Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small breed of dog originally from Tibet. They
were used as watchdogs inside Tibetan monasteries for over 1200 years, for which
they are uniquely suited with keen intelligence, acute hearing, and instincts
for identifying friends from strangers.
Appearance
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Comment "I am the proud owner of a tri-coloured Lhasa Apso named Desmond, he is grey, white and brown with white patches on his paw......."
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They are generally 10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 cm) at the withers and weigh
between 15 and 25 lbs (7 and 11 kg). Lhasas should have dark brown eyes with
black pigmentation on eye rims and a black nose. They have a straight coat with
soft undercoat (depending upon weather conditions) which comes in a variety of
different colours. The tail should curl up over the back.
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Picture
of Chica sent in by Troy - Many thanks |
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My Girl was given to me by
my niece. She wanted a Pit Bull and 2 dogs were too much
for her. I now have a wonderful Lhasa named Chica at the
age of 43.... I was never a pet owner nor never really
wanted to be but I watched Chica from a cute lil pup to
grow into the most loveable caring and well disciplined
dog ever! She is all the rave and more. Love watching
her hair grow between stages of grooming. She is very
picky on dog food. Any recommendations to: tac4ux @
att.net .Thank you - Troy
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Temperament
Having been bred to be sentinel or watch dogs, Lhasa Apsos tend to be alert
and have a keen sense of hearing with a rich, sonorous bark that belies their
size. They are bright and outgoing, but some tend toward wariness of strangers.
Wariness does not mean unwarranted aggressiveness but having a discerning
attitude towards strangers; people approaching the dog simply need to show that
they are a friend. However, many Lhasas are quite friendly from the first
introduction. If not properly socialized, some may become aggressive or overly
shy toward strangers. Lhasas also have a very good memory and will hold grudges
and often show dislike to the same people throughout their life if treated
wrongly by them at a young age.
They are very affectionate but can also be very possessive, independent and
bossy little dogs.
History
It is believed that the breed originated from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet
(hence the name) around 800 BC. These dogs were raised by the aristocratic part
of the Tibetan society and were very valuable both spiritually and
materialistically. To be presented with a Lhasa Apso was to be blessed with good
fortune.
Lhasa Apsos have adopted an incentive to be wary of strangers from their
owners, who, due to the geographical location of Tibet, were also cautious of
outsiders. The heavy coat of Lhasas can also be explained by the geographical
features of Tibet: the temperature frequently drops below freezing thus making
it hard for a dog to survive without sufficient insulation. Lhasas were rarely
groomed by their owners thus allowing the breed to adapt to the harsh weather.
In 1901 Mrs. A. McLaren Morrison brought the Lhasa Apso to the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland where it was registered as an official breed in The
Kennel Club in 1902.
World War I had a devastating effect on the breed. It has been reported that
as few as 30 Lhasa Apsos may have existed in Tibet at that time.
The original American pair was a gift from Thubten Gyatso, 13th Dalai Lama to
C. Suydam Cutting, arriving in the United States in the early 1930s. The
American Kennel Club officially accepted the breed in 1935 in the Terrier group,
and in 1959 transferred the breed to the Non-Sporting group.
Recently, DNA Analysis has identified the Lhasa Apso as one of the 14 most
ancient dog breeds.
Miscellaneous
Apparently monks believe that Lhasas are reincarnated lions and as such hold
them in high esteem. Golden Lhasas are said to house the souls of the Dalai
Lamas. Lhasas tend to have a very long lifespan of 15-18 years. The oldest
living dog in history was a Lhasa, documented 29 years of age in 1939.
Pictures of your dog wanted
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Comments |
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I am the proud owner of a tri-coloured Lhasa Apso named
Desmond, he is grey, white and brown with white patches on his paw that look
like his wearing. I have never owned a dog before, and would definitely not be
with-out my little companion. I have only had he 6 months, but he has already
brought do much joy to my life. I would recommend owning a Lhasa to any-one. |
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pug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i love pugsssss loveeeee and golden
retriever |
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