The Lhasa Apso: thinking of getting a Lhasa Apso?

Place of origin: Tibet

How big do Lhasa Apsos get? 25 – 28cm

How heavy are Lhasa Apsos? 7 – 8kg

Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years

Colour: Black, Honey, Golden, Dark Grizzle, Brown, Sandy

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Lhasa Apso need?

When it comes to exercise, Lhasa Apsos are low maintenance. They’ll be happy with short, brisk walks, or even to have a run-around in your back yard/garden.

Thanks to their size and modest exercise requirements, Lhasa Apsos make great canine companions for those who live in flats/apartments.

Lhasa Apsos are lapdogs; they’ll love to accompany you when you recline on the sofa!

Training: how to train a Lhasa Apso

Originally bred as watchdogs, Lhasa Apsos are adept at thinking for themselves. They know their own minds and can be incredibly stubborn so it’s important to commence training at an early age.

They might take slightly longer to train than most breeds, but with enough positive reinforcement and reward-based training, this won’t be a problem.

Try to socialise your Lhasa Apso early on. They’re naturally suspicious of strangers so the more friends they make at a young age, the better.

Grooming: do Lhasa Apsos shed?

If you keep your Lhasa Apso’s coat long, it will need a lot of maintenance: daily brushing and combing, plus a bath every 2-4 weeks. You might want to hire a groomer to help keep your pet’s coat in tip-top condition.

Keeping a Lhasa Apso’s fur short is seen as a more manageable option.

Whether short or longhaired, Lhasa Apsos don’t shed as much as most breeds so you won’t be spending much time hoovering hairs off your furniture.

Complete your Lhasa Apso’s grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

Lhasa Apso temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Lhasa Apsos are full of character. They’re at once playful, happy, independent and stubborn. They may be a tad difficult to train, but the flip side of this is that because they’re so independent, they don’t mind being left alone for longer periods of time.

Lhasa Apsos make great companions for single individuals, living in urban areas or in flats/apartments. They’re suited to families too, although they’re not the biggest lovers of younger children!

If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding companion who’ll give you plenty of cuddles and won’t need a great deal of exercise, a Lhasa Apso may be just the breed for you.

Cost of owning a Lhasa Apso

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Lhasa Apso, remember to take into account:

• Food and diet
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Regular grooming costs
• Toys and equipment

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.