Lhasa Apso
Find Lhasa Apso Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Lhasa Apso puppies available.
Find Lhasa Apso BreedersGet to Know Lhasa Apsos
- Sacred Tibetan Origins :The Lhasa Apso was bred in Tibetan monasteries and palaces, where they served as indoor sentinel dogs believed to bring good fortune.
- Not Just a Lap Dog: Despite their small size, they were serious watchdogs, alerting monks to intruders while larger Mastiff-type dogs guarded the exterior.
- A Name with Meaning: “Lhasa” refers to Tibet’s holy city, and “Apso” is thought to mean “bearded,” referencing their distinctive facial hair.
- Gift of Diplomacy: Historically, Lhasa Apsos were never sold—only gifted as a sign of honor, including to Chinese royalty and later to the West.
- Surprisingly Long-Lived : They are one of the longer-living dog breeds, often reaching their mid to late teens with proper care.
Breed History
The Lhasa Apso originated over a thousand years ago in the Himalayan region of Tibet. Bred primarily by monks and nobility, these small but vigilant dogs functioned as interior watchdogs within monasteries and palaces, complementing the larger Tibetan Mastiffs that guarded outside. Deeply tied to Tibetan spiritual culture, they were considered sacred and symbols of good luck. The breed was introduced to the Western world in the early 20th century, largely through gifts from the Dalai Lama, and was later recognized by major kennel clubs.
Personality and Behaviour
- Confident Dogs: Lhasa Apsos are confident and self-assured, often carrying themselves as if they are much larger than they are.
- Loyal to Their Families: They form deep bonds with their families but can be reserved or wary with strangers.
- Independent Streak: Their independent streak means they like to think for themselves, which can be charming—but occasionally stubborn.
Care
- Exercise: Daily short walks and light indoor play are usually sufficient to keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
- Training: Consistent, positive reinforcement training works best, as harsh methods can cause them to shut down or resist.
- Grooming: Their long, dense coat requires frequent brushing (several times weekly or daily if kept long) and regular professional grooming to prevent matting.
Lhasa Apso Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own a Lhasa Apso Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Lhasa Apso is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Lhasa Apso
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Lhasa Apso puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Lhasa Apso, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Lhasa Apso is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
