So how did the Lhasa Apso become such an unlikely, yet effective watchdog? The truth is they were bred that way. Living as long as 20-plus years, these dogs never let go of their lookout post, treating new company with suspicion while displaying an incredible sense of loyalty towards their housemates.

Always protective of their companions and healthily wary of strangers, the Lhasa Apso is a small dog that doesn’t let its size get in the way of its propensity for guarding the home turf. As Lhasa Apso owners already know, their dogs like to be aware of their surroundings.

Many famous people, such as Ellen Degeneres, Gwen Stefani, Kurt Vonnegut, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jane Lynch, have owned a Lhasa Apso.At Pauley’s Pups, we love to learn about small dog breeds and how they came to be.

The Lhasa Apso is a highly astute breed, ranking 68 th out of 138 in Stanley Coren’s “ The Intelligence of Dogs.”.

Make training engaging and avoid repetition as it becomes quickly boring for a Lhasa Apso. Otherwise, it may disregard your instructions and become stubborn. Obedience: It needs gentle and firm leadership to curb its dominating instincts. With enough patience, it can be taught to do its business indoors. Crate training is an excellent housetraining method. Enrolling in puppy classes, taking your dog to public places, and inviting unfamiliar people to your home are good ways to train it. Socialization: You must socialize your Lhasa Apso early to get comfortable around strangers and young children. Hence, early training and socialization are essential to have a well-adjusted and joyful companion. Lhasa Apsos are intelligent, faithful, and diligent dogs but can become domineering and stop responding to commands if left untrained.

Always consult your veterinarian for suggestions based on your dog’s age, weight, and health considerations. You can opt for dry food or high-quality, grain-free canned food for some enhancement.

Feed it once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding to prevent an upset stomach. Ideally, a fat content of around fourteen percent is best for your pet, and the protein can be from any source according to its preferences. Lhasa Apsos need a high protein and fat diet to maintain their long, thick coats. They can get irritable around children, and are not recommended for a family with young kids. They are usually untrusting of strangers. They do well independently, but avoid keeping them alone for too long to prevent separation anxiety. However, while they may be fierce, they are rarely aggressive. Due to their pedigree as watchdogs, they are very protective and attached to their owner.

Their small size and adaptable nature make them good apartment dogs for novice owners. Lhasa Apsos are independent, spirited, and fearless dogs. The AKC added them to its stock in 1935, and the FCI recognized them in 1960. Syudam Cutting in 1933, a naturalist and traveler, who received them on a visit to Tibet by the 13 th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. Chinese Emperors used these royal gifts in developing the Pekingese and Shih Tzu breeds from the 16th century onwards. For centuries, the Dalai Lama was the only person allowed to send these dogs to other countries and kingdoms as tokens of goodwill. When a lama died, people believed their soul traveled into their Lhasa Apso. It was considered sacred, with only monks or “lamas” allowed to breed it. Buddhist monks used it along with a Mastiff to safeguard their monasteries in remote, harsh terrain. The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed dating back over a thousand years.

Lama dog breed