Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Height at Shoulders
9-11 in
Weight
12-15 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-15 yrs
History
The Lhasa Apso originated on the Himalayan Plateau in Tibet, potentially as long ago as 800 B.C.. For hundreds of years, they were bred exclusively by nobility and monks in monasteries to act as an inside guard and protector. The Lhasa Apso was considered sacred because of its association with temples. According to Tibetan folklore, the protector of the country is a snow lion and Lhasa Apsos were believed to be representations of this protector. It was also believed that the soul of a deceased lama could enter the body of a Lhasa Apso as it awaited reincarnation into a new human body.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Lhasa Apsos share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
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★★☆☆☆
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★★★☆☆
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★☆
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Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★★☆
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★☆☆☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★☆☆
Exercise Needs
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
★★★★☆
Sensitivity
★★★★★
Noise Level
★★★★☆
Prey Drive
★★★★☆
Shedding
★★★☆☆
Common Traits
Happy, comical, playful, and mischievous
Slow to mature and take about 3 years to grow out of "puppyhood"
Tend to bond with adults more than children
Independent and may be stubborn if they aren't in the mood
Natural protectors that are fierce, skeptical of strangers, and prone to barking at everything
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