Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a small breed of dog originally from Tibet.
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Noun
1. a breed of terrier having a long heavy coat raised in Tibet as watchdogs
(synonym) Lhasa
(hypernym) terrier

Lhasa apso with a show coat.
Photo: Pet Profiles-Isabelle Francais

Height: 10-11 inches.
Weight: 14-15 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Overview
Most Lhasa apsos are even-tempered and friendly but not demonstrative. They are wary of strangers at first meeting but usually warm up before too long. Some Lhasas can be nippy with children. Early obedience training and socialization with children, adults, and other animals are important.
When praised and treated gently, they do very well in obedience training.
Appearance
The coat is long, heavy, straight, hard, and dense (not woolly or silky). Coat color is sandy, honey, slate, smoke, dark grizzle, black, white, brown, or particolor.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Lhasas need to be brushed and combed daily to avoid matting. The coat can also be clipped shorter for easier grooming. They need two to three short walks daily.
Origins
Small, shaggy dogs were known in Tibet as early as 800 B.C., and the dog we recognize today as the Lhasa apso has been known there since the 7th century A.D. The little "lion dogs" that barked at intruders became important watchdogs in Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Special Alerts
The Lhasa apso is unsuitable for inexperienced dog owners. Breed-related health concerns: entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, congenital kidney problems, atopy, intervertebral disc protrusion, patellar luxation.