El Lhasa Apso is a highly appreciated breed of dog today in beauty pageants due to its long coat, which this dog wears elegantly. But beyond this new function, we are talking about a very ancient breed that arose in Tibet, coexisting closely with the Tibetan Mastiff.
The Lhasa Apso were dogs that were appreciated in their environment and that is why the breed was maintained for centuries. This small breed dog is today a perfect dog for all kinds of people, since it has a cheerful character and is attached to its family. Learn more about this breed of Tibetan origin.
History of the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso dog It owes its name to the city where it originates, in Lhassa, located in Tibet. The dog was of great importance in Tibetan society and its origin apparently dates back hundreds of years before Christ. This little dog had great guardian qualities. Although its size did not impress, it was the perfect companion of acquaintances Tibetan Mastiffs, to which he warned with his bark of the presence of strangers, making a perfect team between the two.
In addition to this function, this dog was considered a great present, as it was highly appreciated. In this way, many of the important visitors were given a Lhasa Apso dog as a sign of respect. This is how the dog became part of many noble families. Today the dog is no longer a guard dog, although it still has some of these characteristics, but almost all of them are used as companion dogs. As we have said, they are highly appreciated in beauty contests for their thick and long fur.
Physical characteristics
The Lhasa Apso is considered a small dog but not a miniature. The height at the withers is 25 cm and usually weighs 5 to 7 kilos. It has the quality that it has long and thick hair, with a head covered with whiskers. Although it is small, it has a fairly strong and resistant physical structure. Its muzzle is short and its expression is usually friendly. It is a dog that is almost always longer than it is tall.
If something stands out in this dog is its hair. If it is allowed to grow, it reaches a great length and on the face it will fall like a fringe over the eyes, giving it its characteristic appearance. However, there are those who resort to trimming their fur to make maintenance easier. The dog will in this case have a totally different appearance. As for the color of the coat can be mixed with honey, sand, gold, gray, white, black or bicolor color.
Dog character
The Lhasa Apso can be defined as a very cheerful and lively dog, which can make the whole family's day better. He is very attached to his own and has protective instincts due to those years as a watchdog. It is a dog that with strangers can be somewhat reserved, showing less playfulness, but if we earn their trust we will be friends forever.
It should be borne in mind that these types of small companion dogs are quite followers of their masters, so to speak. But the Lhasa Apso is a dog with a more independent character, somewhat stubborn at times, which will make its own decisions. Without a doubt, he has great qualities and intelligence and we can teach him many things, but always with patience and positive education.
We are faced with a dog that both can be alone at home and enjoy the company of yours. Children must be taught to give them their space, as they will not always want a dose of pampering or attention. In this way we can enjoy a great dog.
Lhasa Apso health
The Lhasa Apso is a dog that has been shown to have iron health and also has a high life expectancy, like almost all small dogs. Nevertheless, they may have some skin problems. Hip dysplasia can also appear, as well as kidney problems. In addition, one of the health problems that is officially recognized is progressive retinal atrophy with which the dog goes blind.
All the regular check-ups at the vet They will be important especially after eight or nine years, when the dog is senior, because that is when more problems appear. Due to its abundant and long hair, you have to be scrupulous with deworming to prevent the dog from contracting all kinds of parasites.
Dog care
One of the things that most worries owners who get to own a Lhasa Apso is the care of their fur, which certainly takes a lot of work. Not only is it thick and filling, but it is also a great length for the size of the dog. Show dogs usually wear this very long and straight hair, totally cared for.
In the case of dogs that have a more active life is definitely recommended to cut hair every so often. This will be much more comfortable for the dog and we will avoid having to remove knots and tangles from the dog's hair. Grooming should be done every several months to keep the hair at a size that is comfortable for the dog. This way we will only have to comb it from time to time at home.
This dog is quite active, so will require your daily walks. Although it is not a great athlete as it happens with other breeds, it will enjoy games in the field, races and long walks. You have to be careful on hot days because it is one of those breeds with a flat face that can suffocate with high temperatures or excessive exercise.
Why you should have a Lhasa Apso
El Lhasa Apso is an ideal companion dog. It is the right size for flats and houses. He is independent and smart, playful, lively and cheerful. If we like that type of dog that does not need constant attention, we have the right dog. But we must bear in mind that it must always be disciplined as it is a breed that can become stubborn when it is proposed. Do you like the Lhasa Apso breed?