The Lhasa Apso comes from the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet. The breed originated hundreds of years ago and is named after the city Lhasa. In the past, the breed was strictly that of nobles and holy men. The little dogs kept watch over monasteries and temples. The dog was so important to these nobles that it was considered sacred. It wasn’t until 1933 that the breed migrated to other parts of the world. The dogs were given as gifts to the USA by the 13th Dalai Lama. The Lhasa Apso was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a member of the non-sporting group.
The Lhasa Apso Mix is a small breed of dog that has long hair that parts down the center of the back. Males are no taller than 11 inches and weigh approximately 15 pounds. Female Lhasas are smaller. Depending on the other breed of dog in your pet’s heritage, it may be smaller or larger than the standard Lhasa Apso. The heads of this breed are small and the eyes are deep-set. Lhasa Apsos have slightly undershot bite. As with any mixed breed, your dog may look very close to the Lhasa breed standard, it may look like its other parent, or it may have characteristics of both breeds.
Personality
The Lhasa Apso Mix is highly energetic and friendly. It has an intelligent, lively spirit that people enjoy. If your mix has the best traits of the breed, it will be devoted to its family and affectionate with humans. Unfortunately, humans can bring out the worst traits in these dogs. Lhasas can develop small dog syndrome in spades. If you choose to bring a mix of this breed into your home, be very careful not to treat it like a tiny human. These dogs should be treated like dogs, socialized early, and be obedience trained.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Mix |
| Family: | Herders |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Group: | Non-Sporting (Utility) |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known. |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Lhasa Apso Mix Build Information
The Lhasa Apso Mix is a small breed of dog that has long hair that parts down the center of the back. Males are no taller than 11 inches and weigh approximately 15 pounds. Female Lhasas are smaller. Depending on the other breed of dog in your pet’s heritage, it may be smaller or larger than the standard Lhasa Apso. The heads of this breed are small and the eyes are deep-set. Lhasa Apsos have slightly undershot bite. As with any mixed breed, your dog may look very close to the Lhasa breed standard, it may look like its other parent, or it may have characteristics of both breeds.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 - 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Lhasa Apso Mix is highly energetic and friendly. It has an intelligent, lively spirit that people enjoy. If your mix has the best traits of the breed, it will be devoted to its family and affectionate with humans. Unfortunately, humans can bring out the worst traits in these dogs. Lhasas can develop small dog syndrome in spades. If you choose to bring a mix of this breed into your home, be very careful not to treat it like a tiny human. These dogs should be treated like dogs, socialized early, and be obedience trained.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
How you groom your Lhasa Apso Mix is up to you. Full bred Lhasas have a beautiful hair coat when it is fully grown out. The coat does not need trimmed if it is maintained. Some owners choose to have their dogs professionally groomed in order to make coat maintenance easier. Whether you choose to have your dog groomed or not, it will need daily brushing or combing to prevent matting. Clean your dog’s ears once a week, trim its toenails once a month, and keep its eyes wiped to prevent tear stains.
| Colors: | Black & White, Cream, Gold, Grizzle, Light Brown, Off White, Orange & White, Red & White, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Lhasa Apso Mix Common Health Conditions
Lhasa Apsos are a typically healthy breed. There is a slight tendency among the breed to develop hip dysplasia, kidney problems, bleeding ulcers, and cherry eye. Routine veterinary examinations can help to prevent many common dog ailments.
Lhasa Apso Mix Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
These dogs need to be taken for a walk every day. When socialized properly, this breed loves children and other dogs. The dog should be treated like a dog; treating it like a human leads to negative behaviors. The average life span of the breed is 15 years. There are no nicknames for the Lhasa Apso.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |