The total cost of owning a Lhasa Apso can be a bit overwhelming, but breaking it down can make it more manageable. The initial purchase price of a Lhasa Apso can range from $600 to $1,200.
You'll also need to consider the costs of spaying or neutering, which can range from $50 to $500, depending on the age and health of the dog. This is a one-time cost, but it's essential for preventing unwanted breeding and reducing the risk of certain health issues.
In addition to the initial costs, you'll need to factor in the ongoing expenses of caring for your Lhasa Apso. This includes the cost of food, which can range from $50 to $75 per month, depending on the quality of the food and the size of your dog.
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Initial Costs
One-time costs for a Lhasa Apso can add up quickly, even if you adopt a puppy for free. You'll need food bowls, beds, collars, and other necessities, which can cost around $100 to $300.
Depending on your current dog setup, you may already have some of these items, but for a Lhasa Apso, you'll need products specifically designed for them.
You'll also need to consider the cost of a leash and ID badge, collar, and brush, which can be purchased for around $100 to $300. A dish with the right size for your Lhasa Apso's mouth is also essential.
A Lhasa Apso from a reputable breeder can cost between $500 and $1,200, depending on factors like the dog's size and the breeder's reputation.
Monthly Costs
The monthly costs of owning a Lhasa Apso are relatively manageable. They don't require a lot of food since they're not huge dogs.
You can expect to pay between $80 and $200 per month for a Lhasa Apso's upkeep costs. This includes expenses like shampoo, toys, and standard care.
If you need to hire a dog walker, the cost can add up quickly. It can range from $15 to $25 per hour, and if you need a dog walker five days a week, that's $60 to $100 per week.
Toys are a year-round expense for Lhasa Apso owners. You can expect to pay between $15 and $30 per month for durable toys that can withstand their rough play.
Pet insurance is a must-have for Lhasa Apso owners, as they're prone to health problems that can be expensive to treat. The cost of pet insurance can range from $30 to $45 per month, depending on your location and your dog's age.
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Health and Insurance
Lhasa Apsos are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain hereditary health issues. These include kidney dysfunction, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and underbite.
You should expect to pay between $50 to $265 for a visit to a veterinarian, with puppies requiring more frequent visits for preventive care. Adult Lhasa Apsos only need one yearly checkup, but it will be more comprehensive.
Some common health problems in Lhasa Apsos include hereditary kidney dysfunction, which can lead to chronic kidney disease, and dry eye, which can cause excessive blinking and eye redness. Progressive retinal atrophy can cause vision loss over time, while luxating patella can cause pain and difficulty moving. Hip dysplasia can cause pain and difficulty moving, and cherry eye can cause a red or pink bulge in the eye.
Pet insurance for Lhasa Apsos costs more than for mixed breed dogs, and it's best to get it when your dog is a healthy puppy. You can expect to pay between $30 and $45 a month for pet insurance, depending on your location and your dog's age.
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Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a must-have for Lhasa Apso owners, as these dogs are prone to costly health issues like hip dysplasia, dental disease, and renal dysplasia. Expect to pay between $30 and $45 a month for pet insurance, which increases with age.
Lhasa Apsos are more likely to make claims for hereditary conditions, making their insurance costs higher than for mixed breed dogs. This is because they're more susceptible to breed-specific conditions.
Getting pet insurance for your Lhasa Apso when they're a healthy puppy is the best time, as it covers all breed-specific conditions (excluding pre-existing ones). You can't predict the future, and insurance is one thing you can't get when you need it most.
As your dog ages, pet insurance costs will increase, so it's essential to factor this into your budget.
Veterinarian
As you consider the health of your Lhasa Apso, you'll want to factor in the costs of veterinarian care. Lhasa Apsos have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but they can be prone to certain health issues.
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Hereditary Kidney Dysfunction, a condition where the kidneys don't develop properly, can lead to kidney failure at a young age. Unfortunately, there's no cure and genetic screening testing isn't available.
Dental Disease is also a concern, with over 80% of dogs over 3 years of age suffering from it. Brushing your dog's teeth daily and getting annual dental cleanings can help reduce the risk.
Eye Problems, such as cherry eye, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), can affect Lhasa Apsos. Cherry eye requires surgery, while dry eye can be treated with medicated drops.
Patellar Luxation, a disorder where the kneecap slips out of place, can cause limping, pain, and arthritis. While severe cases may require surgery, many cases can be treated with weight management and joint supplements.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential issues early on. You can expect to pay between $50 to $265 for a visit to a veterinarian, with the cost varying depending on the age and health of your dog.
