Lhasa Apso at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- up to 25 cm
- Weight
- 6–7 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Garden.
Is the Lhasa Apso right for you?
Like every breed, the Lhasa Apso is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You have a cat and can introduce them carefully.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
- You want a dog that picks up training quickly.
How would the Lhasa Apso fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a sturdy little dog, slightly longer than it is tall, with a long, heavy coat. It is typically affectionate and loving with the people it knows, happy and playful, but also independent, with a dignity and self-confidence of its own.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Moderate
Moderately energetic, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Often fine
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
It was one of the first breeds kept as a companion dog. For many centuries Lhasa Apsos lived with Tibetan monks in isolated monasteries, where they served as companions and watchdogs. The breed was credited with spiritual powers and was thought to bring good fortune, which earned it the name Talisman Dog. Lhasas were never sold, only given as gifts, and receiving one was a great honour.
The breed was closely guarded in Tibet and did not reach other countries until the late 19th century. The Kennel Club recognised it in 1908, grouped with the Tibetan Terrier as Lhasa Terriers, and the two breeds were separated in 1934.
Lhasa Apso temperament
Lhasa Apsos are usually devoted to their owners and will jump at the chance of a cuddle as quickly as a game. They are often aloof or wary of strangers, and some may have issues with dogs they do not know.
They are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to raised voices, and they can become very worried in noisy, chaotic homes. They do not enjoy being left alone for long. As former watchdogs, they will bark to alert you to visitors or anything unusual, though they are not generally described as noisy.
Size and appearance
Lhasa Apsos are small dogs. Adults typically stand about 25 cm or less at the shoulder and weigh around 6–7 kg.
The topcoat is long, heavy and slightly rough, over a shorter, softer undercoat. A very wide range of colours is accepted, including gold, cream, honey, grizzle, black, white, brown and particolour.
How much exercise does a Lhasa Apso need?
Lhasas typically need up to an hour of exercise a day, plus plenty of games, enrichment and time with their owner. They are as happy to stay at home and play as to go for a long walk, and several short walks a day suit them well.
Their enclosed monastery history seems to have produced a dog that copes well with urban living, so they can live in a flat as long as they have access to the outdoors. Many also enjoy country life.
Training a Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos can be trained to quite a high standard, but they are known to be stubborn and may treat training as beneath them unless it is fun. Practice, patience and consistency usually win through.
- Use gentle, reward-based methods: they do not respond well to raised voices.
- Keep sessions fun and motivating, or they may lose interest.
- Teach a good recall and to walk on a harness and lead.
- Socialise them as puppies with children and other pets.
Lhasa Apso grooming
Grooming needs are considerable. The long coat should be brushed every day, and the undercoat must be combed to stop mats and tangles forming. Even a coat kept trimmed short can mat easily, so it still needs daily brushing. A professional groomer or the breeder can advise on keeping the coat short. Lhasas shed little.
Living with a Lhasa Apso
Given the right socialisation as puppies, Lhasa Apsos usually get along well with children and other pets in the household. Because they are sensitive and dislike noise and chaos, families with older, sensible children tend to suit them best. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Lhasa Apso health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Some inherited conditions are recognised in the breed. The Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends a DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy before breeding, along with eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A gradual deterioration of the retina that can start with night blindness and progress to total blindness. A DNA test for PRA4 is available.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.
Eye conditions
The breed can be prone to cataracts, which make the lens cloudy; glaucoma, which raises pressure inside the eye; dry eye, where reduced tear production damages the surface of the eye; and cherry eye, where the third eyelid turns out, usually in younger dogs.
Intervertebral disc disease
An abnormality of the discs that cushion the bones of the spine.
Atopy
Sensitivity to certain allergens that causes itching and skin damage.
Hydrocephalus
A build-up of fluid in the brain.
Short-muzzle problems
The breed is sometimes classed as brachycephalic, meaning short-nosed, which can bring obstructed breathing, sore or infected skin folds and painful eye ulcers.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Lhasa Apso home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Lhasa Apso cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Lhasa Apso home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Lhasa Apso
If you have decided the Lhasa Apso suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Lhasa Apsos looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Lhasa Apso adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Shih Tzu
Loyal, affectionate, playful, intelligent, alert, lively, confident and sociable.
View breed guide
Lhasa Apso FAQs
Is the Lhasa Apso good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Lhasa Apso live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Lhasa Apso need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Lhasa Apso shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Lhasa Apso need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Lhasa Apso easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Lhasa Apso be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Lhasa Apso bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Lhasa Apso good with cats?
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Lhasa Apso live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Lhasa Apso get?
Adults typically stand up to 25 cm at the shoulder and weigh 6–7 kg.