Lhasa Apso
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Lhasa Apsos are small Tibetan sentinel dogs bred to alert monks to intruders in mountain monasteries. These sturdy, independent dogs are devoted to their families but naturally wary of strangers, often yappy and surprisingly stubborn for their size, and their flowing coats require substantial daily grooming commitment.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Non-sporting
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Height
10-11 in
Weight
12-18 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #94
Non-sporting context: Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Lhasa Apso
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Lhasa Apsos are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Lhasa Apsos in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Lhasa Apsos, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Lhasa Apsos generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
High
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
High
Very High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Very Low
Moderate
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Very Low
High
High
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Very Low
Moderate
Very Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Lhasa Apso originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Lhasa Apso lines were developed for companion and utility. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Non-sporting. Non-Sporting is a mixed utility group with very diverse personalities and needs.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Lhasa Apsos were bred by Tibetan Buddhist monks as 'lion dogs' to guard temples and monasteries, and they're considered sacred in Buddhist tradition.
The breed nearly vanished after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, and modern Lhasa Apsos descend from dogs that were smuggled out of Tibet by diplomats.
Lhasa Apsos have a long, flowing coat that grows continuously (like human hair), requiring professional grooming every 4–6 weeks or it becomes matted dreadlocks.
The breed has a distinctive aloof, dignified personality and will refuse to obey commands they don't respect—they're cat-like dogs.
Lhasa Apsos are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hip dysplasia, requiring health screening.
Famous Lhasa Apso Dogs
Versatile pop-culture dogs
Fame in this group is diverse, from family companions to show and media standouts.
Modern breed ambassadors
Notable examples are often linked to ownership visibility and broad public appeal.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Lhasa Apsos
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Lhasa Apso right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Lhasa Apso compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Lhasa Apso are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/lhasa-apso/