Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is an ancient sentinel breed originating from the high plateaus of Tibet, where it served monasteries and palaces as an alert indoor watchdog for over a thousand years.
Revered by Tibetan Buddhists, the breed was traditionally given as a sacred gift rather than sold, eventually reaching the West through this practice of diplomatic exchange.
5-7kg
Weight
Small
Size
12-15yrs
Lifespan
About the Lhasa Apso
This small, compact dog stands 23–28 centimetres at the shoulder and weighs 5–7 kilograms, with a distinctive long, straight double coat that parts along the spine. The coat, which appears in shades of gold, cream, honey, grizzle, slate or black, provides exceptional insulation and requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to maintain its condition. In temperament, the Lhasa Apso is alert and confident, with an independent spirit and discerning nature that makes it selective in its affections. The breed bonds deeply with family members but remains reserved with strangers, requiring positive, patient training and early socialisation to flourish. With moderate exercise needs of up to one hour daily and a lifespan of 12–15 years, the Lhasa Apso suits experienced owners who appreciate its dignified character and are committed to meeting its substantial grooming requirements.
Lhasa Apso at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–7 kg
- Height
- 23–28 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Long
- Sheds
- No
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £700–£1200
Lhasa Apso Lifestyle
The Lhasa Apso is well suited to flat or apartment living and is content with a small or medium garden. They adapt well to both town and country living.
Dog Food for Lhasa Apso
Top-rated foods for Small breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Lhasa Apso weighing around 6 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£1.58 - £1.69
Per month
£47 - £51
Per year
£577 - £615
Lhasa Apso Characteristics
The Lhasa Apso needs moderate daily exercise to stay in good shape and picks up commands quickly and responds well to training. They are generally good with children and aren't particularly needy and handle solitude reasonably well. The coat benefits from regular professional grooming in addition to at-home brushing and leaves some hair around the home but isn't excessive. They are a highly intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Lhasa Apso Pros & Cons
Pros
- Robust and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with good stamina for a small breed
- Their long, beautiful coat comes in a range of colours and is genuinely eye-catching
- Reliable watchdogs who alert owners without tipping into unnecessary aggression
- Sweet yet independent with a character that forms strong bonds with their carers over time
Cons
- High grooming demands including daily brushing and professional trims every six to eight weeks
- Prone to separation anxiety, needing gradual training if they are to be left alone comfortably
- A stubborn, independent streak can make training challenging for first-time owners
- A moderate tendency to bark needs firm and consistent training to manage
