
Lhasa Apso dog breed
The Lhasa Apso may look little and cute but inside it's a lion bred to be the perfect (and most adorable) watchdog. Find out more about the breed in our guide.
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Lhasa Apso dog breed information and advice
Looking at their appearance, you may be surprised to find out that the Lhasa Apso dog breed was originally bred for Tibetan monks as an indoor guard dog. Not so much nowadays. Instead, the Lhasa Apso’s diminutive stature and fluffy appearance are more for the creature comforts of the couch than a monastery.
If you’ve had your eye on a Lhasa Apso for a while, or you’re looking for a little more information before welcoming a Lhasa Apso puppy into your home, you’ve come to the right place. Our breed guide contains the facts you need to know, including Lhasa Apso lifespan and temperament.
| Lhasa Apso facts | |
|---|---|
Lifespan | 12 – 14 years |
How much | £450 – £1,200+ |
Size | 22 – 28 cm |
Weight | 5.4 – 8.2 kg |
Colours | Golden, sandy, honey, dark grizzle, slate, smoke, parti-colour, black, white or brown |
Grooming | Daily brushing |
Temperament | Obedient, intelligent, fearless, independent |
Exercise | 40+ minutes daily |
Pet insurance for your Lhasa Apso
From when they’re a little Lhasa Apso puppy through to adulthood and old age, it’s important that your pet is covered by dog insurance. Health problems can happen at any age, by an injury or illness, and you’ll want to make sure your Lhasa Apso has the right cover for them. Common health conditions that affect Lhasa Apsos include:
- Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA)
- Atopic dermatitis
By insuring your Lhasa Apso with pet insurance, you could get help toward the cost of vet consultations, medication and surgery. So, no matter the situation, you can provide the health care that your dog needs.
How to care for a Lhasa Apso
Caring for a Lhasa Apso dog means focusing on some key areas like their diet, grooming, exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy.
Temperament and behaviour
Lhasa Apsos are alert and will bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, that’s the Tibetan guard dog in them. This unfortunately does mean that Lhasa Apso bark a lot, but this can be kept under control through training.
Despite having the qualities of a guard dog, they have a friendly and playful personality. Lhasa Apso dogs have gentle temperament making them great companions for children but beware that they will be protective of their owners. Early socialisation will be important, so they can get used to being around strangers.
So, is a Lhasa Apso dog right for you?
This breed is well suited if you’re looking for a playful, loving and gentle addition to your family. While Lhasa Apsos can be a touch stubborn and take more maintenance than some dogs, they’re loyal guardians that can fit into any home.


