Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso: The Complete Owner's Guide

The Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso is a unique and lovable breed that makes a fantastic companion for many dog owners. They are known for their outgoing and affectionate personalities, which make them a great fit for families and individuals alike.

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apsos are relatively small dogs, weighing between 9-18 pounds and standing between 8-11 inches tall. This compact size makes them perfect for apartment living or homes with small yards.

Their thick double coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, with most owners opting for a daily brushing routine. Regular grooming can also help reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting everywhere.

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apsos are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues like eye problems and dental issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

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The Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are ancient breeds that originate from Tibetan and Chinese lands, and throughout history, their journeys have been intertwined with one another.

The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet around a thousand years ago and evolved for the harsh climate of the Himalayas, named for the city of Lhasa and originally known as Abso Seng Kye, which means the "Bark Lion Sentinel Dog." They served as indoor watchdogs in temples and palaces, alerting monks and others with their highly developed hearing.

The Shih Tzu's origins can be traced back to China and Tibet, where they were treasured pets and often referred to lovingly as 'lion dogs.' The first pair of Shih Tzus left China in 1928 and arrived in the United Kingdom.

Here are some key characteristics of the Lhasa Apso:

Many celebrities have shared their home with Lhasa apsos, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwen Stefani, and Jane Lynch.

Their highly developed hearing made them perfect indoor watchdogs in temples and palaces, where they would alert monks and others to any intruders. The Lhasa Apso's connection with the Dalai Lama dates back to the early 1900s, when he gave a pair of Lhasas to naturalist and world traveler Suydam Cutting.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the Lhasa Apso breed in 1935, initially placing it in the terrier group. The breed was later moved to the non-sporting group in 1959.

The Lhasa Apso is believed to date back to 800 BC, making it a truly ancient breed. The breed was sacred in Tibet, where it was bred by monks and nobility to be a loyal companion and guard dog.

The Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu are closely related breeds, both originating from Tibetan and Chinese lands. The Shih Tzu, also known as the "lion dog", was treasured in China and Tibet, where it was often referred to as a beloved pet.

The first pair of Lhasa Apsos arrived in America in 1933, when the Dalai Lama gifted a pair to an American traveler and naturalist.

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The Lhasa Apso is a breed that's known for its loving personality. They're incredibly loyal and affectionate with their family, often feeling separation anxiety when left alone.

Their temperament is a mix of sweet and vigilant, making them a great watchdog. However, they can be a bit standoffish with strangers, which might take some getting used to.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Lhasa Apso is their moderate barking. They're not excessive barkers, but they will alert you to any potential threats.

Here's a breakdown of their key characteristics:

Many celebrities have fallen in love with the Lhasa Apso's charming personality, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwen Stefani, and Jane Lynch.

These little dogs require a moderate amount of exercise every day.

Their grooming needs can be fairly high, especially if you keep their coat long. Regular brushing will help keep their coat silky and tangle-free. They'll need a bath around once every couple of months, and their nails, teeth, and ears need regular attention.

A daily short walk is all they need, but they'll also be happy with some playtime inside if the weather's bad. They're ideal for apartment living, but they'll benefit from trips to the dog park to socialize and play.

Your Shih Apso should eat high-quality dry food with protein as the main ingredient, and they can be fussy eaters, so you may want to mix it with wet food.

Both parent breeds are prone to food allergies, so it's best to avoid food that can trigger allergies such as wheat.

Your Shih Apso should have access to fresh water and eat a high-quality, nutritionally balanced canine diet to maintain their thick skin and hair.

Feed your Shih Apso two to three smaller daily meals, as they can get joint issues and are prone to obesity if overfed.

Shih Apso puppies should be fed four meals a day, and as they grow, you can gradually reduce the number of meals to two or three.

The Lhasa Apso will eat around 1 ½ cups of food a day, whereas the Shih Tzu will eat slightly less at 1 cup of food a day.

Be sure to monitor your Shih Apso's treat intake, as they can quickly pile on the pounds.

It's essential to discuss both the type of diet and the quantity with your vet to ensure you're meeting your dog's individual needs.

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Exercise is a crucial part of a Lhasa Apso's daily routine, requiring around 30 minutes of exercise a day.

Their energetic nature means they need more mental stimulation between exercise sessions, which can be achieved through interactive games with their family or treat-filled puzzle toys.

The Lhasa Apso's grooming needs can be high, and regular exercise helps to keep their coat healthy and shiny.

A moderate amount of exercise every day is a must for a well-adjusted Lhasa Apso, with consistent training and socialization also being essential.

Consistent training and socialization are a must for a well-adjusted Lhasa Apso, helping to prevent behavioral issues and strengthen their bond with their family.

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The Shih Apso has a thick double coat that needs daily brushing to keep it silky and tangle-free. Regular brushing will also help reduce shedding.

