Lhasa Apso

Breed history:

It is the oldest Tibetan breed and most small dogs from the East and most Terriers from Europe descend from it. It has been known for over 2000 years and it was raised by the Tibetan monks in monasteries in the "Lost Valley", being considered a sacred animal and thought to be the reincarnation of Lama. These dogs guarded the treasure of Buddha and attended religious rituals. The Tibetan population named this dog - lion or "fluffy lion", due to its fur and also its distinctive character. In Europe, the first dogs from this breed appeared around the year 1922, brought by some explorers, when they crossed Lhassa, the holy city of Tibet. It is a sturdy dog, born at 3500 m altitude and which can easily live at 6000 m. The famous climber Shepra Tensing was always accompanied in his climbs by a pair of Lhasa dogs, because these are always alert and watchful, feeling the dangers of the mountain and especially avalanches.

Description:

It is a small-sized dog, but sturdy, with a body that's long rather than tall. The head is quite big, with abundant beard and whiskers. The skull is straight, rather narrow with a slightly prominent stop and a medium-sized muzzle that ends with a big nose. The eyes are medium-sized and dark hazel. The ears are drooping and covered with rich and long hair. The tail is long and kept rolled on the back or sideways and covered with rich hair. The fur is double-layered with a medium length, pretty soft inner layer and a very long, straight, thick and quite rough outer layer, covering the whole body and touching the ground. The coat can have any colour (gold, cream, yellow, grey, brick, black, reddish), striped and multicolored.

Personality:

It is a calm, quiet, jolly, proud, intelligent, lively but stubborn and independent dog. It is devoted to its master and gets along well with children, accepts other dogs and other animals.

Grooming:

This dog's fur requires weekly brushing to prevent the hair from getting tangled but rough pulling can break the hair. A special solution can be used to prevent the hair from becoming too fragile. Dirt and hair must be kept out of the eyes not to irritate them. The ears must be kept clean and the hair between the footpads must be removed. The hair is combed with a parting from the nostrils, head, back to the tail.

Living conditions:

It adapts well to the offered living conditions, especially in a flat and to the exercise needs of a less active person. It needs socialization and training.

Training:

 It is smart enough to understand what is required of it, but sensitive to the approach. Being a very stubborn dog, the training must be firm, consistent, gentle, encouraging, made with patience, without rushing it and without chiding it, because it can no longer focus and turns in on itself.

Usefulness:

It is an excellent companion dog.