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According to the American Kennel Club, Lhasa Apsos ought measure around ten to eleven inches at the withers. Males should weigh in between fourteen and eighteen lbs, and females between twelve and fourteen lbs. The forelegs should be unbent, and the rump should be well-developed and well-muscled. Llhasa Apso criteria call for brown eyes of average size and a jet black nose.

Lhasa’s are similar to the Shih tzu in appearance, but their demeanor and disposition are quite dissimilar. Shih Tzus were bred for companionship while the Lhasa was bred as a watchdog.

The dog possesses a double layered coat, which is intended to drape over the entire torso and the eyes. Any color is satisfactory, with or without black tips on the ears and beard. The tail is held in a tight screw above the back.

Lhasa Apsos generally live between 12-15 years, although a few last as long as 18 years.

The breed was initially bred in Tibet as a guard dog. Llaha’s are, thus, mistrustful of strangers. Productive training calls for the owner to demonstrate authority and ensure consistency in discipline. Lhasas need 20-30 minutes of daily physical exercise.

There has been debate about whether or not Lhasa’s interact all right with kids. The American Lhasa Apso Club urges caution and continual adult supervision although the Dog Breed information Centre suggests the dogs do not interact easily with kids who are aggressive or behave badly.

Recommended Reading:

The Lhasa Apso: An Owner’s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet by Carolyn Herbel

Lhasa Apsos by Stephen Wehrmann, Sharon Vanderlip

The Guide to Owning a Lhasa Apso (Re Dog Series) by Stacy Kennedy, Jennifer Zeppi