Here's a rough breakdown of what you might expect to pay for veterinary care:
- Puppies: $50 to $265 per visit (3 visits in the first year)
- Adults: $50 to $265 per visit (1 visit per year)
- Preventive care (vaccines, parasite prevention, physical examination): $50 to $265 per visit
Keep in mind that these costs can add up quickly, especially if your dog has underlying health issues.
Health
Lhasa Apsos are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to some hereditary health issues. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live a full and happy life.
Hereditary kidney dysfunction is a condition where the kidneys do not develop properly and results in kidney failure at a young age. This condition is inherited and there is no cure, so it's essential to not breed affected dogs.
Dental disease is a common issue in Lhasa Apsos, with over 80% of dogs over 3 years of age suffering from it. Brushing your dog's teeth daily and getting annual dental cleanings can help reduce the risk of dental disease.
Lhasa Apsos are also susceptible to eye problems, including cherry eye, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Cherry eye occurs when the third eyelid slips out of place and swells, while dry eye is painful but often treatable with medicated drops. PRA is a degenerative disease that leads to blindness.
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Some common health problems in Lhasa Apsos include kidney dysfunction, dry eye, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. These conditions can be inherited and may require treatment or surgery.
Here are some common health issues in Lhasa Apsos, along with their symptoms:
- Kidney dysfunction: glomerular disease, renal dysplasia, or abnormal kidneys
- Dry eye: excessive blinking, thick eye discharge, eye redness, and corneal ulcers
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): vision loss over time
- Luxating patella: limping, pain, and arthritis
- Hip dysplasia: pain and difficulty moving
Pet insurance can help cover the costs of these hereditary conditions, which can be expensive to treat. It's essential to get pet insurance for your Lhasa Apso when they're a healthy puppy, as you can't predict what will happen in the future.
Saving Money
You can save money on dog grooming by brushing your dog daily to avoid matting and keep an eye on their skin's condition.
Doing it yourself is a viable option if you're comfortable with it, which can save you money on professional dog groomers.
Keeping an eye out for deals and coupons at online and brick-and-mortar stores is a good way to save money on Lhasa Apso care and maintenance.
With coupons, you can purchase food, toys, snacks, cleaning supplies, pet grooming products, and other items for far less.
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Lhasa Apso Overview
The Lhasa Apso is a beloved breed with a rich history and unique characteristics. They originated in Tibet.
They are a relatively small dog, with males reaching 10 to 11 inches in height and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller.
Their long, silky coat comes in a variety of colors, including black, black and tan, cream, golden, and white. They can also have markings, tips, or a parti-color coat.
Lhasa Apsos are known for their alert, affectionate, and intelligent temperament. They can live up to 12 to 15 years with proper care.
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Breed Overview
The Lhasa Apso is a small but mighty breed, standing between 10 to 11 inches tall for males and slightly smaller for females.
Their weight range is between 12 to 18 pounds, making them a great companion for city dwellers or those with smaller living spaces.
Their coat is a beautiful, long, and silky texture that requires regular grooming to prevent matting.
You can find Lhasas in a wide range of coat colors, including black, black and tan, cream, golden, grizzle, red, red gold, or white with/without white markings, black tips, brindle, sable, black mask with tips, or parti-color.
On average, Lhasas live for 12 to 15 years, making them a long-term companion that will be by your side for many years to come.
Their temperament is alert, affectionate, and intelligent, making them a great breed for those who enjoy interacting with their pets.
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Traits and Behavior
The Lhasa Apso is a loyal watchdog with a suspicious nature around strangers. They're not the type to let burglars in, so you can rest assured they'll keep your home safe.
Their affectionate side comes out around family members, but they're also independent and don't need constant attention. This makes them a great fit for families with older children who understand how to treat them with respect.
Exercise is essential for Lhasas, but they're not high-energy dogs. A daily walk or some playtime at home is enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Lhasas can be wonderful family companions, but they're not patient with rough handling. Avoid pulling their ears, tail, or hair, as this can be hurtful and stressful for them.
Training a Lhasa requires patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. They can be stubborn at times, but with the right approach, they'll learn quickly.
Lhasas are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation. Keep training sessions short and fun to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
Sources
- How Much Does A Lhasa Apso Cost? (dogproductpicker.com)
- Lhasa Apso Breed - BeChewy (chewy.com)
- Lhasa Apso Rescue (lhasaapsorescue.org)
- The American Lhasa Apso Club (lhasaapso.org)
- Lhasa Apso Puppies and Dogs (adoptapet.com)
- Lhasa Apso (akc.org)
- American Lhasa Apso Club (lhasaapso.org)
- LHASA APSO Breed Standard (fci.be)
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