Lhasa apso??

Question

Thinking about getting a Lhasa Apso pup. Is there anything I should know? what are their characters normally like? ANy specific training tips?

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Answer 1

Definitely do your research. There are a LOT of Lhasa's in rescue because of their temperaments. They are little dogs with a LOT of attitude and are not suitable for inexperienced owners.

If you decide you want one, I can refer you to a great rescue if you live in Washington state.

Lhasa's need an owner who is able to be dominant and firm with them, without being aggressive or abusive. Lhasa's think they are in charge and need to be reminded daily that their person is the boss, not them. If you get a pup, be firm in your expectations with it and consistent in your training from DAY ONE. They are VERY smart dogs and will learn quickly that they can get away with certain things if you let them.

If you can get past their dominant personality... if you are experienced enough or make the effort to learn about dominance training, etc... they can be GREAT dogs. They are VERY smart and love to keep you company. Very energetic when younger, fairly low maintenance if you keep their coats shorter.

Again, they can be GREAT dogs for the right owner... but be SURE to do a LOT of research before getting one to make sure it's the right dog for you. Good luck!

Answer 2

What many people do not realize is that since the Lhasa was originally bred to be a palace guard dog in Tibet, they retain much of the guard dog mentality, and are quite protective of home and family. They can be snappish and are generally not outgoing with strangers. Those they consider their inferiors (often children) may have issues with biting. Obedience training and proper socialization is a must. They are cute and little, but not strictly a "pet" breed and should be treated and traned as the guard dog they are.

For a similar appearance and generally sweeter temperament, you might look at the Shih-tzu. They are quite popular and so to ensure good temperament, buy from a reputable breeder.

This is from the Lhasa AKC parent club website at www.lhasaapso.org :

CHARACTER - GAY AND ASSERTIVE, BUT CHARY OF STRANGERS.
Originating in the lonely and isolated reaches of the Himalayan Mountains, the Lhasa Apso reflects his Tibetan heritage in many characteristic ways. Relatively unchanged for hundreds of years, these sturdy little mountain dogs are fastidious by nature and are guardians especially within their domain.

The Lhasa Apso exhibits a regal attitude when looking his best; seldom a pet, but rather a companion; often a clown, but never a fool. Historically in Tibet, his primary function was that of a guardian inside the palace, where his intelligence, acute hearing and natural instinct for being able to identify friend from stranger made him well suited for his role.

The Lhasa Apso temperament is unique. His rather independent and stubborn nature requires patient understanding, and he resists harsh or strict discipline. He is rather calm and deliberate, although chary (suspicious) of strangers, a direct reflection of his long-standing heritage of seclusion in Tibet.

Extremely devoted to family, the Lhasa Apso does not change loyalties easily and is less protective away from his home environment. Slow to mature, he does not reach his prime until well into his third or fourth year. He ages gracefully and keeps a youthful appearance and attitude well into his teens.

Answer 3

I have a Lhasa Apso and she's wonderful! She doesn't shed too much, especially if I keep her groomed.

Lhasa's are orginally guard dogs from Tibet, so they have a tendency to bark. She does bark a lot, but gets quiet when we give her a stern NO.

Lhasa's love to be trained, it gives them something to do. What works for me is breaking up biscits and giving her a little piece when she does what I want her too. She also loves the praise that we give her for doing something right.

These dogs are very human like. When we talk to her, she cocks her head to the side and wags her tail. Its almost like she's talking back to us.

These are great dogs especially if you don't have any other dogs or any little kids around.

Answer 4

I have a Lhasa Apso, he is almost 7 years old. He has a personality like no other dog I have or have ever had. He's obedient, loving and protective. He was easily trained and is very smart. Small children he doesn't quite understand. So becareful if you have any! Good Luck. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine!

Answer 5

Getting another dog does not fix the situation. If you cannot handle the dog you've got, return it to the breeder or ask rescue to rehome it for you, and adopt an ADULT dog instead. Getting another dog when the one you have is not fully trained will do one of two things. It will predictably mean the one that requires work - the young one in this case- gets even less of the attention he so desperately needs now. If you don't do the work, any dog, even a nice one, can lose its life as result. The other effect it has is to teach a smaller dog to be naughty and wild, and have absolutely no recall. Sooner or later, this dog becomes unruly as well, and then two dogs are in danger. Get a Gentle Leader, and sign up for a *good* obedience course with a qualified trainer - and keep going until your young dog settles down. Until you have done right by this dog, you have absolutely no ethical reason to add another.

Answer 6

They are great little dogs...very loyal...smart...protective as heck. Just know you will have a lot of grooming to do or get him clipped quite often. I have a Lhasa and he is the best all round dog i have ever had. Train him well and enjoy him.

Answer 7

omg u getting a lhasa? i got 2 of them, they are very nice and playful and they love to get attention. they are also very protective which is good. you hav to groom them alot because they may get tangles and knots and i don't think they shed much. they learn pretti quick when you train them. i guess that's it lol, good luck wid ur lhasa (if you get it), hope dis helps

Answer 8

Groomers refer to them as "Lhasa As**oles" . That should tell you something about them.

While we do get some very nice and loveable Lhasa clients, most of them are just nasty.

Answer 9

My neighbor has one. Very cute dogs, but very excitable. Their's has a bladder control issue when it gets excited, and will urinate in the house.

Answer 10

I've only ever met *ONE* that wasn't nasty as cat's piss & HE was 13 yo!!!
Folks who show & breed than the thigs have a different breed as a house-pet...what does THAT say about em?