada - 8 hours ago
Just as with humans, obesity in pets can lead to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and other health complications. ...
High-Tech Vet Medicine Saving Lives of Pets and People MarketWatch
all 7 news articles


Many reluctant to evacuate without pets
United Press International - 12 hours ago
8 (UPI) -- Forty-seven percent of US adults say they would refuse disaster rescue if it meant leaving without a family pet, American Humane Association ...
Still in Exile After Katrina, Humane Society From New Orleans ... MarketWatch
all 5 news articles


Pets left behind in foreclosed homes
The Union of Grass Valley, CA - 9 hours ago
When a tough economy forced people to foreclose on their homes or downsize to smaller apartments, the pet population took a hit, said staff at the county's ...


New York Daily News

Pets weather Gustav well
Detroit Free Press, United States - Sep 4, 2008
Early reconnaissance by rescuers allowed into storm-damaged areas indicates the vast majority of pets were evacuated with their owners, and thousands of ...
Tropical storm and disaster preparedness for pets Tri Parish Times
Keeping Your Pets Safe Before, During & After The Storm Local10.com
Gustav Pet Evacuations Show Katrina Lessons Learned National Geographic
Cay Compass - USA Today
all 357 news articles


Pets Hurt By Economy
AHN - 3 hours ago
Washington, DC (AHN) - Rising prices are hitting hard pet owners, pets and organizations that try to help. Pet owners, food pantries and animal shelters are ...


Talking travel with the expert on traveling with pets
Gadling, CA - 4 hours ago
by Jerry Guo Sep 8th 2008 @ 8:30AM I'm here with Doug Poindexter, president of the World Wide Pet Industry Association, the oldest nonprofit within the ...


MARSEILLES: Blest Are They Blessed few pets brought to blessing
MyWebTimes.com, IL - 1 hour ago
Saturday afternoon there were definitely less pets present than you could shake a stick at. The turnout for the animal blessing behind the First ...


Tick plague peril puts bite on pets
Gold Coast News, Australia - 1 hour ago
PARALYSIS ticks have put an early bite into Gold Coast pets, signalling the start of a potentially perilous season. The G Care Animal Referral and Emergency ...


CBS4 Prompts Change In Keys Pet Evacuation Policy
CBS 4, FL - 21 hours ago
KEY WEST (CBS4.com) ― A mandatory evacuation order means it's not safe to stay at home, but many pet owners refuse to leave without their furry friends. ...
Monroe County residents can take pets to FIU shelter Sun-Sentinel.com
Evacuees Pack Into FIU CBS 4
all 4 news articles


Ensure your pets aren't lost in the shuffle after your death
StarNewsOnline.com, NC - 5 hours ago
Let neighbors, friends and relatives know how many pets you have and who your emergency caregivers are. Carry a wallet 'alert card' with the names and phone ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map | SubArticle
© 2008