The Lhasa Apso is an ancient dog breed that was originally bred to be a watchdog. While this dog is small in size, weighing between 12-15 pounds, this does not reflect their personality. They are fierce and have the confidence of a large dog. The Lhasa Apso will always be on alert as they take their job as the protector of the household very seriously. Seeing them act tough and behave suspiciously towards strangers can often be comical, as it is not something that is expected from a cute little dog.
These pups were originally from Tibet, and their history dates back to 800 BC! They were considered very sacred at the time and were used by royalty and monks as watchdogs in palaces and monasteries. These dogs are named after the city in China called “Lhasa”, as this was the region where they originated. Interestingly, these dogs were considered very lucky to have around and were often offered as gifts. This dog breed was not allowed to leave the country unless they were gifted by the Dalai Lama himself, which shows how highly regarded they were.
The Lhasa Apso may have an extensive history as a watchdog, however today they are kept as family companions. Given their small size, they do great in apartments as they do not require too much space. The Lhasa Apso will love to go outside on a walk with their owner, but they do not require vigorous exercise on a daily basis. These dogs have a unique appearance, and people will often inquire about them in public. They can be physically identified by their long flowing coat and sturdy build. Their coat is thick and assisted in protecting them from the extreme weather conditions in their homeland of Tibet. Their coat is something to consider before bringing one of these pups home, as they will certainly require more grooming than the average dog.
One of the many special qualities that the Lhasa Apso has is its highly loyal tendencies. They will be very protective over their family and will be ready to defend them at all costs. This protective instinct can lead to them being wary of people that they have not met before. These dogs are extremely intelligent and are independent thinkers, this combination of traits can sometimes lead to some mischievous behavior. You very well might notice some socks missing here and there, but it is a small price to pay for having this playful pup around. It is hard to blame these dogs when they do not always listen to commands, they are royalty after all!
