Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is one of the oldest dog breeds, originating in Tibet around 800 BCE, according to the American Lhasa Apso Club (ALAC). Bred to work as watchdogs and pets in Tibetan monasteries, Lhasa Apsos were given as gifts and highly prized.

The Lhasa Apso’s long, thick coat helped them stay warm in the freezing Himalayan temperatures, where they lived up to 13,000 feet above sea level. Loosely translated, their name means “bearded lion dog.”

Today, this small breed makes a great family dog. They stand 10–11 inches tall and weigh 12–18 pounds. With proper care, the typical Lhasa Apso lifespan is 12–15 years.

Caring for a Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small, smart, and affectionate dog. Because they were historically bred as monastery watchdogs, they may bark excessively, especially to alert their family.

Lhasa Apsos are known for their flat, floor-length coat that’s usually parted in the center. This long coat requires extensive brushing and care, leading some people to have their pup’s hair trimmed to a shorter length, or “puppy cut.” But a Lhasa Apso with short hair still needs regular grooming—it’s just an easier routine.

Lhasa Apso Health Issues

The Lhasa Apso is a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a flat face. This can cause breathing problems and make them at risk for overheating. Pet parents need to stay vigilant for signs for difficult or abnormal breathing.

Lhasa Apsos are also susceptible to eye problems and other health issues. Investing in pet insurance may be a good choice for someone looking to bring home a Lhasa Apso puppy.

Eye Conditions

The Lhasa Apso is predisposed to several eye conditions. If you see redness, squinting, eye discharge, or notice decreased vision, consult your veterinarian immediately.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but over time the condition will result in blindness. There are currently no effective treatments available.

• Cataracts are common in Lhasa Apsos. In most cases, the condition develops in older dogs as proteins and fibers in the eye lens break down. This leads to blurred vision, which can progress to blindness. Cataracts can be surgically removed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, and the procedure usually restores vision.

• Glaucoma is a painful condition that causes increased pressure within the eye. The most common signs of glaucoma are pain (squinting), discharge from the eye, lethargy, a bulging eye, or a cloudy or blue eye color. If not treated quickly, glaucoma leads to blindness.

• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye, occurs when the eye doesn’t produce enough normal tear film. Tears help lubricate the eye, so the lack of adequate lubrication causes the eye surface and the inside of the eye lid to rub against each other, leading to inflammation and eye ulcers. KCS is treated with topical eye medications.

Patellar Luxation

The patella (kneecap) is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur (thigh bone) at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves (luxates) outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This can cause discomfort and may lead to arthritis. 

Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. In some cases, this may only last a few steps until the patella returns to its proper alignment. In more severe cases, the patella remains out of place.

In mild cases, joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended.

Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Lhasa Apso. Bacterial plaque and tartar lead to infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth and gums. This eventually causes tooth and bone decay.

The best way to prevent dental disease is with daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Some diets, treats, and chew toys also help to prevent plaque and tartar.

Routine dental cleanings are also recommended to evaluate the mouth, remove plaque and tartar, polish teeth, and treat or extract teeth that are significantly unhealthy. As with humans, dental disease can be a painful condition and may even affect internal organs.

Renal Dysplasia

Renal dysplasia (familial nephropathy) is an uncommon but hereditary disease seen in several dog breeds, including the Lhasa Apso. In this condition, the kidney develops abnormally before the puppy is born, and kidney function rapidly deteriorates.

This type of birth defect in the kidneys is usually diagnosed in dogs between 6 months and 2 years old. Symptoms include:

• Increased thirst

• Increased urination

• Decreased appetite

• Slow growth

• Kidney failure

Blood tests, urine tests, and an abdominal ultrasound exam may point toward this diagnosis. However, a biopsy (removal of a small sample of the kidney) is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

There is no cure for renal dysplasia, but supportive treatment can prolong quality and length of life. As this is an inherited condition, avoid breeding Lhasa Apsos with renal dysplasia.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Brachycephalic airway syndrome affects dogs with short snouts and flat faces, including Lhasa Apsos. It affects a dog’s airway and makes breathing more difficult due to the shape of their skull.

