Non-Sporting group
Lhasa Apso
The Tibetan monastery sentinel — confident, aloof and quietly devoted.
Lhasa Apsos are small, long-coated dogs bred as indoor sentinels in Tibetan monasteries and palaces. They are loyal and self-assured with their families, but independent, wary of strangers and in need of regular grooming.
- Height
- 10–11 in25–28 cm
- Weight
- 12–18 lb5–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Small
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Tibet
Coat: Long, heavy, straight, hard coat. Colours: Any colour, including gold, cream, honey, grizzle, black and white.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Lhasas are dignified, confident and affectionate with their own people. They often have a playful, clownish side at home.
They were bred to alert monks to intruders, so they are suspicious of strangers and quick to bark. They can be stubborn and do not tolerate rough handling well.
Living with a Lhasa Apso
Exercise
About 30 minutes of walks and play daily. They adapt well to apartment life.
Grooming
A full coat needs brushing several times a week; many owners keep a shorter “puppy cut”. Clean around the eyes regularly.
Training
Clever but independent; short, consistent, reward-based sessions work best.
Kids & other pets
Better with older, respectful children. Usually fine with other pets they know.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time and is fairly independent, but may bark at noises.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Lhasa Apso right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Lhasa Apso matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Lhasa Apso typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Familial renal dysplasia
An inherited kidney disease that can cause early kidney failure.
Eye problems
Progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye and cherry eye occur; annual eye exams help.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur in small breeds.
Intervertebral disc disease
The long back and short legs increase disc risk.
Ask a breeder for
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- Kidney function screening
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Lhasa Apso; American Lhasa Apso Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Lhasa Apsos were kept for centuries in Tibetan monasteries and the homes of nobility, particularly around Lhasa. They were considered good luck and were rarely sold, only given as gifts, often by the Dalai Lama.
The 13th Dalai Lama gave Lhasas to visitors in the early 1900s, bringing the breed to the West. The AKC recognised it in 1935.
Did you know?
- Lhasas were traditionally given as gifts by the Dalai Lama and rarely sold.
- “Apso” may come from a Tibetan word meaning “bearded” or “goat-like”.
- Lhasas are known for living well into their teens.
Library guides for Lhasa Apso owners
Grooming
Brushing
Lhasa Apso coats mat without regular brushing.
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Lhasa Apso without drying out the coat.
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Lhasa Apso.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Lhasa Apsos good family dogs?
- Yes, for families with older children. They are loyal but wary of strangers.
- Do Lhasa Apsos shed?
- Very little, but their coat needs regular grooming.
- Lhasa Apso vs Shih Tzu?
- Lhasas are more independent and watchful with a longer muzzle; Shih Tzus are more outgoing lap dogs.