They'll only need a bath around once every couple of months. This is a great reminder to be gentle with their coat and not over-bathe them.

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Nails need to be clipped regularly, and teeth need to be brushed to keep them clean and healthy. This is an essential part of their overall care and maintenance.

If you live in an apartment, the Shih Apso is a great choice because they're happy with short walks and playtime indoors. However, don't forget to take them to the dog park regularly to socialize and play with other dogs.

Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso owners should be aware of the potential downsides of these adorable dogs. Lhasa Apsos, in particular, require lots of grooming.

Their independent nature can make them strong-willed, requiring patient and consistent training. Canine behaviorists often recommend positive reinforcement techniques to manage strong-willed breeds.

Here are some of the key cons to consider when deciding if a Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso is right for you:

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Lhasa Apsos can be a handful to care for, especially when it comes to grooming. They require lots of grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coats.

One of the biggest challenges of owning a Lhasa Apso is their strong-willed nature. They can be stubborn and resistant to training, making it essential to establish clear boundaries and consistent discipline from an early age.

Their wary nature around strangers can also make socialization a challenge. They may take time to warm up to new people, so it's crucial to socialize them extensively from an early age.

Here are some key cons to consider:

The Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include kidney problems, liver problems, and bladder stones and infections.

Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia are also common health issues that can affect this breed. These conditions can be painful and may require surgery or ongoing care.

Some minor concerns for this breed include ear infections, allergies, eye disease, hernia, and dental problems. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch these issues early on.

If you're considering bringing a Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso into your family, it's essential to be aware of these potential health issues. By working with a reputable breeder and staying on top of veterinary care, you can help your dog live a long and healthy life.

Here are some common health issues that can affect the Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso:

Training a Lhasa Apso requires patience and consistency, as they can be stubborn and strong-willed. Aim to start training from an early age to prevent bad habits from forming.

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Positive reinforcement methods are a must when training a Lhasa Apso, as they thrive on interesting and varied training sessions. Consistency is key, so always be clear and firm with your commands.

Socialization is crucial for both Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus, especially from a young age. Expose your dog to different people, other dogs, and various locations to boost their comfort level and adaptability.

Lhasa Apsos can be more intense to train due to their complex personality, but with persistence and consistency, you can crack their personality. Early socialization is also essential to address their guarding tendencies.

The Shih Tzu is generally easier to train, but still requires early socialization to ensure they're not timid with larger dogs. Positive reinforcement methods are effective for both breeds, and obedience classes can be helpful if you're struggling with undesirable behaviors.

Training a Lhasa Apso requires patience and persistence due to their sometimes stubborn and strong-willed nature. They thrive on interesting and varied training sessions, so try to mix things up to keep them engaged.

Lhasa Apsos are intelligent, but training them can be a challenge. Aim to start training from an early age to prevent bad habits from forming.

Consistency is key when training a Lhasa Apso. Always use the same commands and avoid harsh corrections.

Socialization is crucial for Lhasa Apsos, especially to help quell their vigilant nature and wariness of strangers. Expose your dog to different people, other dogs, and various locations to boost their comfort level and adaptability.

Early socialization can also help address their guarding tendencies. Introduce your Lhasa Apso to as many strangers and dogs of all shapes and sizes as possible.

If you're having trouble with undesirable behaviors, consider enrolling your dog in obedience classes. This can help you crack their complex personality and address any issues.

Lhasa Apsos can be unpredictable, so be prepared for tantrums and mood swings. The key is to stay calm and consistent in your training approach.

The Lhasa Apso is a complex dog with a somewhat unpredictable personality, making him challenging to train, especially for first-time owners. He's comparable to a teenager, playful and energetic, with mood swings and tantrums thrown in.

Early socialization is crucial to address his guarding tendencies and to help him become more confident around strangers and other dogs. This can be done by exposing him to various people and animals from an early age.

The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, is generally more laid-back and easier to train, but he still requires early socialization to ensure he's not timid around larger dogs. Positive reinforcement methods work well for this breed.

Shih Apso dogs are intelligent but can be stubborn at times, making training sessions short and sweet with plenty of treats a good approach. They bond closely with their family and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone.

The Lhasa Apso was traditionally kept as a guard dog to alert monks to intruders, and he still retains this protective trait today. He's aloof with strangers and can be suspicious of unfamiliar things.

In contrast, the Shih Tzu is extremely friendly and loves attention, often becoming the center of attention in any social setting. He expects royal treatment, just like his ancestors did in Chinese palaces.

When choosing toys for your Shih Tzu, it's essential to consider their age and needs.

For all ages, interactive toys are a great option. They provide mental stimulation and can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

You should consult your healthcare provider for professional advice on toy selection and your Shih Tzu's overall health.

