lhasa apso dogs-what are they really like?

Question

hi,
i love how these dogs look, and am considering getting one. however, i have kids plus i work in an overnight camp and would love to be able to take a dog around with me (kids grade2-9) as i stroll around to see how groups are doing, and i'm concerned with what i've read- i know that all dogs are individuals and breed characteristics are only guidelines, but there are some pretty scary things that i've read about their biting and snapping for minor infractions by humans and especially children or just biting and snapping because they want to.

lhasa owners- tell me what you think... tell me about these dogs.
thanks,
ira

Answer 1

Don't do a lhasa. I did finally find a home for my foster who bit several people. Even the hand that fed him if he felt like it. Extremely stubborn dogs.

Get a big lug of a dog. My big dogs would love to run around with you and check on kids.

Answer 2

Overview: The Lhasa Apso originated in Tibet, and were only bred by holy men and nobles. Thought to bring good luck, this breed was considered to be sacred. For this reason, the Lhasa were used as watchdogs in monasteries for over 2000 years. They are highly intelligent, with keen instinct and acute hearing.

Character: The Lhasa Apso is a hardy and vigorous breed. They are wary and suspicious of strangers. They exude an air of dignity and also comedy. They are considered to be one of the most affectionate breeds with their main function as that of a companion.

Temperament: The Lhasa Apso displays a dual temperament. They are highly expressive of their love and devotion, but have a mind of their own and want everything their way. They are lively and spirited with spontaneous gaiety. The Lhasa is not recommended for families with small children, or in homes where there are rough or ill behaved children. They make excellent watchdogs because of their heightened sense of hearing. They prefer to be the only pet and thrive on attention. They do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. For this reason they are not well suited for a two career family. They have a tendency to bite if angered or surprised.

After reading the above information taken from a breed website, i think a Lhasa Apso is not an ideal dog for you because of your situation. Why not read up about different breeds of dogs that are good with children? Or you could visit a local dog shelter with your children. You might just come across they perfect dog there. Am sure the adoption costs will be cheaper too and all dogs are usually microchipped and neutered
- saving you money. Why not consider it? Rescue dogs will really appreciate you and am sure you will feel good knowing you have given your new companion a second chance in life.

Good luck in finding your perfect dog and remember looks are not everything - money may buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy you the wag of his tail!

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Answer 3

Lhasas are not good with children. Although they are sturdy little dogs, children tend to do things like twist their legs or pull their hair. Most Lhasas won't yelp when this happens, they will bite, and their little teeth are like needles. This is their instinct, and I have never been able to train it out of the dog. They are wonderful dogs for adults, although they are high-maintenance. People may disagree with me, but the best dog I have ever had around children is a Boxer, raised from a pup with the kids. Adult Boxers are built like a tank and have lots of patience.

Answer 4

Not a Lhasa owner, but a family member has had several and I've worked for a humane society that has had several for adoption in the past. From what I've observed, they don't seem to be the best dog for a family with younger kids. They are protective by nature and don't seem to tolerate households with a lot of noise and confusion well. They seem to do best in quieter adult households. It wouldn't be my first pick for your situation.

Answer 5

My grandma used to have one and it was very nippy around younger children. It was not good with my younger sister and she did nothing but sit and try to pet it. They tend to want to be dominant so around older people they are good but they seem like they don't want to put up with young children. There are so many other great dogs that are wonderful with children....this is not a breed that I would recommend.

Answer 6

This dog is not out to please his owner. Those shepherd breeds used by Europeans really want to please. But the Lhasa was kept by Tibetan monks - totally different. This dog thinks he is all that. And you will need to have time to groom him.

Answer 7

We had to get rid of ours when i was a child because he would nip and bit my brother and sister (defending me) when we were just playing around.

Answer 8

I knew two, and they were snappy and nippy around kids (and they lived with kids, too).