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Tibet•non-sporting
Lhasa Apso
moderateHypoallergenicApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Ancient breed from Tibetan monasteries, bred as interior sentinels. Independent, smart, and confident. Their long coat protected them from the harsh Himalayan climate.
Weight5-8 kg11-17.5 lbs
Height25-28 cm10-11"
Lifespan12-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
ConfidentSmartComicalIndependentLoyal
Height
25-28 cm10-11"
Weight
5-8 kg11-17.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Independent thinker - requires patience and creativity
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Enjoys alone time
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Lhasa25-28 cm10-11"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Lhasa Apso
medium energy45-60 min/day
Lhasa Apsos need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
20-30 minutes daily of moderate activity
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Lhasa Apso
High Maintenancehair coat
Lhasa Apsos require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Lhasa Apso
Independent Thinker
The Lhasa Apso thinks for itself and may question why they should follow commands. Training requires creativity and understanding their motivation.
Best Approach
Understand that independence isn't disobedience - it's how they're wired. Find what motivates them (often not just treats) and make training feel like their idea.
Training Tips
Essential
Find Their Motivation
Discover what truly motivates them - it might be play, specific treats, or simply their own curiosity.
Essential
Keep It Interesting
Vary your training approaches and keep sessions unpredictable to maintain their interest.
Essential
Build Relationship First
A strong bond makes them more willing to cooperate. Focus on relationship before commands.
Recommended
Respect Their Nature
Don't expect robot-like obedience. Appreciate their unique personality while establishing boundaries.
Common Challenges
- May ignore commands they find pointless
- Can be selectively obedient
- May need 'what's in it for me' motivation
- Recall can be challenging
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Lhasa Apso
Small Breed2-3 meals$15-36/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Lhasa Apso
0
High Risk
4
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Lhasa Apso
Monthly costs
Food
$15-36
Insurance
$27-63
Supplies
$13-26
Grooming
$83-99
Monthly total
$138-224
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Lhasa Apso's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Lhasa Apso
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Lhasa Apso
Health·OFA-CHIC
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research