Some popular interactive toys include puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys. These toys challenge your Shih Tzu to figure out how to get a treat, which can be mentally stimulating.

Always supervise your Shih Tzu when introducing new toys to ensure their safety.

If you're considering bringing a Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso into your family, you'll want to think about the costs involved. Expect to pay around $600 to $1,500 on average for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

You can also check animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home. The Lhasa Apso is a fairly popular breed, so you may be able to find one in need of a loving home.

For further information to help you find a Shih Tzu Lhasa Apso, check out the resources below:

If you're considering bringing a Lhasa Apso into your life, you have two main options: adopting or buying.

You can expect to pay around $600 to $1,500 on average for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Adopting a Lhasa Apso can be a rewarding experience, and it's worth checking animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups for a dog in need of a home.

The Lhasa Apso is a fairly popular breed, so there are likely many dogs waiting for a loving home.

For further information to help you find a Lhasa Apso, check out the resources below:

As a Shih Apso owner, you may encounter some common health issues, such as diarrhoea. My own Shih Apso has had diarrhoea issues too, and we've had to visit the vet multiple times about it.

Shih Apsos are prone to bladder stones, kidney infections, and allergies.

Feeding your Shih Apso a balanced diet can help prevent these issues. Royal Canin low-fat gastro intestinal food is a good option, as mentioned by one owner.

Shih Apsos can be sensitive to their diet, and owners need to be careful about what they feed them.

Regular feeding, rather than overfeeding, can also help prevent health issues.

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Puppy prices can vary significantly depending on the breed, with some being more affordable than others. The average price of a Lhasa Apso starts from $600, while the average price of a Shih Tzu starts from $800.

The Lhasa Apso is likely slightly cheaper due to its lower popularity. If you want a specific look or a dog from an award-winning lineage, you can expect to pay more.

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The Lhasa Apso's return to the United States was a significant event in their history. In 1933, the 13th Dalai Lama gifted a pair of Lhasa Apsos to America, which became the foundation stock of almost all Lhasa Apsos in the country today.

These dogs were highly valued and closely guarded, reflecting their sacred status in Tibetan culture. They were only allowed to leave their country as gifts from the Dalai Lama, and even then, it was rare for them to be given away.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) took notice of the Lhasa Apso's presence in the US and registered the first Lhasa Apso in 1935. This marked a significant milestone in the breed's history and paved the way for their recognition as a distinct breed.

The Shih Apso, a mix of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso, is a small, stocky dog with a fairly long body and short legs.

They tend to have a small head with fairly flat facial features and a nose that's slightly shorter than the Lhasa Apso's but longer than the Shih Tzu's.

Their ears are floppy, and the tail is short. They generally stand between 9 and 12 inches tall and weigh 12 to 18 pounds.

Females are often smaller than males. They have long, silky hair that's either wavy or straight, and common coat colors include white, tan, gray, fawn, and black.

Their grooming needs are quite high due to their long, silky locks, which require daily brushing to prevent tangles and need to be bathed every two weeks.

If you want an easier coat to look after, you can consider a 'puppy cut', which will make their grooming needs much less time-consuming.

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Grooming is a crucial aspect of owning a Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu, as they require daily brushing to prevent tangles from developing in their long silky locks.

Their coats need to be brushed every day to keep them looking their best.

If you don't want to show your dog in a conformation show, you can opt for a "puppy cut" which will reduce their grooming needs significantly.

Bathing, shampooing, and conditioning every two weeks is necessary to keep their coat clean and smelling fresh.

They may not shed much, but they do shed, and their undercoat hairs stick to their long outer coat.

This means they're not hypoallergenic dogs, despite what many people believe.

If you have allergies, you may want to consider a Maltese or Malti-poo instead, as they're similar in size and a better match for those with allergies.

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The Shih Apso is a small, stocky dog with a fairly long body and short legs. They tend to have a small head with fairly flat facial features.

Their nose is slightly shorter than the Lhasa Apso's but longer than the Shih Tzu's. Their ears are floppy, and the tail is short.

A full-grown Shih Apso typically stands between 9 and 12 inches tall and weighs 12 to 18 pounds. Females are often smaller than males.

The Shih Apso has long, silky hair that's either wavy or straight. Some may have hair that feels coarse to the touch rather than silky.

Common coat colors of the Shih Apso include white, tan, gray, fawn, and black. Abundant hair on their face gives them a lion-like expression.

They both have very similar coats, with long and luxurious locks that traditionally fall to the floor. However, on closer inspection, their coats are slightly different.

The Lhasa Apso commonly has an obvious hair parting along his spine, and his fur is frequently tipped with dark fur on his ears. The Shih Tzu's coat tends to have a slight wave to it.

Overall, the Shih Apso and the Lhasa Apso are very similar-looking dogs, making it difficult to tell them apart.

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