Affected dogs may frequently breathe noisily, snore, or pant. It’s important to keep your Lhasa Apso at a healthy weight, as obesity in dogs can worsen symptoms.

High temperatures and humidity are also more dangerous for dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome.

What To Feed a Lhasa Apso

Feeding an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) kibble or wet food ensures your Lhasa Apso receives a complete and balanced diet. 

Lhasa Apso puppies need a diet formulated specifically for puppies. In adults, your vet may recommend a diet focused on dental health to help prevent dental disease. 

How To Feed a Lhasa Apso

How often you feed your dog depends on their age. Adults do well with two measured meals per day, while Lhasa Apso puppies need three or four meals per day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Talk to your vet to make sure your feeding schedule is appropriate for your dog.

How Much Should You Feed a Lhasa Apso?

Just like diets for humans, the recommended caloric intake varies based on your dog’s size, health, and activity level.

The best person to determine the amount of food needed is your veterinarian, who can calculate your dog’s caloric needs. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on your dog food will provide valuable information.

Nutritional Tips for Lhasa Apsos

Healthy Lhasa Apsos eating an AAFCO-compliant dog food won’t typically need supplementation. But your vet may recommend certain dog supplements based on your pup’s health.

The Lhasa Apso may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA). They can be found in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

Discuss recommended supplements with your veterinarian before adding anything to your dog’s diet.

Behavior and Training Tips for the Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso Personality and Temperament

The Lhasa Apso is an energetic and intelligent dog breed. Because they were bred to be watchdogs, Lhasa Apso dogs are independent and typically aloof around strangers. This history also led to their frequent sharp, loud barks.

But Lhasa Apsos were also bred to be companions for those in the Tibetan monasteries where they served as guardians, making them affectionate with people they know.

Lhasa Apso Behavior

Despite their history as guardians, Lhasa Apsos can be fun, affectionate family dogs. Their origins mean they’re still alert and will bark often, but training can help reduce nuisance barking behavior.

Lhasa Apsos are playful and smart, so mental stimulation is important. Bored dogs might become destructive in attempt to entertain themselves. Play with your dog every day and make sure they have interactive toys to keep them busy, too.

Lhasa Apso Training

Lhasa Apso puppies need to begin obedience training and socialization early. They need to be exposed to children, strangers, and other animals in a supervised setting so they can become accustomed to new environments and people.

Training games and positive reinforcement using treats or toys work best for this breed.

Fun Activities for Lhasa Apsos

• Playing fetch

• Hiking

• Obedience training

• Agility

• Neighborhood walks

Lhasa Apso Grooming Guide

Here’s a Lhasa Apso fun fact: The breed doesn’t shed very much at all, but they require a lot of grooming, especially if you keep their hair long.

Of course, grooming helps your dog look their best. But it’s also a good way to bond with your dog and can help with early detection for some health conditions, like the eye issues Lhasa Apsos are prone to. 

Skin Care

Bathe your Lhasa Apso every two to four weeks to keep their coat and skin healthy. For most Lhasa Apsos, a gentle shampoo and conditioner is best.

Coat Care

Brush your dog three to four times weekly to help remove tangles and knots, especially in Lhasa Apsos with a long coat. Detangling and dematting spray-on conditioner is helpful for breaking down tangles.

Eye Care

Wiping your dog’s eyes daily with a soft, moist cloth will help remove debris. The hair around the eye should be carefully trimmed to keep it from irritating the eye.

If squinting or eye discharge is noted, contact your vet. These can be signs of more serious eye conditions.

Ear Care

Ask your vet if your Lhasa Apso’s ears should be routinely cleaned. Also talk to your vet if your dogs has redness, odor, or debris, as they may have an ear infection.

For dogs with ear issues (which are commonly due to underlying allergies), cleaning your dog’s ears  every two or three weeks for maintenance may help prevent ear infections. Your vet can recommend an ear cleaner for your dog.