The Lhasa Apso has a rich history that spans over 1,000 years, originating from the high-altitude plateaus of Tibet. This ancient breed was highly valued by Tibetan royalty and monks for its loyalty and protective instincts.
In fact, the Lhasa Apso was often referred to as the "Guardian of the Palace" in Tibet. Its small stature belied its big personality, and it was not uncommon for these dogs to be found standing guard at the gates of monasteries and palaces.
The Lhasa Apso's distinctive long coat was well-suited to the harsh Tibetan climate, protecting them from the elements and keeping them warm in cold temperatures. This unique feature has been preserved over the centuries, making the Lhasa Apso one of the most recognizable breeds in the world.
As a result of its royal connections, the Lhasa Apso was highly prized by Tibetan nobility, and it's said that only the most loyal and trustworthy dogs were allowed to serve as companions to the Dalai Lama himself.
Additional reading: Snow Dogs Breeds
Origin of the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso has a rich history that dates back at least to 800 A.D. in Tibet. They lived in isolation with Tibetan Buddhists in the Himalayan Mountains for centuries.
Their original name, Abso Seng Kye, translates to "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog" in Tibetan. This name reflects their role in guarding Tibetan dwellings from the inside, alerting humans to potential intruders with their distinctive bark.
The Lhasa Apso's name is a mystery, but it's believed to be derived from the Tibetan word for goat, "rapso", due to their woolly and goat-like coat.
They're Ancient
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed with a rich history that spans centuries. They have existed at least since the year 800 A.D.
Lhasa is actually the capital of Tibet, where the breed originated and lived in isolation with Tibetan Buddhists in the Himalayan Mountains.
Their original name, "Abso Seng Kye", is still a mystery, but it's possible that the word "apso" is a misspelling or a variation of the Tibetan word for goat, "rapso", due to their woolly and goat-like coat.
The Lhasa Apso isn't the only Non-Sporting dog breed from Tibet - the Tibetan Terrier and Tibetan Spaniel also hail from the same region.
Etymology
The name Lhasa Apso is a fascinating combination of words from the Tibetan language. The name "apso" is an anglicized form of the Tibetan word for goatee, "ag-tshom", ཨག་ཚོམ་.
In Tibetan, the Lhasa Apso is known as Abso Seng Kye, which translates to "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog". This name reflects the breed's original purpose as a guardian of Tibetan dwellings.
The word "apso" may also be a compound noun meaning "bark-guard", combining the Tibetan words "ap" [ཨཔ], to bark, and "so" [སོ་], to guard. This name highlights the breed's distinctive barking trait.
In Tibet, the Lhasa Apso was associated with the mythical Snow Lion, believed to be a guardian of the country. This connection underscores the breed's importance in Tibetan culture.
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Name and Meaning
The Lhasa Apso's name is steeped in history and meaning. In Tibet, they're known as Abso Seng Kye, which translates to "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog".
This name reflects their original purpose: guarding Tibetan dwellings from the inside. They would bark to alert the humans of any potential intruders.
The Lhasa Apso was also associated with the mythical Snow Lion, which Tibetans believe to be a guardian of their country.
Consider reading: Shih Tzu Lion Dog
History
The Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed that historically served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries isolated high in the Himalayas of Tibet.
These dogs were brought to the United Kingdom by military men returning from the Indian subcontinent in the early twentieth century, where they were known as "Lhasa Terriers".
The first American pair of Lhasas were a gift from Thubten Gyatso, 13th Dalai Lama to C. Suydam Cutting, arriving in the United States in 1933.
The American Kennel Club officially accepted the breed in 1935 in the Terrier Group, and later transferred it to the Non-Sporting Group in 1959.
In the UK, Lhasa Apsos are placed in the Utility Group.
The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1960.
Lhasa Apsos were often given as gifts in Tibet, and if you received one as a gift, it could be considered a sign of good fortune.
The spiritual leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, even gave Lhasa Apsos to the emperor of China many centuries ago.
Characteristics
The Lhasa Apso is a compact dog, standing about 25 cm (9.8 in) at the withers, with bitches slightly smaller than males.
Their coat is thick and heavy, with a hard straight outer coat and a medium under-coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, red, dark grizzle, golden, and white.
Their eyes are dark, and their nose is black, giving them a distinctive appearance.
The Lhasa Apso's ears are pendant, hanging down to the side of their head.
Their tail is curved, sometimes with a kink at the tip, and is carried over their back.
A fresh viewpoint: Black and White Lhasa Apso
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make a Lhasa Apso?
The Lhasa Apso is a cross between the Tibetan terrier and a similar herding-type Tibetan dog. This unique ancestry gives the Lhasa Apso its distinctive characteristics and traits.
What is the ancestor of the Lhasa Apso?
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient canine breed closely linked to the ancestral wolf, with shared ancestry likely including the Tibetan Spaniel and Tibetan Terrier. Its breed history is intertwined with the Tibetan Terrier, with both once considered the same breed.
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