Finding the Right Lhasa Apso Breeders for Your New Pet

Finding the right Lhasa Apso breeder is crucial for getting a healthy and well-socialized pet. Research is key, and it's essential to look for breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs.

A reputable breeder will have their dogs' health clearances on file, including their hips, eyes, and patellas. This is a must-have for any responsible breeder.

Not all breeders are created equal, and some may prioritize profit over the health and happiness of their dogs. Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices and are willing to let you visit their facility.

When evaluating a breeder, consider their experience and knowledge of the Lhasa Apso breed. A good breeder will be able to answer your questions and provide guidance on caring for your new pet.

Readers also liked: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Health Problems

Dogs of the Lhasa Apso breed stand about 25 cm (9.8 in) at the withers, with bitches slightly shorter.

Their coats can be a variety of colors, including black, red, dark grizzle, golden, honey, parti-colour, sandy, slate-coloured, smoke-coloured, or white.

The Lhasa Apso's thick and heavy coat has a hard straight outer layer and a medium undercoat.

Their eyes are dark, and their nose is black.

The Lhasa Apso is a relatively small dog breed. Males stand 10 to 11 inches high.

Their compact size is one of their most distinctive features. Females are slightly smaller than males.

You can expect a Lhasa Apso to weigh between 13 to 15 pounds. This makes them a great choice for city living or for families with small children.

Related reading: Maltese Small Dogs

The Lhasa Apso coat is a stunning feature of this breed, and it's available in a wide range of colors.

You can find Lhasa Apsos with coats in black, red, dark grizzle, golden, honey, parti-colour, sandy, slate-coloured, smoke-coloured, or white.

The coat is thick and heavy, with a hard straight outer coat and a medium under-coat, which requires regular brushing and combing to keep it looking its best.

A Lhasa Apso's coat may be long, straight, and dense, but it's also high maintenance, requiring daily brushing and combing, as well as frequent bathing every two to four weeks.

Many owners choose to hire a professional groomer to help with the upkeep of their Lhasa's coat, but with regular practice, you can learn to manage it yourself.

It's essential to start grooming your Lhasa when they're still a puppy, getting them accustomed to being brushed and examined, and making it a positive experience with praise and rewards.

Lhasa Apsos need daily attention to their coats to keep them dirt- and mat-free.

Brushing your Lhasa regularly is crucial to prevent tangling, even if you don't show them in the ring. A regular brushing session can help distribute natural oils throughout their fur, keeping it healthy and shiny.

Grooming is an essential part of Lhasa Apso care. They need daily attention to their coats to keep them dirt- and mat-free.

Lhasas that compete in the show ring require a lot of work to keep their coats looking their best. Regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling.

Brushing your Lhasa regularly is a great way to bond with them and keep their fur healthy. It's also a good idea to clip their coats for ease of grooming if you don't plan on showing them.

For more insights, see: Welsh Corgi Grooming

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health needs of your Lhasa Apso. This breed is generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions.

Lhasas are prone to atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that can cause itching, scratching, and skin lesions. Regular grooming and a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms.

Cherry Eye is a common issue in Lhasas, where the gland in the third eyelid becomes swollen, resembling a cherry. Surgery is usually the treatment for this condition.

Patellar Luxation, also known as slipped stifles, is a common problem in small dogs like the Lhasa Apso. This condition causes the kneecap to slide out of place, leading to pain and discomfort.

Allergies are a common issue in dogs, and Lhasas are no exception. They can be caused by food, contact, or inhalant allergens, and treatment varies depending on the cause.

Expand your knowledge: Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems

Here are some common health issues that affect Lhasas:

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a safe living environment can help prevent or manage these health issues.

Lhasa Apsos are known to be stubborn and independent, so they require strong, kind leaders to train them. They thrive on rewards and motivation, making them quick learners.

Training should start early, with puppy classes that teach good canine manners and prevent them from thinking they can rule the roost. Socialization is critical for this breed.

They're naturally wary of strangers, but will make friends once they know an individual poses no threat. They're excellent watchdogs and take their job seriously.

The Lhasa Apso's personality is a unique blend of traits that can sometimes seem contradictory. He's happy, mischievous, and playful, but also regal, independent, and fierce.

This mix of traits makes him a loyal companion who takes his job as a watchdog seriously. He's naturally wary of strangers and will make friends only when he's sure they pose no threat.

Socialization from puppyhood is critical to help a Lhasa Apso learn to get along with everyone. He can be somewhat territorial with other dogs and pets, and isn't always tolerant of children who are too rough around them.

Training and socialization are essential to teach him good canine manners and prevent him from thinking he's the top dog. He needs strong, kind leaders who can guide him and help him learn to be a well-behaved companion.

Despite his independent nature, the Lhasa Apso is happy to stay close to his family and follow them from room to room. He enjoys short walks and play sessions, but doesn't need vigorous exercise to reduce nervous energy.

He's content living indoors and is fine when left alone at home for a reasonable amount of time, without suffering from separation anxiety.

Children are probably not at the top of the Lhasa's list of favorite things. He tends to be intolerant of children's normal antics, and he'll nip.

The Lhasa is best suited to a home with older children who understand how to properly handle him. Young or rowdy kids are not advised.

He's a proud dog who likes to be the top dog, so he's often the leader, even around other, much larger dogs.

Training a Lhasa Apso requires patience and consistency. They have a long history of being spoiled, which can make them a bit stubborn at times. Lhasa Apsos are quick and able learners if trained with rewards that motivate them. Socialization is critical for this breed to develop good behavior. With positive reinforcement and clear boundaries, they can learn to do what their owner asks.